Discover the joy of sailing with the Adult Basic Sailing Course at Belle Haven Marina. Over four weekdays, learn key sailing skills in a relaxed, hands-on setting near Alexandria, VA.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours per session
Fitness Level
Basic physical fitness is sufficient; expect moderate activity including moving around the boat and handling lines.
Wildlife
History
Belle Haven Marina sits near historic sites from Alexandria’s colonial era and offers views of the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
Conservation
The marina supports clean water initiatives to protect the Potomac River’s aquatic ecosystem and encourages eco-friendly boating practices.
Belle Haven Marina
Discover the joy of sailing with the Adult Basic Sailing Course at Belle Haven Marina. Over four weekdays, learn key sailing skills in a relaxed, hands-on setting near Alexandria, VA.
Belle Haven Marina in Alexandria, Virginia provides on-water instruction and a wide selection of watercraft rentals for learners and recreational visitors. The marina offers structured sailing courses for adults and youth, including weekday and weekend adult basic sailing programs taught aboard Flying Scot sailboats and multiday youth camps focused on racing and advanced skills. The Safe Powerboat Handling course is a 16-hour, four-evening curriculum that is US Coast Guard-approved, giving aspiring boaters hands-on training in docking, anchoring, and safety procedures.
Belle Haven Marina’s rental fleet includes stand-up paddleboards, single and double kayaks, canoes, and Jon-style row boats that accommodate small groups for short excursions. Rental durations range from one to four hours depending on the craft. Youth programs present progressive skill development with multi-day lessons and opportunities for supervised on-water practice. Adult courses emphasize low student-to-instructor ratios to ensure focused, hands-on learning.
Located adjacent to scenic marshland explored during some youth sessions, Belle Haven Marina blends instructional programs with flexible rental options so visitors can choose formal lessons or independent time on the water. All descriptions and offerings are provided in third person to accurately represent the marina’s publicly available course structures, rental types, and program approvals. Visitors should consult Belle Haven Marina directly for current schedules, availability, and safety requirements.
Location
Alexandria, VA
Near Dyke Marsh and local waterways
Class Size
Small classes
Low student-to-instructor ratio
Offerings
11 experiences
Sailing, rentals, and youth camps
Rental Lengths
Up to 4 hours
Kayak, canoe, and row boat rentals
Choose an adult sailing class, youth camp, USCG-approved powerboat course, or rent a kayak, canoe, SUP, or row boat — reserve space and check schedules online.
Wear Non-Slip Footwear
Choose shoes with good grip to maintain stability on wet decks.
Bring Water and Sun Protection
Stay hydrated and protect your skin with sunscreen and a hat.
Arrive Early for Briefings
Arriving 15 minutes early gives you time to prepare and get comfortable.
Dress in Layers
Weather on the water changes quickly; layering helps you stay comfortable.
Non-slip deck shoes
Provides secure footing and stability on wet surfaces.
Light waterproof jacket
Protects against spring showers and wind chill on the water.
spring
Sunscreen
Essential to protect skin during sunny, prolonged exposure outdoors.
summer
Layered clothing
Keeps you comfortable as temperature changes throughout the day.
fall