The Downtown Sailing Center upcoming events

Friday Night Fun Race! (Friday, October 16, 2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Friday Night Fun Race

Sail Into the Weekend — No Registration Needed!

Kick off your weekend with the Friday Night Fun Race, a relaxed, social sail open to all DSC members! This pickup-style distance race starts at 6:00 PM off the DSC docks (dock call 5:30 PM) and heads toward the first red buoy in the Middle Branch.

Post on Circle in advance or come early to meet other members and find a spot. "Regulars" often save crew space for new sailors. Volunteers help organize teams and assign boats at the dock.

No racing experience? No problem! It’s a fun, low-pressure intro to racing. Some sailing knowledge helps, but enthusiasm is all you need.

Important Notes

EVERYONE (non-members included) must complete a liability waiver before entering the docks.
Skippers must reserve boats in advance and assume full liability per the DSC Skipper Statement of Responsibility.
Friday Night Fun Racing is a self-run member event. Members typically meet on the docks before to assign crew to boats. Please note that the DSC staff do not assign teams or monitor skipper-to-crew ratios, sailors are responsible for finding their own boat or crew.

Join us for friendly competition, good vibes, and a great way to start the weekend!

Race Course

Sunday DSC Member Sail (Sunday, October 18, 2026)

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Sunday member sail - Noon to 4:00

***Registration will open 1 week prior to the event***

Spend your Sunday afternoon sailing! The Member Sail is a recreational event for DSC Skipper and Crew members. Sailors can work on their skills or just enjoy the waterfront, meeting new friends along the way.

Please arrive at the DSC by 11:45 AM for the 12:00 PM Start Time. The Dockmaster will begin boat allocation and coordination promptly at 12:00 PM.

Waivers Required

If you're new to the DSC or haven’t signed the DSC liability waiver yet, please complete it online. Skippers must also sign the SKIPPER WAIVER.

Volunteers Needed!

We rely on volunteers to help lead the Member Sail each week. Learn more about becoming a dockmaster.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact the DSC office at 410.727.0722 or info@downtownsailing.org. Weather cancellations will be announced by 11 AM on the day of the event.

Share Your Feedback!

We're always looking for ways to improve the experience for our members. Please take a moment to complete our online event evaluation form and let us know your thoughts.

Offshore Sailing Panel Discussion (Wednesday, October 21, 2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

OFFSHORE SAILING PANEL DISCUSSION

Are you interested in offshore sailing?

Are you looking to broaden your sailing experience beyond local waters and get out on the ocean? Dreaming of endless horizons and seeing the stars at night from sea?

This panel discussion will be hosted by DSC members with recent experience sailing offshore. Panel members will talk about:

how to find opportunities
how to find a FIRST opportunity when you have no experience
questions to ask of a skipper or captain you don't know well
how to pack for an offshore sailing trip
deliveries vs racing
seasickness
how to prepare / skills to acquire

Bring your questions, we will have plenty of time for discussion!

Also feel free to bring a dinner to eat while listening!

Location

The seminar will be held in the Liberty Room, located on the 3rd floor of the brick building along Key Highway. Registered participants will receive building entry instructions by email on the day of the event.

Questions? Contact us at info@downtownsailing.org.

Friday Night Fun Race! (Friday, October 23, 2026)

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Friday Night Fun Race

Sail Into the Weekend — No Registration Needed!

Post on Circle in advance or come early to meet other members and find a spot. "Regulars" often save crew space for new sailors. Volunteers help organize teams and assign boats at the dock.

No racing experience? No problem! It’s a fun, low-pressure intro to racing. Some sailing knowledge helps, but enthusiasm is all you need.

Important Notes

EVERYONE (non-members included) must complete a liability waiver before entering the docks.
Skippers must reserve boats in advance and assume full liability per the DSC Skipper Statement of Responsibility.
Friday Night Fun Racing is a self-run member event. Members typically meet on the docks before to assign crew to boats. Please note that the DSC staff do not assign teams or monitor skipper-to-crew ratios, sailors are responsible for finding their own boat or crew.

Join us for friendly competition, good vibes, and a great way to start the weekend!

Race Course

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekend Course (Saturday, October 24, 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekend Course - Saturday & Sunday (9am-4pm)

Course Description:

Have you always wanted to learn how to sail? Do you want to become a capable and confident crew member at the Downtown Sailing Center? If you said YES, Introduction to Sailing is the course for you!

The course is designed to help new sailors feel comfortable on a boat and give you the basic skills needed to competently crew on a small keelboat with an experienced skipper. During this course, you will learn the following:

Basic sailboat-handling skills, including helming the boat and trimming the sails
How to interpret and react to the wind
How to tie the most frequently-used sailors’ knots
How to rig and de-rig a small keelboat
Basic on-the-water safety skills
Sailing vocabulary, including parts of the boat and sails, terms for effective crew communication on the water, points of sail, and more.

