Demystifying Docking: Skills Workshop
This 3.5 hour workshop is ideal for the competent crew member looking to learn to plan and execute a departure from and return to the dock under sail in a small keelboat.
You will learn the procedures for departing and docking under different wind directions - upwind, crosswind, and downwind - and will get to practice each of them multiple times with coaching from a skilled instructor. You will also learn how to create a backup plan in case your approach does not work out as anticipated.
The workshop will begin on land with a chalk talk describing each approach, and you will spend the majority of the time on the water practicing. You’ll receive a handout describing the different approaches for future reference.
Prior to attending this workshop, you should feel comfortable with the below skills:
- Tacking
- Jibing
- Basic Helm Skills and ability to steer and trim for each of the points of sail
- Wind awareness
- Rigging and Derigging a small keelboat
- Vocabulary - parts of the boat
During this event, you will learn:
- How to plan and execute a departure given different wind directions
- How to sail backwards out of the slip
- How to plan and execute downwind, upwind, and crosswind dockings
- How to coach your crew for their role in the departure or docking
- How to create a backup plan for docking
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 course is 3.5 hours in length without a meal break. You must be available for the full timeframe as the boats will spend the majority of the session 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.
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.
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!
