The Downtown Sailing Center upcoming events

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekend Course (Saturday, April 11, 2026)

Sat, 11 Apr 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).

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Saturday, April 11, 2026)

Sat, 11 Apr 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!

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekend Course (Sunday, April 12, 2026)

Sun, 12 Apr 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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekend Course (Saturday, April 18, 2026)

Sat, 18 Apr 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).

Performance Sailing 2-Day Course (Saturday, April 18, 2026)

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Performance Sailing

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

Advanced level class

Course Description:

This course is for sailors looking to take their skills to the next level and learn about optimal sail trim, spinnaker sailing, and generally getting the most speed out of your boat. This is not a learn-to-sail course, participants must be comfortable with all aspects of boat handling, wind awareness, executing smooth tacks and jibes, etc.

This will be an intense and fast-paced course, and you will learn the following skills:

Optimizing sail trim for the conditions and heading.
Use of the jib cars, outhaul, backstay, and traveler to optimize speed and control.
Reading the water to anticipate changing conditions - and knowing how to react to them.
Spinnaker sailing - You will learn all aspects of spinnaker sailing, including how to rig, hoist, douse, trim, and jibe. Each participant will have the opportunity to experience all positions on the boat: foredeck, pit, trim, and helming the boat while sailing with the spinnaker. We use J22s for this course, so you will be learning with a symmetric spinnaker!

This is not a racing tactics course, but participants will practice rounding marks, and some fun races will be held for skills practice.

Keelboat handling skills are required - all participants require DSC skipper-level skills, to be capable crew with good helming skills, to have passed the US Sailing Basic Keelboat course, or similar. Please refer to the below skills list to ensure you are ready for this course!

Pre-Requisites:

Ability to smoothly execute tacks and jibes.
Ability to maintain a broad reach course while managing wind gusts and preventing accidental jibes.
Knowledge of depowering techniques in high winds.
Ability to identify all parts of a keelboat, and to explain the basic functionality of the outhaul, backstay, cunningham, and jib cars.
Ability to smoothly depart and dock in all wind conditions

If you have any questions about the course or as to whether this is the right time for you to take it - please email the Adult Education Manager at 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).

The two-day course takes place from 9am - 4pm each day, with a lunch break in the middle of the day. 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!

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).

Demystifying Docking: Skills Workshop (Saturday, April 18, 2026)

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 16:30:00 GMT

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

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!

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!

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekend Course (Sunday, April 19, 2026)

Sun, 19 Apr 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).

Performance Sailing 2-Day Course (Sunday, April 19, 2026)

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Performance Sailing

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

Advanced level class

Course Description:

This will be an intense and fast-paced course, and you will learn the following skills:

Optimizing sail trim for the conditions and heading.
Use of the jib cars, outhaul, backstay, and traveler to optimize speed and control.
Reading the water to anticipate changing conditions - and knowing how to react to them.
Spinnaker sailing - You will learn all aspects of spinnaker sailing, including how to rig, hoist, douse, trim, and jibe. Each participant will have the opportunity to experience all positions on the boat: foredeck, pit, trim, and helming the boat while sailing with the spinnaker. We use J22s for this course, so you will be learning with a symmetric spinnaker!

This is not a racing tactics course, but participants will practice rounding marks, and some fun races will be held for skills practice.

Pre-Requisites:

Ability to smoothly execute tacks and jibes.
Ability to maintain a broad reach course while managing wind gusts and preventing accidental jibes.
Knowledge of depowering techniques in high winds.
Ability to identify all parts of a keelboat, and to explain the basic functionality of the outhaul, backstay, cunningham, and jib cars.
Ability to smoothly depart and dock in all wind conditions

If you have any questions about the course or as to whether this is the right time for you to take it - please email the Adult Education Manager at 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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Thursday, April 23, 2026)

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Thursday & Friday (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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Friday, April 24, 2026)

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Thursday & Friday (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).

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Friday, April 24, 2026)

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 20:00:00 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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

Intermediate Sailing (Level 2) Weekend Course (Saturday, April 25, 2026)

Sat, 25 Apr 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).

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Saturday, April 25, 2026)

Sat, 25 Apr 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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

Intermediate Sailing (Level 2) Weekend Course (Sunday, April 26, 2026)

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:00:00 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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Monday, April 27, 2026)

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Monday & Tuesday (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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Tuesday, April 28, 2026)

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Monday & Tuesday (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).

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course -

Wednesday through Sunday (9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

The US Sailing Basic Keelboat course is an intensive course designed to teach you all aspects of handling a keelboat, including sailing technique, water safety (including rescuing a person in the water), knots, vocabulary, and an introduction to weather. This is a nationally recognized certification course which, once completed, will allow you to progress to more advanced US Sailing courses including Basic Cruising and Bareboat Cruising.

