Hatteras Community Sailing
Pamlico Sound, Outer Banks, NC — 501(c)3 Nonprofit
Connecting Outer Banks youth to the sea — and to each other
Hatteras Island children grow up on a strip of land surrounded by water on every side. Our mission is to make sure they grow up connected to it. We start the youngest kids on sailboats — and as they grow, we open every door the ocean offers: powerboating, diving, fishing, boatbuilding, maritime technology, and professional seamanship. These are real skills, real careers, and real ways of life. No child is turned away for inability to pay.
Pathways to the Ocean
Every program we offer is part of a longer journey — one that starts on the water and grows with each child through their youth and into their life.
Community Experiences
Sunset sails, wildlife tours, and full-day Sound explorations that bring visitors and locals alike to the water — funding free youth programs with every charter and ticket sold.
Youth Maritime Pathways
Sailing opens the door for the youngest. As youth grow with us, we introduce powerboating, diving, fishing, boatbuilding, maritime technology, and professional seamanship — real pathways for life on a working waterfront.
Community Fleet Access
Low-cost catamaran and skiff rentals for qualified community members — keeping independent time on Pamlico Sound accessible and affordable, so the water stays part of everyday life here.
Get on the Water
Whether you want to charter a sunset sail, learn something new, or take the helm yourself — there's a program for you.
Experiences
Private charters and guided tours on Pamlico Sound — your ticket also puts a kid on the water.
Learn & Grow
Hands-on instruction for all ages — from first-time sailors to youth building careers on the water.
Rentals
Qualified sailors can take our fleet out independently at below-market community rates.
Featured Programs
Our most popular ways to get on the water.
Sunset Sail
Sunsets over the Pamlico are magic on Hatteras Island. This is our most popular cruise — book as soon as you have your rental house dates. A portion of every charter directly funds free youth sailing programs on Hatteras Island.
Adult Learn to Sail
A structured 4-week sailing course for adults on Pamlico Sound. Two morning sessions per week — learn seamanship, boat handling, and the points of sail from certified instructors.
Half Day Charter
4 hours is perfect for exploring the secret islands and sandbars of Pamlico Sound stretching from Avon to Hatteras Village. Your private charter, your itinerary. A portion of every charter directly funds free youth sailing programs on Hatteras Island.
Cape Explorer Camp
Introductory 5-day weekday sailing and boating camp for children. Many participants have never sailed, boated, or swum before joining. Large and small boats, certified instructors, and a welcoming community.
Large Group Flotilla
More than 6 in your group? You need more boats and captains — and we are here for you. Flotilla pricing is tailored to your group size and itinerary. A portion of every charter directly funds free youth sailing programs on Hatteras Island.
Adult Training Programs
Private adult sailing instruction on Pamlico Sound — from a focused 4-hour lesson to a customized 3-to-5-day training program. All experience levels welcome. US Sailing certified instructors.
Updates
Latest News
June 10, 2026
Laser Fleet Fundraiser
We're raising funds to purchase four Laser Radials to keep our competitive youth sailors racing after they outgrow the Optimist. Help us put four boats in the water for $10,000 total.
June 10, 2026
OBX Summer Youth Sailing Program 2026 — Now Enrolling
Registration is open for our 2026 Summer Youth Sailing Program, three weeks of hands-on sailing on Currituck Sound for ages 8–18. SSCA members get priority enrollment.
The ocean is right outside your door.
Book a program, support our mission, or reach out about youth scholarships.
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