Sailing
Sailing The Rappahannock River
Sail with a professional sailboat captain. From hands-on sailing instruction to private catamaran charters, our captains bring strong local knowledge and diverse global sailing experience to the Chesapeake Bay.
Day Charters aboard Galene
36' sailboat, max 4 guests
Two-Hour Sailboat Outing
This two-hour sailing excursion on the Rappahannock River is available four times a day. The trip is for everyone and can be tailored to your comfort level and experience. Pull lines and crank on winches if you are so inclined or simply relax on the bow and take in the scenery.
Sail & Savor–A Trip to Merroir
Do you want the quintessential Coastal Virginia experience? We depart at 11am and set sail on the Rappahannock River, where we pass under the iconic Robert O. Norris Bridge and enter Locklies Creek. We arrive around 12:30pm for lunch at the Merroir Tasting Room—a waterfront restaurant that serves as the tasting room for the Rappahannock River Oyster Company. Harvested fresh daily, everything is either served raw or cooked on an outdoor grill, small-plate-style, and beautifully paired with craft brews and world-famous wines. Around 2pm we head back across the River on Galene for a leisurely afternoon sail to homeport. This will be an experience to remember. *Lunch at Merroir is not included in the price of this trip. We will make your lunch reservation after receiving your booking.
Sunset Sailboat Cruise
Coastal living at its best: Enjoy a short cruise while the sun sets over the Rappahannock River.
Day Charters aboard Pisces
58' catamaran, max 6 guests
Sail & Savor–A Trip to Merroir (5 hours)
Do you want the quintessential Coastal Virginia experience? We depart at 11am and set sail on the Rappahannock River, where we pass under the iconic Robert O. Norris Bridge and enter Locklies Creek. We arrive around 12:30pm for lunch at the Merroir Tasting Room—a waterfront restaurant that serves as the tasting room for the Rappahannock River Oyster Company. Harvested fresh daily, everything is either served raw or cooked on an outdoor grill, small-plate-style, and beautifully paired with craft brews and world-famous wines. Around 2pm we head back across the River on Galene for a leisurely afternoon sail to homeport. This will be an experience to remember. *Lunch at Merroir is not included in the price of this trip. We will make your lunch reservation after receiving your booking.
Catamaran Sunset Cruise
Hop on catamaran Pisces and depart in the late afternoon. We will set sail and watch the sun dip below the horizon as you enjoy the glow of the Rappahannock River. There’s nothing for you to do except kick back and take in the serene beauty. This is coastal living at its best! This trip is good for those who want to spend a relaxing evening with friends and family out on the water.
Three-Hour Catamaran Sail
A three-hour sailing excursion on the Rappahannock River that departs at 9am and 1pm daily. This trip is great for anyone wanting to get out on the water and experience sailing on the Rive. Pull lines and crank on winches if you feel so inclined, or simply relax on the bow taking in the scenery or reading a book.
Sailing School
ASA 101: Basic Keelboat Sailing
Cultivate a strong foundation of sailing knowledge and skills. Learn sailing terminology, boat parts and functions, helm commands, basic sail trim, points of sail, buoyage, seamanship and safety, including basic navigation rules, during this two-day class. After, you’ll have the know-how to skipper a sailboat by day, in light to moderate winds and sea conditions. (The course includes a free, online introductory class.)
Duration: 2 days (7 hours per day)
ASA 103: Basic Coastal Cruising
Build upon the skills taught in the 101 course. During this multi-day class, you’ll learn cruising sailboat terminology, basic boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, docking procedures, intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather, safety and seamanship.
Duration: 3 days (7 hours per day)
ASA 104: Bareboat Cruising
Ready for the next step? This 4-day liveaboard course aboard our 58’ catamaran Pisces immerses you in multi-day cruising and real-world coastal skills, preparing you for international bareboat chartering. Students can also opt to earn their ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran certification during the course.
Overnight Trips
Aboard 36' Galene with maximum capacity of three.
Chesapeake Circle
Explore the lower Chesapeake Bay with a professional captain, aboard our 36’ monohaul Galene. This 3-day sailing trip is a blend of hands-on learning and fun-filled adventure. Along the way you will see historic lighthouses, explore charming coastal towns and spend each night at a marina in a seaside town.
3 days, 2 night - all meals included.
Cedar Island Trip
Spend the night aboard our 36-foot sailboat, Galene. We’ll anchor just off the Chesapeake Bay, next to a sandy beach. During the trip, you will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, including weather forecasting, route planning, sailing, navigation and anchoring. A maximum of three people can join; you’ll overnight in either the private cabin or a single aft bunk.
2 days, 1 night - all meals included.
To peruse our entire list of resort experiences and services, please click here.
To begin the process of creating your perfect itinerary, please reach out to us at your convenience. Our Concierge Team may be reached at Concierge@TidesInn.com or (804) 438-5000.