Please read this page thoroughly to decide if this course is right for you, and if so, which option is best for you. This 5-day schedule is our fastest-paced option, and is best suited for those with some sailing experience.

The course culminates with written and practical exams, and in order to earn the Basic Keelboat Certification, each student must successfully demonstrate the ability to responsibly skipper and crew a simple daysailing keelboat in familiar waters in light to moderate wind and sea conditions. The skills tested are listed here.

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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 5-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!

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).

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course (Thursday, April 30, 2026)

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course -

Wednesday through Sunday (9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course (Friday, May 01, 2026)

Fri, 01 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course -

Wednesday through Sunday (9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course (Saturday, May 02, 2026)

Sat, 02 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course -

Wednesday through Sunday (9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Spinnaker Sailing Workshop (Saturday, May 02, 2026)

Sat, 02 May 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Spinnaker Sailing: Skills Workshop

Ready to take your sailing skills to the next level? Join us to learn how to sail with a symmetrical spinnaker — often called the "third sail."

This workshop is designed for sailors who are already comfortable crewing with main and jib and want to expand their skills. Instruction takes place aboard our J/22 and Sonar keelboats.

What You'll Learn

During this 3.5-hour on-the-water workshop, you will practice:

Rigging the spinnaker
Hoisting and Dousing
Trimming the spinnaker
Jibing with a spinnaker
Using the spinnaker pole

Each participant will rotate through key crew positions while flying the spinnaker, including:

Foredeck
Pit
Trim

Prerequisites

This is not a beginner course. Before attending, you should feel confident 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)

DSC staff carefully monitor wind conditions and will reschedule the workshop if conditions are not appropriate for introductory spinnaker training.

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 the majority of the time on the water.
Boats Used: J/22 or Sonar keelboats — both are 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 — register early to secure your spot.
If the event 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 details 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!

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course (Sunday, May 03, 2026)

Sun, 03 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course -

Wednesday through Sunday (9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Thursday, May 07, 2026)

Thu, 07 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Thursday & Friday (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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Friday, May 08, 2026)

Fri, 08 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Thursday & Friday (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).

Person Overboard Skills Workshop (Saturday, May 09, 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 16:30:00 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.

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Saturday, May 09, 2026)

Sat, 09 May 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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Monday, May 11, 2026)

Mon, 11 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Monday & Tuesday (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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)

Tue, 12 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Monday & Tuesday (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).

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Thursday, May 14, 2026)

Thu, 14 May 2026 21:00:00 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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekend Course (Saturday, May 16, 2026)

Sat, 16 May 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).

Advanced Sailing (Level 3) Weekend Course (Saturday, May 16, 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Advanced Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification Completion Weekend Course

Saturday & Sunday (9am-4pm)

Course Description:

Are you looking to round off your sailing education with the US Sailing Basic Keelboat certification? Are you already a competent sailor, with the ability to smoothly execute dockings & departures under sail, the Figure 8 POB, and the Quick Stop?

This advanced-level course is for those who have successfully completed the Level 1 and 2 courses at the DSC and have had adequate practice time to solidify skills. This course will complete the Basic Keelboat curriculum on Day 1, and on Day 2 you will complete the US Sailing Basic Keelboat written and practical exams.

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

Anchor a keelboat under sail, including sailing off the anchor
Sail effectively without a rudder
Fine tune your boat-handling skills through fun drills and skills practice
On Day 2, you will take the written and practical exams for the US Sailing BK Certification

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 take this class! This is not a class to be taken immediately after the Intermediate Sailing course - practice time in between is required to make sure you get the most out of this Advanced level class. In particular, you MUST be able to execute both types of POBs and dock smoothly under all wind conditions. These skills will not be practiced in this course, but you WILL be tested on them during Day 2.

Can you smoothly depart and return to the dock under all wind directions - upwind, downwind, and crosswind?
Are you adept at performing the Figure 8 and Quick-Stop POBs, always approaching on a Close Reach and coming to a stop at the PIW?
Do you know how to adjust your sail controls and crew placement for different wind conditions? Are you comfortable sailing in gusty conditions, making the appropriate sail trim and sail control adjustments?
Can you heave-to and reef the mainsail while hove-to?
Do you know the vocabulary for all of the parts of the boat and sails, sail controls, running and standing rigging, and points of sail?
Can you tie a bowline, cleat hitch, stopper knot, clove hitch, sheet bend, and square knot?