We believe in “learning by doing” at the DSC, so the majority of your time will be spent on the water! An experienced instructor will guide you through the curriculum and be on the boat with you at all times. The maximum number of students per boat is 3, to allow everyone plenty of time to learn to drive the boat and trim the sails.

If you have sailing experience but are rusty or did not learn from professionals, we strongly recommend taking this course. Our curriculum is guided by US Sailing materials and you will learn proper and safe sailing techniques.

Please note that there is a firm administrative course change/cancellation fee of $35 per course for switching dates or cancelling. Full cancellation policy is on the FAQ page, located here - please read carefully as refunds are not guaranteed for cancellation within 14 days of class start date.

Details:

This is an Adult Education course, and all participants must be at least 16 years of age. To enquire about family-based sailing education options, contact us (email info@downtownsailing.org).

The two-day course takes place from 9am - 4pm each day, with a lunch break in the middle of the day - you can bring your lunch or there will be time to go out to a local fast-food spot. You must be available for the full timeframe as the boats will spend the majority of the day on the water.

This course is taught aboard the DSC’s keelboats, and you’ll sail on either a J/22 or a Sonar. Both have a heavy keel to provide stability and will not tip over during your sail!

Parking is available on site in the gravel lot of the Baltimore Museum of Industry. Classes meet behind the BMI pavilion, near the gate to the Downtown Sailing Center main dock. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early to orient yourself and meet your instructor. The restroom onsite is a port-a-potty.

Life jackets are required to be worn and will be provided. Please wear close-toed shoes for safety. We recommend dressing for the weather (it can feel cooler on the water than on land!) and bringing a full water bottle, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen and a great attitude.

If the course is full, please add yourself to the waitlist - we will contact you if a spot opens up!

Please review our FAQ page for additional information, including details on our cancellation policy, and let us know if you have any questions (email info@downtownsailing.org).

FULL PAYMENT IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR THIS COURSE. SPACE IS LIMITED.

A Dock Replacement / Fleet Winterization Work Party (Saturday, October 24, 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

A Dock Replacement / Fleet Winterization Work Party

ROUND TWO! After last year's excellent dress rehearsal, let's get A Dock ready for removal for real this time.

This is a massive effort, any and all help is required.

Key Tasks:

-Relocate all vessels to B Dock

-Remove all dockboxes to POD Storage

-Swap winter sails

-Remove useful items (wind sock, cleats, fenders, etc)

Long day of manual labor. Come dressed for the weather, stay hydrated, and lets knock this out for good.

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Saturday, October 24, 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Taste of Sailing - 3 Hour Introductory Sail

Have you ever thought, "I've always wanted to try sailing…"? If the answer is YES, then the DSC’s 3-hour Taste of Sailing course is for you!

This experience-based course will teach you the basics of helming a sailboat, trimming sails, and will introduce you to some cool nautical lingo. We believe in “learning by doing”, so the majority of your time will be spent on the water with one of our experienced instructors.

You’ll learn while sailing around Baltimore’s beautiful waterfront and have the opportunity to experience the city in a whole new way!

Each boat will have a maximum of 4 students, so there will be plenty of opportunities to try your hand at the tiller, handle the sails, or just sit back and take in the sights.

We welcome everyone from the solo sailor (we’ll pair you up with a group!) to family groups. This is a great opportunity for an educational family outing that can be enjoyed by all. We require that children be at least 7 years of age. If your group size is larger than 4, please contact us (email info@downtownsailing.org) for options.

Boats and Facilities

This course is taught aboard our Sonar class keelboats. These 23' boats have a large cockpit and heavy keel to provide stability. They are specifically made to not tip over, so you don't need to worry!

Please see our Adult Ed FAQ page for additional information, including details on our cancellation policy.

The on-site bathroom is a port-a-potty.

If the event is full, you may add yourself to the waitlist - we will contact you if a spot opens up or we are able to add more boats.

Payment is due at the time of registration to reserve your spot - space is limited so don't delay!

Person Overboard Skills Workshop (Saturday, October 24, 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Person Overboard Recovery: Skills Workshop

Knowing how to safely recover a crew member from the water is one of the most important skills in sailing.

This 3.5-hour workshop is designed for competent crew members who want to learn and practice Person Overboard (POB) recovery — a required skill for the DSC Skipper Checkout.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll gain hands-on experience and practical knowledge, including:

What to do immediately if someone falls overboard
How to execute a Quick Stop recovery (with multiple practice runs)
What to do if your return approach is too fast or too slow
How to safely assist a crew member back onto the boat
What safety equipment is available on DSC keelboats and how to use it
How to make an emergency call over the VHF radio

You will also be introduced to the Figure 8 recovery method, another effective way to return to a person in the water under sail.

