CNU Varsity Sailing
Recruiting 2026–27
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CNU Varsity Sailing
Three guides, one program. Grab whichever fits your situation — or all three.
The full pitch. Program, home waters, scholarships, and the path to getting recruited. Written for high school sailors and transfers outside CNU.
Already at CNU and thinking about joining the team? Here's what your week would look like and what we'd ask of you.
Our training partner at Fort Monroe. History, facility overview, and turn-by-turn directions from CNU for prospects visiting practice.
Ten regatta weekends across MAISA. Locals and traveling parents welcome — home regatta highlighted below.
| Weekend | Regatta | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 12–13 | Women's Regatta at USNA | Annapolis, MD |
| Sep 12–13 | Riley Cup | Norfolk, VA |
| Sep 19–20 | Chesapeake Invitational | Annapolis, MD |
| Sep 19–20 | Kingsmill Cup | Williamsburg, VA |
| Sep 26–27 | Jefferson Cup | Lake Anna, VA |
| Oct 3–4 | CofC Fall Interconference | Charleston, SC |
| Oct 10–11 | Open ACC's — Round 1A | St. Mary's City, MD |
| Oct 10–11 | Webb / Woollum RegattaHOME | Hampton, VA |
| Oct 24–25 | Open ACC's Championship / Tournament | New England · TBD |
| Oct 31 – Nov 1 | War Memorial (MAISA Fall Championship) | Annapolis, MD |
Schedule subject to change. Home regatta: Webb / Woollum at Youth Sailing Virginia in Hampton, VA.
Quick answers to the questions that come up most. For the full picture, download the guides above.
Yes. Strong athletes from other sports are welcome to try out. If you can commit to the work, we can teach the sailing.
Yes. Rebuilding rosters means contested playing time from day one. You'll race, not sit.
Yes. Our women race a dedicated MAISA women's championship track and in the open (co-ed) fleet. Singlehanded qualifying events too.
Three options:
Early Decision (binding): Nov 15
Early Action (non-binding): Dec 1
Regular Decision: Feb 1
Apply early for the best chance at admission and scholarships.
Yes. Interviews enhance your application and give you a personalized intro to CNU. Encouraged for all applicants — and you only need one interview total, even if applying for both PLP and Honors.
Yes. Test-optional applicants are considered with added emphasis on curriculum rigor, GPA, and other application materials.
Coach Gomes can share your interest with Admissions and answer questions about the process. Strong academics and fit still lead. Reach out early.
Two flagship programs for freshmen: President's Leadership Program ($1,000–$5,000) and Honors Program ($5,000). Both apply through the admission application and require an interview. Plus a $3,000 renewable Non-Resident Scholarship for out-of-state freshmen. ~35% of freshmen receive merit aid.
In-state: $31,016/yr ($15,508 per semester).
Out-of-state: $45,438/yr ($22,719 per semester).
Includes tuition, room, meal plan, and housing fees. 2026–27 rates.
CNU distributes $50M+ annually. FAFSA preferred deadline: Dec 15. Priority deadline: March 1. NCAA D-III means no athletic scholarships — merit and need-based aid are the paths.
~82% of CNU students live on-campus. Princeton Review ranks CNU's dorms #1 in Virginia and #4 nationally.
Yes — unusual for a college. Bring a car from day one and explore coastal Virginia, from the Mariner's Museum next door to Virginia Beach 45 minutes away.
Yes. CNU has strong study-abroad programs and we'll work with you on timing — most sailors go abroad during summer or a semester that fits the season.
Two minutes. Tell us who you are, what you've sailed, and what you're looking for in a college program. Coach Gomes reviews every submission personally.
Open The Survey →