Sailing Rentals & Lessons in Duck, NC

★★★★★ The Largest Sailing Rental Fleet on the Outer Banks · Sailing Since 1979

Go back to where it all started…

Nor’Banks has been the Outer Banks’ sailing operation since 1979. Our location on the northern Sound has steady breezes, a sandy bottom, and very little boat traffic, which makes it one of the best spots for small-boat sailing on the East Coast.

Hobie Getaway

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Our most popular rental. These 17-foot catamarans have a boom-less main, roller furling jib, wing seats, and forward trampoline. Fun, fast sailing for crews of 2-4 adults.

Flying Scot

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A 19-foot day sailor with bench seating, sloop rigged with a jib and main. The Nor’Banks classic — these boats have been in our fleet since we opened in 1979.

First hour

$95

Additional hour

$65

Main & jib · 2-6 crew

Hobie Wave

Hobie Wave 14 foot single-sail catamaran

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Our 14-foot catamaran with a single sail and no boom. Simple, forgiving, and a blast in light or heavy wind. The best option if you grew up on a Sunfish.

First hour

$75

Additional hour

$55

Main only · 1-3 crew

Which Boat Is Right for You?

New to sailing	Start with a private Sailing Lesson. Up to 3 students on a Getaway, up to 5 on a Flying Scot.
Some experience, light wind	The Hobie Wave is simple, single-sail, and forgiving. If you grew up on a Sunfish, this is your boat.
Comfortable crew of 2-6	The Flying Scot has bench seating, a forgiving rig, and room for the whole family. Our classic since 1979.
Want fast and acrobatic	The Hobie Getaway is our most popular rental. Wing seats, boom-less main, and exciting sailing for crews of 2-4.
Advanced sailors only	The Topcat K2X is our fastest catamaran. German-built, light hulls, extra sail area. Recent sailing experience required.

“Been renting sailboats here since 2001 while vacationing. They have great sailboats and a fun but hard working staff. My now teenage kids have enjoyed sailing here since they were toddlers. The wind was challenging and Nor’Banks took care of us. They adjusted the pricing to account for the weather interruptions and were friendly and polite through all the difficulties.”

★★★★★ — Verified TripAdvisor Review

New to Sailing? Start Here

Private Sailing Lessons

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Private lessons with a US Sailing-certified instructor — for total beginners, returning sailors brushing up, or anyone wanting to try a new boat. Up to 3 students on a Getaway, up to 5 on a Flying Scot.

If you’ve never sailed before, we recommend booking a 2-hour lesson. Discounted rates for multiple days of instruction.

First hour

$175

Additional hour

$115

What Sailors Are Saying
“Had a great time sailing here on one of the Hobie Getaways. The boat and rigging were in great shape, and we got great guidance on where to find best wind and then where to start our tack for coming back in. Prices reasonable, and there’s a good restaurant to grab a beer and apps overlooking the water when you get done.” ★★★★★ — Verified TripAdvisor Review	“We rented two Hobie Waves. The boats were in great shape, everything was handled smoothly, we had a really nice big area to sail in that was also very safe. This was a highlight of our trip to the Outer Banks. Highly recommend this place for renting a sailboat.” ★★★★★ — Verified TripAdvisor Review
“Great afternoon on the water. My son and I took out the Flying Scot for a nice sail. My wife enjoyed relaxing on the lawn and we all found some sweet shirts to buy. If you’re looking for a place to bare-boat charter — this is it!” ★★★★★ — Verified TripAdvisor Review	“We rented a Hobie Cat for two hours. The staff was very polite and helpful. They let us reschedule when winds were not ideal, and we ended up with a day with perfect winds! Beautiful!” ★★★★★ — Verified TripAdvisor Review

Sailing FAQsWhy Nor'Banks?

What types of boats do you have?

We have 19′ Flying Scot daysailers, 17′ Hobie Getaways, 14′ Hobie Waves, and the high-performance Topcat K2X catamaran.

Where can we sail and what are the boundaries?

We don’t have strict boundaries, but rather some geographical and common-sense limitations based on conditions. We always sail within line of sight due to the rapidly changing weather, and so that we can see and assist you if you have an issue.

We ask that you stay upwind and south of the islands to the north to avoid shallow water. We recommend that you avoid sailing in the jet ski area for an extended period.

I grew up sailing a Sunfish — do you have those?