How the Workshop Works

The session begins on land with a brief chalk talk outlining the recovery procedures.

You’ll then spend the majority of the workshop on the water practicing the maneuvers. Each participant will receive a handout diagramming the recovery process for future reference.

Prerequisites

This is not a beginner course. Participants should feel comfortable with:

Tacking
Jibing
Basic helm skills (steering and trimming on all points of sail)
Wind awareness
Rigging and derigging a small keelboat
Basic sailing vocabulary (parts of the boat)

Course Details

Audience: Adult Education (participants must be at least 16 years old)
Length: 3.5 hours (no meal break)
Availability: Participants must be available for the full session, as boats will spend most of the time on the water
Boats Used: J/22 or Sonar keelboats — stable, heavy-keel boats that will not tip over during your sail

For family-based sailing education options, please email info@downtownsailing.org.

Location & Arrival

Parking is available in the gravel lot at the Baltimore Museum of Industry (BMI).
Classes meet behind the BMI pavilion near the gate to the Downtown Sailing Center main dock.
Please arrive a few minutes early to check in and meet your instructor.

What to Bring & Wear

Close-toed shoes (required)
Weather-appropriate clothing (it feels cooler on the water!)
Full water bottle
Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen
A great attitude

Life jackets are required and will be provided.

Note: The on-site restroom is a port-a-potty.

Registration & Policies

Payment is due at the time of registration. Space is limited — reserve your spot early.
If the workshop is full, you may join the waitlist. We will contact you if space becomes available or additional boats are added.
There is a firm $35 administrative fee per course for switching dates or cancelling.
Refunds are not guaranteed for cancellations within 14 days of the class start date.

Please review the full cancellation policy and additional information on our Adult Ed FAQ page before registering.

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekend Course (Sunday, October 25, 2026)

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekend Course - Saturday & Sunday (9am-4pm)

Course Description:

Have you always wanted to learn how to sail? Do you want to become a capable and confident crew member at the Downtown Sailing Center? If you said YES, Introduction to Sailing is the course for you!

Basic sailboat-handling skills, including helming the boat and trimming the sails
How to interpret and react to the wind
How to tie the most frequently-used sailors’ knots
How to rig and de-rig a small keelboat
Basic on-the-water safety skills
Sailing vocabulary, including parts of the boat and sails, terms for effective crew communication on the water, points of sail, and more.

Details:

This is an Adult Education course, and all participants must be at least 16 years of age. To enquire about family-based sailing education options, contact us (email info@downtownsailing.org).

This course is taught aboard the DSC’s keelboats, and you’ll sail on either a J/22 or a Sonar. Both have a heavy keel to provide stability and will not tip over during your sail!

If the course is full, please add yourself to the waitlist - we will contact you if a spot opens up!

Please review our FAQ page for additional information, including details on our cancellation policy, and let us know if you have any questions (email info@downtownsailing.org).

FULL PAYMENT IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR THIS COURSE. SPACE IS LIMITED.

Sunday DSC Member Sail (Sunday, October 25, 2026)

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Sunday member sail - Noon to 4:00

***Registration will open 1 week prior to the event***

Please arrive at the DSC by 11:45 AM for the 12:00 PM Start Time. The Dockmaster will begin boat allocation and coordination promptly at 12:00 PM.

Waivers Required

If you're new to the DSC or haven’t signed the DSC liability waiver yet, please complete it online. Skippers must also sign the SKIPPER WAIVER.

Volunteers Needed!

We rely on volunteers to help lead the Member Sail each week. Learn more about becoming a dockmaster.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact the DSC office at 410.727.0722 or info@downtownsailing.org. Weather cancellations will be announced by 11 AM on the day of the event.

Share Your Feedback!

We're always looking for ways to improve the experience for our members. Please take a moment to complete our online event evaluation form and let us know your thoughts.

Cruising Full Hunter's Moon Sail (Monday, October 26, 2026)

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Cruising Full Hunter's Moon Sail

Join us for a casual evening sail to catch the full moon out on the water.

The plan is to head out around sunset (please check circle for a message from the skippers about a specific time to meet!), sail through dusk, and be on the water as the moon rises. Depending on conditions, we’ll keep things flexible—maybe a relaxed cruise, maybe a bit more hands-on sailing if people are interested. Everyone is welcome to participate as much or as little as they’d like, whether that’s helping out with the boat or just settling in and taking it all in.

Learning Objectives: practice night navigation, recognizing other vessels lights and using lighted markers, docking at night.

Skipper(s) will contact participants via Circle to communicate the actual dock-call time and cruising logistics.

Crew sign-ups may be admitted from the waitlist if additional skippers register for the event and we’re able to add another boat.

Weather cancellations will be announced by 11 AM on the day of the event.

Event Start Time

1730-1800

Event End Time

2130

Shared Costs

No slip or dockage fees expected. Please consider a $5 contribution to the fuel fund!

