OVERNIGHT SEAMANSHIP CAMP FAQ
Are the camps co-ed?
All cruising camps are co-ed. Campers are accompanied by a male captain, a female first mate and a second mate, a 2:1 staff-to-student ratio that assures your child will receive plenty of one-on-one instruction.
Who is in charge of the camp?
Seamanship Camp, which is licensed by the state of Maryland, is led by U.S. Coast Guard-certified captain Phil Schnering. Capt. Phil has run overnight sailing camps on the Chesapeake for the last 11 years and is a certified sailing instructor with US SAILING, an American Red Cross-certified lifeguard and a Red Cross CPR and First Aid instructor. In addition to Capt. Phil, there is always an experienced female first mate as well as a second mate.
Will my child be comfortable living on the boat?
Certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry as many as 20 passengers, the Pintita has an enclosed center cockpit for protection against sun and rain and a fully provisioned galley (or kitchen) for both hot and cold meals. The Pintita also has heat and air conditioning to ensure that your child is completely comfortable throughout their week-long sail. The Pintita is an inspected vessel, meaning that she meets a high standard of safety set forth by the U.S. Coast Guard.
What should my child bring?
- Non-marking, protective shoes (light-soled shoes like tennis shoes are recommended)
- A hat or visor
- Sunglasses with a safety strap
- High SPF sunscreen
- Rain Gear in case it gets chilly or drizzly
- A swimsuit and towel
- Sleeping bag and pillow
- Adequate clothing for the week
- Any medications and dosage instructions (all medications will be kept by the captain)
What shouldn’t my child bring?
Electronic devices are discouraged, but campers will be allowed to listen to an iPod or CD player after hours, and with headphones, when they are not on watch. Cell phones are collected at the start of the week and returned to campers on Day 5. Children should not bring valuables that could be damaged by water or lost.
Does my child need to bring food?
No. The Pintita is completely stocked for the 5-day camp, and food is provided at no additional cost. If your child has specific food allergies, please notify the DSC so Captain Phil can stock the food pantry accordingly.
How can I check on my child?
Captain Phil will check in with the DSC office every morning. Parents are welcome to call the DSC staff and ask for a status report. However we do find that most parents enjoy the 5-day camp as much as their children do. In addition, the Pintita comes ashore in Annapolis on Thursday evening of the camp. Parents are invited to meet up with the crew for dinner at a local restaurant.
If you have additional questions, please call the DSC office: (410) 727.0722.
Or send an email to juniors@downtownsailing.org.
The Downtown Sailing Center is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit community sailing center.
Located at The Baltimore Museum of Industry
Photography donated by Andy Herbick Photography, and others.