Virginia Inland Sailing Association
Sailing, Seamanship,
Education and Friendship
Smith Mountain Lake
About Us
The Virginia Inland Sailing Association (VISA) is a non-profit organization offering sailing, social, and recreational activities for our members and their guests. We are located on approximately 32 acres next to Bernard's Landing on beautiful Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. We are not a marina, but a self-help club run by our roughly 160 member families.
Watch this short video about VISA!
​
​
Active Youth Sailing Program
From holding weekend sailing camps to travel sailing team to organizing events, the youth presence is strong and active. Learn how to get involved by contacting us below
Junior Sail Camp: Sail, Learn, and Lead
Junior Sail Camp is an unforgettable experience for our young sailors! This 5-day overnight camp, exclusively for children aged 8-12, is held during the second full week of June. Our campers will dive into the exciting world of sailing, learning essential skills such as rigging boats (Lasers and Scots), tying knots, righting a capsized boat, and sailing solo in various wind conditions.
While off the water we run, paint, build, and play. Camp ends with a fun filled Friday evening, full of surprises and a chance to show off our new found skills on Saturday morning.
Our camp's success is powered by the dedication of our incredible volunteer staff of over 12 adults, who generously give their time and energy. Now celebrating more than 40 years, this longrunning, popular program owes its success not just to the adult staff but also to the returning juniors. These junior leaders, aged 13-18, must earn an invitation to return. Year after year they inspire and mentor the younger campers. These role models pass down camp etiquette and share their passion for sailing, ensuring the tradition of fun and learning continues.
All campers will stay in a tent for the week and enjoy the most delicious food! They also must arranging for a laser to use for the duration of camp. Parents are not apart of camp and we ask them to give us room to learn and grow.
We almost always fill up and are often fully booked within a week of opening the registration. Please note that camp enrollment is open to members only, and space is limited to 30 campers
Adult Sailing Program
Ladies' Sail Camp
Women’s Sail Camp is always a Fun and Comfortable learning environment that focuses on Knowledge and Empowerment, encouraging you to take the helm with Confidence and Independence, yet inviting others to come alongside and be part of the Team! This setting allows us to form strong connections with the participants and build camaraderie, which can last a Lifetime. We come together at all levels of experience and continue to build one upon the other. This would not be possible without the Volunteers for Planning/Administration/Leadership/Teaching. The Energy and Excitement ensures a positive setting for all who attend. The piece de resistance is seeing women who have never sailed before decide to embrace the Sport of Sailing and start on their Adventure. If we are fortunate, campers join VISA and we get to watch them in action!! We Thank Everyone who contributes and invests in the Sailors of tomorrow!!
Men's Sail Camp
Men's Sail Camp offers a perfect mix of education, adventure, and relaxation with the stunning backdrop of Smith Mountain Lake. Our instructors share a wealth of knowledge that helps sailors of all levels improve. We prioritize safety and fundamentals and hone these skills with many hours of on-the-water practice on boats of various types and sizes. Our skippers share their love of sailing that gets new members hooked and reinvigorates old sailors to get back out on the water! The volunteers, especially in the kitchen, allow everyone to relax and connect with new and old friends over amazing food and drink, showcasing what VISA has to offer. Because it is run by volunteers, it also brings those people together and strengthens the bonds we have as sailors and friends. All this results in new and more active members to keep VISA the vibrant sailing club we all love!
​
Family Camp
Family Camp is held around the 4th of July and lasts several days. This offers a chance for families to come and camp and spend time in a friendly setting. Our annual celebration always includes a fireworks show and games for all on the 4th. Weather permitting, there might even be a boat race.
Youth Camp
Youth camp is for non-member youth 12-17 and will be held in late July. The camp is sponsored and run by the junior board. Please use the contract form to let us know you are interested or register
Amenities
Our activies include:
-
Recreational Sailing
-
Sailboat Racing
-
Social Events
Smith Mountain Lake Location
VISA is centrally located on Smith Mountain Lake (R11 by water) with direct access to the main channel for the best wind! Our location allows sailors to easily explore both the northern and southern portions of the lake with a safe harbor awaiting on the return trip.
Clubhouse
Our clubhouses provide wonderful views of the lake and feature 2 kitchens, a community room, a large deck with an outdoor cooking space and bathrooms with full shower facilities.
Beach
Our private beach offers safe swimming and wading in shallow water protected by our cove. In addition, our beach serves as a great place to launch Lasers and other racked sailboats.
Dry Boat Storage
We offer members dry storage facilities for trailered and rack-stored boats.
Boat Slips and Ramps
We have five separate docks in our protected cove that collectively feature 90 boat slips for keelboats. Shore power, water and dumping stations are all available. We have two launch ramps, a rail lift for hull repairs, and tool sheds, with electricity and water at all work locations.
Camping
Our camp sites are located near our clubhouse so people can enjoy camping with the convenience of kitchen, bath and shelter facilities nearby. We offer long-term camping sites for trailers, pop-ups, and tent camping and spaces for short-term camping.
Racing
We hold races year round. Often, our boats participate in races in conjunction with BYRA. The highlight of our racing year is the John Bernard Invitational Regatta held in early October. Please reach out if you would like to be on the mailing list for this event
Contact Us
-
Please use this contact form to find out more about our club.
-
If you are interested in membership, we will respond with more information.
450 Sailors Cove, Moneta, VA 24121
P.O. Box 911, Hardy, VA 24101
​Directions:
-
Smith Mountain Lake
​​
-
450 Sailors Cove, Moneta, VA 24121
​​
-
Take VA-122 / Booker T. Washington Highway to West Lake Corner.
​
-
Turn onto VA-616 / Scruggs Road.
​
-
Bear left onto Ashmeade Road in 7.6 miles towards Bernard's Landing.
​
-
Turn left onto Sailors Cove Drive in .7 miles.
​
-
VISA Yacht Club entrance is at the end of the road.