Crew sign-ups may be admitted from the waitlist if additional skippers register for the event and we’re able to add another boat.

If any availability remains a week prior to the event, dayfleet skippers and crew are able and encouraged to register and check out all the Cruising program has to offer at the DSC!

Waivers Required

If you're new to the DSC or haven’t signed the DSC liability waiver yet, please complete it online. Skippers must also sign the SKIPPER WAIVER.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact the DSC office at 410.727.0722 or info@downtownsailing.org. Weather cancellations will be announced by 11 AM on the day of the event.

Friday Night Fun Race! (Friday, October 30, 2026)

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Friday Night Fun Race

Sail Into the Weekend — No Registration Needed!

Post on Circle in advance or come early to meet other members and find a spot. "Regulars" often save crew space for new sailors. Volunteers help organize teams and assign boats at the dock.

No racing experience? No problem! It’s a fun, low-pressure intro to racing. Some sailing knowledge helps, but enthusiasm is all you need.

Important Notes

EVERYONE (non-members included) must complete a liability waiver before entering the docks.
Skippers must reserve boats in advance and assume full liability per the DSC Skipper Statement of Responsibility.
Friday Night Fun Racing is a self-run member event. Members typically meet on the docks before to assign crew to boats. Please note that the DSC staff do not assign teams or monitor skipper-to-crew ratios, sailors are responsible for finding their own boat or crew.

Join us for friendly competition, good vibes, and a great way to start the weekend!

Race Course

Intermediate Sailing (Level 2) Weekend Course (Saturday, October 31, 2026)

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Intermediate Sailing (Level 2): Keelboat Skipper Skill Building

Weekend Course - Saturday & Sunday (9am-4pm)

Course Description:

Are you looking to take your sailing skills to the next level? This intermediate-level course is for competent crew looking to advance their skills in boat-handling. This course is ideal for those with solid crewing skills (see below) who are looking to skipper a small keelboat - the skills learned in this course are tested during the DSC Skipper Checkout.

During this fast-paced course, you will learn how to:

Plan and execute departures and returning to the dock under sail, from all wind directions
Perform a person overboard recovery
Heave-to
Reef sails
Adjust sail controls in different wind conditions

To decide if you are ready for this class, please review the following questions - if you can say YES to all of them, this is a great time for you to sign up! This is not a class to be taken immediately after the Intro to Sailing weekend - practice time (we recommend a minimum of 20 hours on the water, or 6 member sails) in between is required to make sure you get the most out of this Intermediate level class.

Do you know how to rig and derig a keelboat?
Can you smoothly execute tacks and jibes, handling both the tiller and mainsail simultaneously?
Are you adept at identifying where the wind is coming from, able to identify your current point of sail, and trim the sails appropriately?
Can you drive the boat smoothly and efficiently from a port tack beam reach to a starboard tack broad reach?
Do you know vocabulary for basic parts of the boat and sails, running and standing rigging, and points of sail?
Can you tie a bowline, cleat hitch, stopper knot, and square knot?

If you're not sure if this is the right class for you, our Adult Education Manager would be happy to answer your questions - email lessons@downtownsailing.org to set up a call.

Details:

This is an Adult Education course, and all participants must be at least 16 years of age. To enquire about family-based sailing education options, contact us (email info@downtownsailing.org).

This course is taught aboard the DSC’s keelboats, and you’ll sail on either a J/22 or a Sonar. Both have a heavy keel to provide stability and will not tip over during your sail!

If the course is full, please add yourself to the waitlist - we will contact you if a spot opens up!

Please review our FAQ page for additional information, including details on our cancellation policy, and let us know if you have any questions (email info@downtownsailing.org).

FULL PAYMENT IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR THIS COURSE. SPACE IS LIMITED.

Intermediate Sailing (Level 2) Weekend Course (Sunday, November 01, 2026)

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Intermediate Sailing (Level 2): Keelboat Skipper Skill Building

Weekend Course - Saturday & Sunday (9am-4pm)

Course Description:

During this fast-paced course, you will learn how to:

Plan and execute departures and returning to the dock under sail, from all wind directions
Perform a person overboard recovery
Heave-to
Reef sails
Adjust sail controls in different wind conditions

Do you know how to rig and derig a keelboat?
Can you smoothly execute tacks and jibes, handling both the tiller and mainsail simultaneously?
Are you adept at identifying where the wind is coming from, able to identify your current point of sail, and trim the sails appropriately?
Can you drive the boat smoothly and efficiently from a port tack beam reach to a starboard tack broad reach?
Do you know vocabulary for basic parts of the boat and sails, running and standing rigging, and points of sail?
Can you tie a bowline, cleat hitch, stopper knot, and square knot?

If you're not sure if this is the right class for you, our Adult Education Manager would be happy to answer your questions - email lessons@downtownsailing.org to set up a call.

