The Carolina Sailing Foundation is a nonprofit sailing organization based at Crosswinds Boating Center on Jordan Lake in Chatham County, just north of US-64 near Apex. Run largely by volunteers, the Foundation owns its own fleet and exists to teach people of all ages to sail safely, race, and build skills on the water. Its programs welcome sailors aged nine and up.
The cornerstone is the Carolina Summer Sailing Camp, a series of week-long day sessions for children ages 9 to 16. Campers sail in a protected cove with steady breezes and sandy beaches, learning to rig and handle single-person Optimist (“Opti”) dinghies and two-person 420s, with beginner and intermediate classes taught by US Sailing–certified instructors. Coaches stay on the water in powerboats throughout.
Beyond summer, the Foundation runs Junior Sailing in the spring and fall for younger sailors, a High School Sailing team that competes against schools across the Southeast, and adult lessons for those with little or no experience. The high school team practices on Jordan Lake and at Lake Crabtree, and travels to regattas at venues such as Lake Norman, Charleston, and the Carolina and Georgia coasts.
Safety comes first: sailors must know how to swim, wear a Coast Guard–approved life jacket on the docks and boats, and always be supervised by a coach. The emphasis throughout is on small groups, confidence, and having fun. For visitors to Chatham County, the Carolina Sailing Foundation offers one of the most approachable ways to get out on Jordan Lake under sail, whether for a single summer camp week or a multi-season path into competitive racing.