No Sunfish, but you’ll like the Hobie Wave even better. Single sail, no clunky low boom to smack your head on.

Can we bring our own life jackets?

Yes! You may use your own life vest as long as it is Coast Guard approved. Please see our staff in the office for life vest approval before heading out on the water.

Can I sail if I don't have any experience?

We require some prior sailing experience to take a boat out on your own. If you don’t have any, consider a private sailing lesson with one of our instructors — it’s the best way to start.

How long does it take to learn to sail?

Different for everyone, but if you define “learning to sail” as acting as skipper of your own small boat, we recommend at least three two-hour lessons. If you have not sailed before, we strongly recommend making your first lesson two hours instead of one. We offer a discounted rate for multiple days of instruction.

How much should I tip my instructor?

15-20% is customary and much appreciated.

What are your wind limitations?

Up to around 15 MPH we are good to go. When the wind starts to gust higher than 15 MPH we restrict sailing to those with recent (within the past year) experience. Don’t hesitate to give us a call to check on wind conditions in our area.

We cannot operate when the wind is sustained over 20 MPH.

I'm comfortable in higher wind — can I still sail today?

We have strict weather parameters to ensure that we can rent safely. While certain conditions may be feasible for an experienced individual on their own vessel, we have to be more proactive when it comes to limiting our rental activity. We cease rentals when the wind is sustained over 20 MPH and we do not rent with storm cells in the area or a high likelihood of inclement weather. Other conditions such as wind direction and wave height may also play into our decision.

Is my child allowed on the sailboat?

Absolutely, just remember there’s often a chance of capsize. In some conditions (and based on your experience), it may be important that your child is comfortable in the water and won’t panic.

We want to make sure we’re setting your kids up for sailing success — those early sailing memories matter. We’ll be honest with you if we don’t think it’s a good idea on a given day.

Can I put more than four people on a Getaway?

2-4 is the optimal crew on a Getaway for good sailing, but the manufacturer lists the Getaway capacity as 6 people or 1,000 pounds, whichever is lower.

Can I sail the Getaway without the jib?

The Getaway does not sail well without the jib. There are other ways to spill wind and depower using the traveler, but if you’re not comfortable sailing with a jib, you’re not going to be able to effectively sail the Getaway.

Are your boats handicapped accessible?

Strictly speaking, no. We are more than happy to facilitate in whatever way we can as long as we deem it safe to do so. Feel free to discuss specifics with a manager.

Can I sail a Getaway or a Scot single-handed?

Typically we discourage it and recommend a Wave instead, but if someone has considerable experience and the wind is on the lighter side (sustained at 13 MPH or less), we can allow it.

Can I use a trapeze on any of your boats?

We don’t have trapeze rigs and harnesses available, but our Getaways and the K2X all have wings — outrigger seats that make it fun and easy to get out over the water.

Where can I rent windsurfing equipment?

Ocean Air Sports in Avon.

Where can I learn to kiteboard?

We recommend Corolla Kiteboarding and Outer Banks Kiting in Rodanthe.

The Largest Sailing Fleet on the Outer Banks

Hobie Getaways, Hobie Waves, Flying Scots, and the high-performance Topcat K2X — five different rigs to match your skill level, your group size, and the day’s wind. The next sailing rental operation south of us is hours away on Hatteras Island.

A Sound Built for Sailing

The northern Sound has steady breezes, warm water, a sandy bottom, and almost no boat traffic. It’s one of the best small-boat sailing waters on the East Coast — and we’re the only place on the northern OBX where you can rent a sailboat to use it.

US Sailing-Certified Instruction

Our instructors are certified by US Sailing — the national governing body for the sport. Whether it’s a kid’s first time on a boat or an adult brushing up after twenty years away, we’ll meet you where you are.

Sailing Since 1979

The Flying Scots in our fleet have been here since the day we opened. So has the philosophy: take care of the boats, take care of the customers, take care of the next generation of sailors.

A Facility Worth the Trip On Its Own

Free parking, a grassy lawn, restrooms and showers, a 200-foot pier, and The Village Table and Tavern right upstairs — fresh seafood, Sound views, and live music. Make a day of it.

We Stand Behind Every Experience

If your time with us falls short of what you hoped for, tell us. We’ll make it right. That’s not a policy — it’s how we’ve operated since 1979.