Virginia Inland Sailing Association
Sailing, Seamanship,
Education and Friendship
Smith Mountain Lake
About Us
The Virginia Inland Sailing Association 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.
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
Amenities
Our activies include:
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Recreational Sailing
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Sailboat Racing
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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
Junior Sail Camp
Junior Sail camp is a 5-day overnight camp for young sailors ages 8-12, held the 2nd full week of June. Sailors learn to rig boats (Lasers) , tie knots, right a capsized boat and sail solo in all types of wind. Each child stays in a tent for the week but has access to our clubhouse!
We have a staff of about 10+ adults who volunteer their time and energy to make this camp a success. We are in the 30th year of this highly successful and popular program.
The secret to our success is not just the adult staff but the additional juniors who return to lead by example. Juniors aged 13-18 are often invited to return each year as role models, to continue to pass down the rules of camp etiquette and the love of sailing.
Camp is presently open to members only and space is limited.
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
Men's and Ladies' Sailcamp
Men's sailcamp and Ladies sailcamp are each a 2-day camp for members and non members, offering a chance to learn in a safe and friendly environment. They are each held a different times of the summer and normally last from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening.
Each is staffed by members who want to share their love for the water and enjoy good food and new friendships. Often times, we find the spouses in the kitchen, preparing the meals!
Women's Camp is late August. Check our events page for registration or contact us for more information.
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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.
​Directions:
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We are located on beautiful Smith Mountain Lake in Moneta, Virginia.
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Take VA-122 / Booker T. Washington Highway to West Lake Corner.
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Turn onto VA-616 / Scruggs Road.
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Bear left onto Ashmeade Road in 7.6 miles towards Bernard's Landing.
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Turn left onto Sailors Cove Drive in .7 miles.
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VISA Yacht Club entrance is at the end of the road.
Contact Us
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Please use this contact form to find out more about our club.
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If you are interested in membership, we will respond with more information. Refer to our FAQ for more info.
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The board meets on the first Saturday of each month. Prospective members are invited to the first available meeting to introduce themselves.
450 Sailors Cove, Moneta, VA 24121
P.O. Box 911, Hardy, VA 24101