Details:

This is an Adult Education course, and all participants must be at least 16 years of age. To enquire about family-based sailing education options, contact us (email info@downtownsailing.org).

This course is taught aboard the DSC’s keelboats, and you’ll sail on either a J/22 or a Sonar. Both have a heavy keel to provide stability and will not tip over during your sail!

If the course is full, please add yourself to the waitlist - we will contact you if a spot opens up!

Please review our FAQ page for additional information, including details on our cancellation policy, and let us know if you have any questions (email info@downtownsailing.org).

FULL PAYMENT IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR THIS COURSE. SPACE IS LIMITED.

Single-Handing Techniques: Clinic for BKI Candidates / Instructors (Sunday, November 01, 2026)

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

**This clinic is only for DSC Keelboat Instructors. **

BKI Candidates! Here's your chance to start working on your single-handing skills before the evaluative course in the Spring. During the clinic, you'll have a chance to learn best practices for boat handling, POB maneuvers, and departing/docking a J/22 single-handed.

Are you an instructor but not planning to take BKI this year? Join us - knowing the basics of single-handing can be confidence-building and it's great knowledge to have when instructing a group of novices.

We will have a chalk talk on land first followed by on-the-water practice, so dress for the weather! There will be at least two people on each boat for safety and to allow for learning from each other.

You must be a strong skipper with intentions to take the BKI course this spring OR a current DSC instructor to participate in this event. If you've already expressed interest in BKI certification, you should have received a code from Laura to sign up - anyone interested in BKI who didn't receive the code can email laura@downtownsailing.org.

Adult Ed Sailing Instructor Information Session (Monday, November 02, 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Are you an experienced skipper interested in becoming a DSC Adult Education instructor in 2027? Or, are you interested in obtaining your US Sailing Basic Keelboat Instructor (BKI) certification? This information session will answer all of your questions!

We will have an overview of the Adult Ed program to discuss what it takes to become an instructor, expectations for instructors, and how the program works. This will be followed by an overview of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat Instructor (BKI) certification process - we'll describe how the evaluation course works and provide tips on how best to prepare.

Please feel free to submit your questions ahead of time to laura@downtownsailing.org.

Maker's Space - DIY Flag + Block Printing (Wednesday, November 04, 2026)

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Maker's Space: DIY Sailcloth Flag

Turn an old sail into something new!

Join us for a creative, hands-on workshop where we’ll give retired DSC sails a second life by transforming them into one-of-a-kind decorative flags.

You’ll start with a piece of sailcloth and learn some basic sewing skills to hem your flag and add grommets for hanging. Then, make it your own with block printing!

Never tried block printing? No problem.

Block printing is a simple printmaking technique where you carve a design into a soft block, roll or brush paint onto the raised surface, and press it onto fabric - essentially creating your own custom, reusable stamp. Carve a nautical design, your initials, a favorite symbol, or whatever inspires you, then use your block to create a pattern or design on your flag.

The above block print was created by our very own Emma Rosenbaum!

We’ll provide the sailcloth, sewing machines and supplies, carving blocks and tools, acrylic paint, brushes, stencils, and other materials you’ll need. Best of all, you’ll take home both your finished flag and the reusable block stamp you create.

Hang your flag at home, give it as a unique holiday gift, or make one for a fellow sailor. Either way, you’ll leave with a handmade piece of DSC history.

No Experience Necessary

All skill levels are welcome—from first-time sewers and printmakers to experienced makers. We’ll help you through the process.

If you’re already comfortable with the basic use of a sewing machine and are willing to help others learn, please register as Intermediate.

Location

The workshop will be held in the Liberty Room, on the third floor of the brick building along Key Highway. You’ll receive an email on the day of the event with instructions for entering the building.

Space is limited! If the event is full, please join the waitlist. We’ll contact you if a spot becomes available.

Frostbite Racing (Saturday, November 07, 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Frostbite racing – 12:00–3:00 PM

Bundle up and hit the starting line - Frostbite Racing is back at the Downtown Sailing Center! Gather your crew and join us for an afternoon of fast, fun racing around the buoys.

Frostbite Racing is a self-run member event. Members typically meet on the docks before racing to decide on a course for the day. Sailors are welcome to take out the hippity-hop marks (small orange ball marks) to set and retrieve a course, or the group can choose a course using government marks.

Please note that the DSC staff do not assign teams or monitor skipper-to-crew ratios, so sailors are responsible for finding their own boat or crew.

Schedule

Arrival & Rigging: 12:00 PM
First Race: 12:30 PM

Find Your Crew

Skippers and crews are encouraged to form teams in advance - use Circle to connect with other sailors and form a team for the day. Don't have a team? Arrive by 12:00 and connect with available skippers and crew on the docks.

Registration opens one week before each event and is required so participants receive timely event updates and cancellation notices. Skippers must also reserve their boats in advance through RecHub.