For those who have not taken the Level 1 and 2 courses at the DSC, if you can answer all of the above questions affirmatively, you are welcome to join us! If you have any questions as to your readiness and wish to consult with the Adult Education Manager, please email lessons@downtownsailing.org to set up a call.

If you have taken both Level 1 and Level 2 at the DSC, we will discount your cost of this course so that the total cost of this self-paced Basic Keelboat option is the same as the 5 or 6 day option. Please email lessons@downtownsailing.org if this applies to you.

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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekend Course (Sunday, May 17, 2026)

Sun, 17 May 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).

Advanced Sailing (Level 3) Weekend Course (Sunday, May 17, 2026)

Sun, 17 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Advanced Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification Completion Weekend Course

Saturday & Sunday (9am-4pm)

Course Description:

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

Anchor a keelboat under sail, including sailing off the anchor
Sail effectively without a rudder
Fine tune your boat-handling skills through fun drills and skills practice
On Day 2, you will take the written and practical exams for the US Sailing BK Certification

Can you smoothly depart and return to the dock under all wind directions - upwind, downwind, and crosswind?
Are you adept at performing the Figure 8 and Quick-Stop POBs, always approaching on a Close Reach and coming to a stop at the PIW?
Do you know how to adjust your sail controls and crew placement for different wind conditions? Are you comfortable sailing in gusty conditions, making the appropriate sail trim and sail control adjustments?
Can you heave-to and reef the mainsail while hove-to?
Do you know the vocabulary for all of the parts of the boat and sails, sail controls, running and standing rigging, and points of sail?
Can you tie a bowline, cleat hitch, stopper knot, clove hitch, sheet bend, and square knot?

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).

Women on the Water (WOW) Skipper Skills Clinic (Monday, May 18, 2026)

Mon, 18 May 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Women on the Water (WOW)
Skippers Skills Clinic

A supportive sailing clinic for women and non-binary sailors preparing to become DSC skippers.

Women on the Water (WOW) is an all-volunteer program dedicated to increasing access to sailing for women and non-binary people. As WOW continues to grow, we are excited to support more sailors who are interested in becoming skippers and leaders on the water.

Interested in Becoming a Skipper?

This Skipper Skills Clinic is designed for women and non-binary DSC members who are working toward their skipper checkout.

If you are comfortable with basic sailing skills - such as tacking, jibing, and understanding wind awareness - this clinic is a great opportunity to practice more advanced boat handling and build the confidence needed to take the next step toward skipper certification.

Our experienced sailors will help guide practice and create a supportive environment where you can ask questions, refine your skills, and prepare for your checkout.

Not Ready for Skipper Training?

That’s completely okay! If you're looking for a more relaxed sailing experience or are newer to sailing, we encourage you to join one of our regular Monday WOW sails, where beginners and experienced sailors sail together in a supportive learning environment.

Volunteer Skippers Needed

If you are already checked out as a DSC skipper, please consider signing up to volunteer skipper for this clinic.

Volunteering is a great way to strengthen your own skills while helping other women and non-binary sailors grow their confidence on the water. WOW depends on volunteer skippers to make these events possible—thank you for helping build this community!

WOW Events Schedule

WOW sessions take place on the first and third Mondays of each month during the sailing season. We occasionally hold Skipper Clinics like this one. Check the events calendar for more dates.

Who Can Participate?

The Downtown Sailing Center welcomes women and non-binary people of all experience levels. Skipper Skills Clinics are open to DSC members only.

Questions?

We're happy to help. Email info@downtownsailing.org if you have any questions about the program or what to expect.

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Friday, May 22, 2026)

Fri, 22 May 2026 21:00:00 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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

Demystifying Docking: Skills Workshop (Tuesday, May 26, 2026)

Tue, 26 May 2026 20:30:00 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!

Intermediate Sailing (Level 2) Weekend Course (Thursday, May 28, 2026)

Thu, 28 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Intermediate Sailing (Level 2): Keelboat Skipper Skill Building

Weekday Course - Thursday and Friday (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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Thursday, May 28, 2026)

Thu, 28 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Thursday & Friday (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).

Intermediate Sailing (Level 2) Weekend Course (Friday, May 29, 2026)

Fri, 29 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Intermediate Sailing (Level 2): Keelboat Skipper Skill Building

Weekday Course - Thursday and Friday (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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Friday, May 29, 2026)

Fri, 29 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Thursday & Friday (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).

Basic Keelboat 6-Day Course (Saturday, May 30, 2026)

Sat, 30 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 6-Day Course -

Saturday/Sunday over 3 Weekends (6 Days, 9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Please read this page thoroughly to decide if this course is right for you, and if so, which option is best for you. This 6-day schedule is our medium-pace option, and is best suited for those with at least a little bit of sailing experience.

