How much does it cost to become a member?

For a detailed description, see memberships levels and costs. Every year, the DSC's volunteer board of directors sets the fees and policies. Employee matching gifts programs can't be used for membership fees. Matching gifts can only be used for donations in which no deeds, goods, or services were received.

What other costs are there?

Most people look at our prices and think there is a hitch. There's NO hitch. We are a nonprofit organization trying to make sailing affordable and accessible for everyone. After your one time membership fee, there are no other costs to worry about. No initiation fees, no nickel and dime-ing you for sail boat rides. We only ask that you contribute to our work parties. This sweat equity program is the best way we keep costs down….and it's fun!

What is the refund policy?

The DSC will give you a 100% refund if you have not participated in DSC activities or events. If you are taking a class, YOU MUST notify us at least 72 hours before the scheduled class to get a refund.

Which membership should I get?

The social membership is a promotional membership to receive email announcements including newsletters, invitations to parties, open houses and First Friday evening social sails. This is a great way to meet our members, get a tour, and even a sail in the harbor! The majority of new members join at crew level and sign up for one session of classes. As a crew member, you have unlimited access to all DSC events and activities. When you are ready to move up, you'll be checked out to become a skipper. The class is a formal way to teach people about crewing our boats, but you will learn about the "DSC way"'. Our adult education classes are designed to develop you into a skipper. To become a skipper, you must go through a skipper check-out and orientation with DSC staff.

How much does a crew membership and adult education class cost?

When you take a class, we require you to join as a DSC Student Crew member at a rate of $125. A class costs $200, so the total cost will be $325. If you are taking two classes, you need to send an additional $200 for a total of $525.

Is it OK to join the DSC as crew member now and sign up for a class later?

To reserve space in a class, you must complete an application and send in your money. However, you can still join as a basic or crew member at the normal rates. If you decide to upgrade your membership later, all the money that you already paid will be 100% credited towards that upgrade. For example: if you join as a crew member for $125, and then decide to take a class, the total cost for discounted crew membership and a class is $325, so you'll owe a balance of $125. However, classes fill up very quickly. You're better off signing up for a class early. We'll refund your money if you decide not to take the class (you must give 72 hours notice).

If I purchase a crew membership now, will I have to pay the entire price for a skipper membership later?

If you decide to upgrade your membership in the same season, the money that you already paid is 100% credited towards that upgrade. For example: if you pay $299 for a crew and class, and you upgraded to a J/22 skipper which costs $650, you only have to pay the difference $351. ($650 - $299). Also notice that our skipper prices are reduced by 50% after August 1st so if you wait until then to upgrade, you won't pay anything at all (see rates).

I would like a J/22 Skipper membership, but do you offer a refresher class?

Yes, you may join as a skipper member, and we will throw in a Level 2 class at no extra charge. However, you must indicate you want to take a class on your application. Of course, you'll still have to go through skipper checkout and orientation. But we give people this opportunity because we want to encourage people to get thorough training and sail safely in the harbor.

What's a skipper check-out?

This is an on-the-water skills "test" in which prospective skippers demonstrate a checklist of required skills. All skippers must pass a check-out to become skipper. These check-outs are scheduled independently with the DSC staff. Refer to the calendar for a list of skipper check-out dates.

What is a skipper orientation?

A skipper orientation takes about 45 minutes, and we discuss all the policies and responsibilities of being a skipper. This annual class is mandatory for ALL skippers, new and returning. Skippers cannot reserve a boat until they attend orientation. Check the calendar for skipper orientation dates.

If I become a skipper, how often are the boats available?

In general, boats will always be available for reservation on weekend evenings and weekends. Occasionally there will be recreational activities to work around, but we carefully make sure there are enough boats to meet the needs of our skippers. If there is a shortage, we'll simply buy more boats!

In general, skippers are able to reserve boats for four hours. After four hours, people are ready for a break. Our J/22/Sonar skippers use an online reservation system to conveniently schedule boats. The Impulse skippers work on a first come, first serve system.

I am joining half way through the year, do I still have to pay the entire cost?

All of our memberships are for the calendar year (January 1 - December 31). After August 1st, we reduce our skipper memberships in half. For example, a J/22 skipper membership, which normally costs $650 will be reduced to $325.

Can I pay by Credit Card?

Yes, we accept Visa and Mastercard.
To pay via credit card, we recommend you register online.

To pay by check, download an application and mail with your payment to the Downtown Sailing Center:

Downtown Sailing Center
P.O.Box 29917
Baltimore, MD 21230

If paying in cash, we suggest you do so in person at the DSC administrative offices. Click here for directions.

I have read all your information and I am still not sure if sailing is right for me. How can I try it out?

We have five open houses in which you can go for a free sail (see calendar).

Sunday, April 29, 12-2pm
Sunday, May 13, 10-noon
Sunday, June 10, 10-noon
Sunday, July 8, 10-noon

You can also join as a Social Member ($50), and join us for our Monthly Friday Socials. You'll talk with some of our members and get a tour of our facility, we'll even put you on the boat and go sailing!