Important Notes:

Main and jib only - No spinnakers
Lifejackets are required
Skippers must reserve boats in advance
Registration is required for all participants
Racing will be canceled if winds exceed 20 kts or staff feels conditions are unsafe
Participation is at sailors' own risk. Please read the Fall/Winter Sailing Policies before going out.

Cool weather. Hot competition. Come race with us!

Demystifying Docking: Skills Workshop (Saturday, November 07, 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Demystifying Docking: Skills Workshop

Docking under sail can feel intimidating — but with the right planning and practice, it becomes a manageable and rewarding skill.

This 3.5-hour workshop is designed for competent crew members who want to confidently plan and execute departures from and returns to the dock under sail aboard a small keelboat.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll gain hands-on experience with:

Planning and executing departures in different wind directions
Sailing backwards out of the slip
Docking in upwind, downwind, and crosswind conditions
Coaching your crew through their roles during departure and docking
Creating and executing a backup plan if your initial approach doesn’t go as expected

How the Workshop Works

The session begins on land with a brief chalk talk outlining the techniques and strategies for each type of approach.

You’ll then spend the majority of the workshop on the water practicing departures and dockings multiple times, with personalized coaching from a skilled instructor.

Each participant will receive a handout summarizing the different docking approaches for future reference.

Prerequisites

This is not a beginner course. Participants should feel comfortable with:

Tacking
Jibing
Basic helm skills (steering and trimming on all points of sail)
Wind awareness
Rigging and derigging a small keelboat
Basic sailing vocabulary (parts of the boat)

Course Details

Audience: Adult Education (participants must be at least 16 years old)
Length: 3.5 hours (no meal break)
Availability: Participants must be available for the full session, as boats will spend most of the time on the water
Boats Used: J/22 or Sonar keelboats — stable, heavy-keel boats that will not tip over during your sail

This is an Adult Education course, and all participants must be at least 16 years of age. For family-based sailing education options, please email info@downtownsailing.org.

Location & Arrival

Parking is available in the gravel lot at the Baltimore Museum of Industry (BMI).
Classes meet behind the BMI pavilion near the gate to the Downtown Sailing Center main dock.
Please arrive a few minutes early to check in and meet your instructor.

What to Bring & Wear

Close-toed shoes (required)
Weather-appropriate clothing (it feels cooler on the water!)
Full water bottle
Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen
A great attitude

Life jackets are required and will be provided.

Note: The on-site restroom is a port-a-potty.

Registration & Policies

Payment is due at the time of registration. Space is limited — reserve your spot early.
If the workshop is full, you may join the waitlist. We will contact you if space becomes available or additional boats are added.
There is a firm $35 administrative fee per course for switching dates or cancelling.
Refunds are not guaranteed for cancellations within 14 days of the class start date.

Please review the full cancellation policy and additional information on our Adult Ed FAQ page before registering.

If the event is full, you may add yourself to the waitlist - we will contact you if a spot opens up or we are able to add more boats.

Payment is due at the time of registration to reserve your spot - space is limited so don't delay!

Member Town Hall & Community Gathering (Sunday, November 08, 2026)

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Member Town Hall & Community Gathering

Sunday, November 8 | In Person

Good company, great conversation, and a look at what's ahead for the Downtown Sailing Center!

We're bringing our November Member Town Hall together in person! Join Sharon and fellow members for a relaxed morning of conversation, community, and a look at the exciting things taking shape for 2027.

There's a lot happening at the DSC, and we want YOU to be part of the conversation! We'll share updates, celebrate what we've accomplished together, and talk about where we're headed next.

On the agenda:

2027 Planning: What's on the horizon for next season, including programs, priorities, and opportunities.
Member Survey Results: What you told us, what we've learned, and how your feedback will help shape the DSC experience.
Dock Project Updates: The latest progress on our dock transformation and what's coming next.
Full Sail 2027: A sneak peek at our annual celebration and how you can get involved.

Most importantly, we want to hear from you! This is your opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, connect with other members, and help shape the future of our sailing community.

Coffee & Conversation!

We'll have the coffee brewing! Feel free to bring a breakfast treat or snack for yourself or something to share with the group. Bringing food is completely optional—just bring yourself!

Whether you've been part of the DSC for years or just joined this season, your perspective matters, and we'd love to see you there.

Please register in advance so we know how many members to expect. Let's get together, share ideas, and look ahead to an exciting 2027!

Frostbite Racing (Saturday, November 21, 2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Frostbite racing – 12:00–3:00 PM

Bundle up and hit the starting line - Frostbite Racing is back at the Downtown Sailing Center! Gather your crew and join us for an afternoon of fast, fun racing around the buoys.

Please note that the DSC staff do not assign teams or monitor skipper-to-crew ratios, so sailors are responsible for finding their own boat or crew.

