Sailing with Captain Clay
Set sail with Captain Clay, a Northern Neck native with over 20 years of experience and an ASA certification. From sailing school to catamaran charters, he brings local knowledge and global adventures to every trip on the Bay.
Day Charters
Aboard 36' Galene with maximum capacity of four
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 want or simply relax on the bow and take in the scenery.
Sunset Sailboat Cruise
Coastal living at its best: Enjoy a short cruise while the sun sets over the Rappahannock River.
Moonlight Sailboat Cruise
See the water in a whole new light: moonlight. For two days each month, the full moon lights up the river with an ethereal glow, creating a truly spectacular and unique sight. Our specially outfitted sailing vessel, Galene, departs just before sunset, using the moon as a guide for this two-hour outing.
Sail & Savor–A Trip to Merroir
Lunch and sailing: the perfect pairing. Come onboard for a ride on the Rappahannock River during which we’ll sail under the iconic Robert O. Norris Bridge to Locklies Creek. We’ll arrive at the Merroir Tasting Room, a waterfront restaurant that doubles as the tasting room for the Rappahannock River Oyster Company, just in time for lunch. Everything on the menu is freshly harvested and served either raw or cooked on an outdoor grill. Enjoy craft brews and world-famous wine pairings before a leisurely afternoon sail back to the Tides Inn Marina.
Catamaran
Aboard 58' Pisces with maximum capacity of six
Catamaran Sail on the Bay
Enjoy the bay's natural beauty from the deck of a sailing catamaran. You can choose to actively participate in sailing or simply unwind on the expansive deck, taking in panoramic views and the refreshing bay breeze. You can also have the opportunity to swim, adding more adventure to your experience.
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 10am and 2pm 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 want, 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
Cultivate the skills necessary for a multi-day cruise upon inland/coastal waters in moderate/heavy winds and sea conditions. Learn about provisioning, boat systems, auxiliary engines, advanced sail trim, coastal navigation, anchoring/mooring, docking, emergency operations, weather and more. Wear closed-toe shoes. Bring your textbook, parallel ruler and a set of dividers (for chart plotting) to class, along with layers to keep warm, a water bottle, sunscreen and a hat.
Duration: 3 days (7 hours per day)
Overnight Trips
Aboard 58' Pisces with maximum capacity of six
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.