Downtown Sailing Center

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS

The DSC is a great place to meet new people. Since the DSC's inception, membership has increased significantly, growing to more than 600 members in 2007. Of those, most live or work in Baltimore City and more than 20 percent of them live in the Federal Hill/South Baltimore area. Members of the DSC comprise a very diverse group of professionals from many backgrounds and have become a hardworking, well-organized group of volunteers. We have eight membership levels tailored to your skills from Social to Cruising Skipper. All memberships include regular e-mail updates and a standing invitation to our monthly Friday Social.

Social Membership

Social members receive e-mail announcements including newsletters, invitations to parties, open houses and First Friday social sails. Social members are not eligible for Wednesday/Sunday Membership Sails. Cost: $75.00

Crew Membership

All of the above plus Crew members receive unlimited recreational sailing as well as Wednesday evening and bi-monthly Sunday Membership Sails and Fun Racing on Tuesday and Friday evenings. Crew members are strongly encouraged to attend one or more work parties during the year. Cost: $225.00

DSC Student Membership (individuals taking DSC sailing lessons)

Required for individuals taking classes. Student members receive all of the same benefits of Crew members. Cost: $125

Race Crew Membership (limited space)

All of the above plus Race Crew members join a race team which participates in five racing series throughout the summer. Each race series consists of five Thursday evening races (total of 25 weeks split with other crew). Weekend regattas are also included. Race crew must also participate in the maintenance of the boat to which they are assigned. Race crew must have taken lessons through Level 2 or have equivalent experience and be comfortable on the boat. Race crew must also be able to commit to race two five-week series during the year. Cost: $300.00 ($270 until 3/09/08)

Impulse Skipper Membership*

All of the above plus Impulse Skipper members may reserve any Impulse 21 in our fleet. Reservations are on a first-reserved, first-served basis. Boats are available nearly year-round; at times part of the fleet might be designated for educational or special events. All skippers must attend an annual skipper orientation. New skippers must also pass an on-the-water check-out to demonstrate that they can rig and handle the boats. Certain weather restrictions apply. Skippers are strongly encouraged to attend three work parties per year. Cost: $450.00 ($405 until 3/09/08)

J22/Sonar Skipper Membership*

All of the above plus J22/Sonar Skipper members can reserve J22s and Sonars. Reservations are on a first-reserved, first served basis. Boats are almost always available year-round, although at certain times, part of the fleet may be designated for education or special events. All skippers must attend an annual skipper orientation. New skippers must also pass an on-the-water check-out to demonstrate that they can rig and handle the boats. Certain weather restrictions apply. Skippers are strongly encouraged to attend three work parties per year. Cost: $650.00 ($585 until 3/09/08)

Race Skipper Membership (limited space)

All of the above plus with proper experience Race skipper members take the helm during Thursday evening racing (twenty-five weeks split with another skipper) and weekend regattas. Race skippers will co-head race teams and take an active role in preparing and maintaining their race boats. Cost: $750.00 ($675 until 3/09/08)

Cruising Skipper Membership

Cruising Skippers participate in the DSC Cruising Program and have the ability to charter boats in the the DSC's cruising fleet at either a heavily discounted rate or by using Cruising Credits earned while doing maintenance on the boats. There are two classes of Cruising Skippers: those desiring to use the smaller boats (typically less than 25 ft. with an outboard engine) or the larger boats (typically larger than 25 ft. with an inboard engine). Cost: For Small Cruiser Skippers, the annual fee is $50 in addition to a $650 J22/Sonar Skipper Membership ($635 until 3/9/08). For the larger cruisers, the annual fee is $100 in addition to a $650 J22/Sonar Skipper Membership to also be a Large Cruiser Skipper ($685 until 3/9/08). Cruising Skipper Membership is subject to the approval of the Cruising Program Administration.

*Individuals signing up at the Impulse and J22/Sonar Skipper level may take a skipper refresher course offered in late April and early May (see calendar for specific dates).

Notes

  • Fees paid toward any membership can be 100% credited towards any upgrade.
  • Skippers may take a free half day refresher, or Level 2 class.
  • The DSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, national origin or ancestry, religion, economic status or political affiliation. This policy applies to all aspects of the Downtown Sailing Center’s programs, practices, and activities as well as use of its facilities.
  • Any member may be removed for good cause by the Board of Directors.
  • The cost of every membership includes an individual membership to the Baltimore Museum of Industry. This entitles you to visit the Museum during its normal business hours, mailings and limited parking privileges. DSC membership is from January 1 through December 31.