Schedule

Arrival & Rigging: 12:00 PM
First Race: 12:30 PM

Find Your Crew

Important Notes:

Main and jib only - No spinnakers
Lifejackets are required
Skippers must reserve boats in advance
Registration is required for all participants
Racing will be canceled if winds exceed 20 kts or staff feels conditions are unsafe
Participation is at sailors' own risk. Please read the Fall/Winter Sailing Policies before going out.

Cool weather. Hot competition. Come race with us!

Sewing Basics and Sailrite Machine Orientation (Wednesday, December 02, 2026)

Wed, 02 Dec 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Sewing Basics and Sailrite Machine Orientation

Are you interested in helping with the Canvas Committee this year, but have never used a sewing machine? This hands-on event will teach you the basics of sewing using a Sailrite sewing machine.

We will cover:

How to thread the machine
Setting up the bobbin
Reviewing the different machine settings (diagonal vs straight, stitch length, etc)
Making some basic stitches, learn to turn a corner, and get used to the foot pedal and hand crank on the Sailrite.

This event will be held in the Liberty Room, on the 3rd floor of the brick building along Key Highway. You'll receive an email on the day of the class with building entry instructions.

If the event is full, please add yourself to the waitlist - we will contact you if a spot opens up!

Frostbite Racing (Saturday, December 05, 2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Frostbite racing – 12:00–3:00 PM

Bundle up and hit the starting line - Frostbite Racing is back at the Downtown Sailing Center! Gather your crew and join us for an afternoon of fast, fun racing around the buoys.

Please note that the DSC staff do not assign teams or monitor skipper-to-crew ratios, so sailors are responsible for finding their own boat or crew.

Schedule

Arrival & Rigging: 12:00 PM
First Race: 12:30 PM

Find Your Crew

Important Notes:

Main and jib only - No spinnakers
Lifejackets are required
Skippers must reserve boats in advance
Registration is required for all participants
Racing will be canceled if winds exceed 20 kts or staff feels conditions are unsafe
Participation is at sailors' own risk. Please read the Fall/Winter Sailing Policies before going out.

Cool weather. Hot competition. Come race with us!

Frostbite Racing (Saturday, December 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Frostbite racing – 12:00–3:00 PM

Bundle up and hit the starting line - Frostbite Racing is back at the Downtown Sailing Center! Gather your crew and join us for an afternoon of fast, fun racing around the buoys.

Please note that the DSC staff do not assign teams or monitor skipper-to-crew ratios, so sailors are responsible for finding their own boat or crew.

Schedule

Arrival & Rigging: 12:00 PM
First Race: 12:30 PM

Find Your Crew

Important Notes:

Main and jib only - No spinnakers
Lifejackets are required
Skippers must reserve boats in advance
Registration is required for all participants
Racing will be canceled if winds exceed 20 kts or staff feels conditions are unsafe
Participation is at sailors' own risk. Please read the Fall/Winter Sailing Policies before going out.

Cool weather. Hot competition. Come race with us!

Frostbite Racing (Saturday, January 02, 2027)

Sat, 02 Jan 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Frostbite racing – 12:00–3:00 PM

Bundle up and hit the starting line - Frostbite Racing is back at the Downtown Sailing Center! Gather your crew and join us for an afternoon of fast, fun racing around the buoys.

Please note that the DSC staff do not assign teams or monitor skipper-to-crew ratios, so sailors are responsible for finding their own boat or crew.

Schedule

Arrival & Rigging: 12:00 PM
First Race: 12:30 PM

Find Your Crew

Important Notes:

Main and jib only - No spinnakers
Lifejackets are required
Skippers must reserve boats in advance
Registration is required for all participants
Racing will be canceled if winds exceed 20 kts or staff feels conditions are unsafe
Participation is at sailors' own risk. Please read the Fall/Winter Sailing Policies before going out.

Cool weather. Hot competition. Come race with us!

Frostbite Racing (Saturday, January 16, 2027)

Sat, 16 Jan 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Frostbite racing – 12:00–3:00 PM

Bundle up and hit the starting line - Frostbite Racing is back at the Downtown Sailing Center! Gather your crew and join us for an afternoon of fast, fun racing around the buoys.

Please note that the DSC staff do not assign teams or monitor skipper-to-crew ratios, so sailors are responsible for finding their own boat or crew.

Schedule

Arrival & Rigging: 12:00 PM
First Race: 12:30 PM

Find Your Crew

Important Notes:

Main and jib only - No spinnakers
Lifejackets are required
Skippers must reserve boats in advance
Registration is required for all participants
Racing will be canceled if winds exceed 20 kts or staff feels conditions are unsafe
Participation is at sailors' own risk. Please read the Fall/Winter Sailing Policies before going out.

Cool weather. Hot competition. Come race with us!

