Business Details
Premier Sailing Club on Smith Mountain Lake
Established to foster a vibrant sailing community on Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia Inland Sailing Association (VISA) operates as a member-run club dedicated to promoting sailing, seamanship, and lifelong camaraderie. Our organization offers comprehensive sailing education programs for youth, adults, and families, including specialized weekend camps that emphasize safety, skill development, and confidence-building in a supportive environment. With year-round racing events utilizing handicap systems for diverse boat classes, we cater to competitive sailors while maintaining an inclusive atmosphere for all skill levels. Our facilities feature secure boat slips, dry sail storage, modern clubhouses with full amenities, and camping areas designed to enhance both recreational and social experiences. Through volunteer-driven operations, we cultivate strong community bonds while maintaining affordable access to waterfront activities.Our private beach provides safe swimming and convenient launch points for sailboats, complemented by family-friendly social events that strengthen member connections. From our well-maintained launch ramps and rail lift for hull repairs to our tool-equipped workspaces, we prioritize practical infrastructure that supports diverse boating needs. As a nonprofit organization, we remain committed to preserving sailing traditions while adapting to modern recreational demands. Our dedicated volunteer staff ensures efficient management of facilities and events, creating a welcoming environment where members develop lasting friendships through shared maritime adventures.
Services
Sailing Camps
Boat Storage
Camping Facilities
Racing Events
Clubhouse Rentals
Youth Programs
Boat Maintenance
Social Events
Highlights and features
- We offer sailing camps for youth, women, and men with certified instructors
- Our member-run organization ensures community-driven decision making
- We host year-round sailing races for all boat classes
- We provide comprehensive boat storage and maintenance facilities
- Our waterfront campus includes camping areas and modern clubhouses
Services
Sailing Camps
Our sailing education programs cater to all ages with weekend camps for adults and structured week-long sessions for youth. Certified instructors teach essential skills including boat rigging, knot tying, and solo sailing techniques. The camps emphasize safety, seamanship, and confidence-building in a supportive environment that fosters lifelong maritime skills.
Boat Storage
We provide comprehensive boat storage solutions including protected slips with utilities, dry sail areas, and maintenance facilities. Our two launch ramps and rail lift system accommodate various vessel sizes, while tool-equipped workspaces support DIY maintenance projects with convenient access to electricity and water.
Racing Events
Our year-round racing calendar features handicap-based competitions for diverse boat classes, from Lasers to keelboats. Events follow World Sailing rules with standardized racing signals, attracting both casual racers and competitive sailors. We also participate in regional regattas with neighboring yacht clubs throughout the season.
Camping Facilities
Our waterfront camping areas offer long-term trailer sites, pop-up accommodations, and seasonal tent camping near modern clubhouses. Campers enjoy convenient access to kitchen facilities, bathrooms with showers, and direct lake access for launching sailboats from our protected cove.
Clubhouse Rentals
Our two fully-equipped clubhouses feature kitchens, community rooms, and outdoor decks with cooking areas. These spaces accommodate social gatherings, special events, and organizational meetings while offering panoramic lake views and full bathroom facilities with shower access.
Questions
What sailing programs do you offer for youth?
We provide junior sailing camps for ages 8-12 and youth camps for 12-17 year olds, focusing on skill development and safe solo sailing in various conditions.
Can non-members participate in your sailing events?
Our adult sailing camps welcome non-members, though youth programs and certain facilities require membership for access.
What boat storage options are available?
We offer protected boat slips with shore power and water, dry sail storage areas, and two launch ramps with rail lift capabilities for hull maintenance.
Do you host competitive sailing races?
Yes, we organize year-round racing events using handicap systems that accommodate various boat classes and skill levels.
What amenities are included with membership?
Members enjoy access to clubhouses with kitchens and bathrooms, camping areas, private beach facilities, and social events throughout the year.
How does your volunteer system work?
Our member-run club operates through volunteer contributions, with members maintaining facilities, organizing events, and serving as sailing instructors.
Reviews (2)
Pamela Gonzalez
Oct 01, 2018
Report
One of our most favorite places to go as a child in the 1970s and 1980s. We have very fond memories of all of the wonderful families that were members of VISA. It was a great place then and it looks like it still is a wonderful place to sail!! We miss this beautiful place and I'm glad to see its still preserved all of these years later. My parents had a Lightning Sail # 11871, named Jabberwocky and My brother had a Lazer sail #15704. When we moved, we had to let them go since we moved out of state. Leaving Virginia was difficult. My last time visiting was in 2000 and it hasn't changed one bit!
Susan Strong
Dec 29, 2014
Report
What a great place for families on Smith Mountain Lake, whether you are just hanging out at the beach, on the deck at the clubhouse, or sailing. If you've never been, then you should check it out.