Marine Diesel Engines Seminar (Wednesday, January 20, 2027)

Wed, 20 Jan 2027 23:00:00 GMT

Marine Diesel Engines Seminar

Description

This Diesel Engines Seminar will provide you with an introduction to the engines aboard a recreational vessel like the DSC Cruisers. It will be taught at an introductory level and cover the basic and important knowledge any cruiser needs to know to do basic troubleshooting and repairs, and to understand the systems aboard their vessel.

The following topics will be covered:

Overview of how diesel engines work and the parts of an engine
Important engine components, including the cooling system, fuel system, and the connection to the Electrical System via the batteries and alternator
Pre-sail engine checks
Basic Troubleshooting

Bring your questions!

The class will be held in the Liberty Room, on the 3rd floor of the brick building along Key Highway. You'll receive an email on the day of the class with building entry instructions.

If the course is full, please add yourself to the waitlist - we will contact you if a spot opens up!

Please review our FAQ page for additional information, including details on our cancellation policy, and let us know if you have any questions (email info@downtownsailing.org).

Full payment is required to reserve your space in the course.

Frostbite Racing (Saturday, January 30, 2027)

Sat, 30 Jan 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Frostbite racing – 12:00–3:00 PM

Bundle up and hit the starting line - Frostbite Racing is back at the Downtown Sailing Center! Gather your crew and join us for an afternoon of fast, fun racing around the buoys.

Please note that the DSC staff do not assign teams or monitor skipper-to-crew ratios, so sailors are responsible for finding their own boat or crew.

Schedule

Arrival & Rigging: 12:00 PM
First Race: 12:30 PM

Find Your Crew

Important Notes:

Main and jib only - No spinnakers
Lifejackets are required
Skippers must reserve boats in advance
Registration is required for all participants
Racing will be canceled if winds exceed 20 kts or staff feels conditions are unsafe
Participation is at sailors' own risk. Please read the Fall/Winter Sailing Policies before going out.

Cool weather. Hot competition. Come race with us!

Frostbite Racing (Saturday, February 13, 2027)

Sat, 13 Feb 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Frostbite racing – 12:00–3:00 PM

Bundle up and hit the starting line - Frostbite Racing is back at the Downtown Sailing Center! Gather your crew and join us for an afternoon of fast, fun racing around the buoys.

Please note that the DSC staff do not assign teams or monitor skipper-to-crew ratios, so sailors are responsible for finding their own boat or crew.

Schedule

Arrival & Rigging: 12:00 PM
First Race: 12:30 PM

Find Your Crew

Important Notes:

Main and jib only - No spinnakers
Lifejackets are required
Skippers must reserve boats in advance
Registration is required for all participants
Racing will be canceled if winds exceed 20 kts or staff feels conditions are unsafe
Participation is at sailors' own risk. Please read the Fall/Winter Sailing Policies before going out.

Cool weather. Hot competition. Come race with us!

Marine Electrical Seminar (Wednesday, February 17, 2027)

Wed, 17 Feb 2027 23:00:00 GMT

Marine Electrical Seminar

Description

New to the wiring and electrical systems aboard your boat? This seminar is an introduction to the electrical systems on a recreational vessel like the DSC Cruisers. It’s taught at an introductory level and covers the essentials every cruiser should know to understand their boat’s systems and handle basic troubleshooting and repairs.

During this seminar, you will:

Tell the difference between AC and DC power and recognize common wiring conventions
Understand how circuits, switches, resistors, and loads work together
Learn how battery chargers work
Use a multimeter and other basic tools
Work safely around electrical systems

Details:

The class will be held in the Liberty Room, on the 3rd floor of the brick building along Key Highway. You'll receive an email on the day of the class with building entry instructions.

If the course is full, please add yourself to the waitlist - we will contact you if a spot opens up!

Please review our FAQ page for additional information, including details on our cancellation policy, and let us know if you have any questions (email info@downtownsailing.org).

Full payment is required to reserve your spot for this course.

Frostbite Racing (Saturday, February 27, 2027)

Sat, 27 Feb 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Frostbite racing – 12:00–3:00 PM

Bundle up and hit the starting line - Frostbite Racing is back at the Downtown Sailing Center! Gather your crew and join us for an afternoon of fast, fun racing around the buoys.

Please note that the DSC staff do not assign teams or monitor skipper-to-crew ratios, so sailors are responsible for finding their own boat or crew.

Schedule

Arrival & Rigging: 12:00 PM
First Race: 12:30 PM

Find Your Crew

Important Notes:

Main and jib only - No spinnakers
Lifejackets are required
Skippers must reserve boats in advance
Registration is required for all participants
Racing will be canceled if winds exceed 20 kts or staff feels conditions are unsafe
Participation is at sailors' own risk. Please read the Fall/Winter Sailing Policies before going out.

Cool weather. Hot competition. Come race with us!