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Basic Keelboat 6-Day Course (Sunday, May 31, 2026)

Sun, 31 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 6-Day Course -

Saturday/Sunday over 3 Weekends (6 Days, 9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weeknights Course (Monday, June 01, 2026)

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weeknights Course - Mon & Tues for 2 weeks

Dates: June 1,2,8,9 (June 15 will be our rain-date if any one evening is cancelled due to weather)

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).

The four-evening course takes place from 5pm - 8pm each day. 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!

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).

Spinnaker Sailing Workshop (Monday, June 01, 2026)

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Spinnaker Sailing: Skills Workshop

Ready to take your sailing skills to the next level? Join us to learn how to sail with a symmetrical spinnaker — often called the "third sail."

This workshop is designed for sailors who are already comfortable crewing with main and jib and want to expand their skills. Instruction takes place aboard our J/22 and Sonar keelboats.

What You'll Learn

During this 3.5-hour on-the-water workshop, you will practice:

Rigging the spinnaker
Hoisting and Dousing
Trimming the spinnaker
Jibing with a spinnaker
Using the spinnaker pole

Each participant will rotate through key crew positions while flying the spinnaker, including:

Foredeck
Pit
Trim

Prerequisites

This is not a beginner course. Before attending, you should feel confident 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)

DSC staff carefully monitor wind conditions and will reschedule the workshop if conditions are not appropriate for introductory spinnaker training.

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 the majority of the time on the water.
Boats Used: J/22 or Sonar keelboats — both are 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 — register early to secure your spot.
If the event 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 details 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!

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weeknights Course (Tuesday, June 02, 2026)

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weeknights Course - Mon & Tues for 2 weeks

Dates: June 1,2,8,9 (June 15 will be our rain-date if any one evening is cancelled due to weather)

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).

The four-evening course takes place from 5pm - 8pm each day. 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!

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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Thursday, June 04, 2026)

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Thursday & Friday (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).

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Thursday, June 04, 2026)

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 21:00:00 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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Friday, June 05, 2026)

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Thursday & Friday (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).

Basic Keelboat 6-Day Course (Saturday, June 06, 2026)

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 6-Day Course -

Saturday/Sunday over 3 Weekends (6 Days, 9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Basic Keelboat 6-Day Course (Sunday, June 07, 2026)

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 6-Day Course -

Saturday/Sunday over 3 Weekends (6 Days, 9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weeknights Course (Monday, June 08, 2026)

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weeknights Course - Mon & Tues for 2 weeks

Dates: June 1,2,8,9 (June 15 will be our rain-date if any one evening is cancelled due to weather)

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).

The four-evening course takes place from 5pm - 8pm each day. 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!

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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weeknights Course (Tuesday, June 09, 2026)

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weeknights Course - Mon & Tues for 2 weeks

Dates: June 1,2,8,9 (June 15 will be our rain-date if any one evening is cancelled due to weather)

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).

The four-evening course takes place from 5pm - 8pm each day. 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!

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).

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Friday, June 12, 2026)

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 21:00:00 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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekend Course (Saturday, June 13, 2026)

Sat, 13 Jun 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).

Basic Keelboat 6-Day Course (Saturday, June 13, 2026)

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 6-Day Course -

Saturday/Sunday over 3 Weekends (6 Days, 9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekend Course (Sunday, June 14, 2026)

Sun, 14 Jun 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).

Basic Keelboat 6-Day Course (Sunday, June 14, 2026)

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 6-Day Course -

Saturday/Sunday over 3 Weekends (6 Days, 9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Sunday, June 14, 2026)

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 21:00:00 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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weeknights Course (Monday, June 15, 2026)

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weeknights Course - Mon & Tues for 2 weeks

Dates: June 15,16,22,23 (June 29 will be our rain-date if any one evening is cancelled due to weather)

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).

The four-evening course takes place from 5pm - 8pm each day. 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!

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).

Women on the Water (WOW) Skipper Skills Clinic (Monday, June 15, 2026)

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Women on the Water (WOW)
Skippers Skills Clinic

A supportive sailing clinic for women and non-binary sailors preparing to become DSC skippers.

Interested in Becoming a Skipper?

This Skipper Skills Clinic is designed for women and non-binary DSC members who are working toward their skipper checkout.

Our experienced sailors will help guide practice and create a supportive environment where you can ask questions, refine your skills, and prepare for your checkout.

Not Ready for Skipper Training?

Volunteer Skippers Needed

If you are already checked out as a DSC skipper, please consider signing up to volunteer skipper for this clinic.

WOW Events Schedule

WOW sessions take place on the first and third Mondays of each month during the sailing season. We occasionally hold Skipper Clinics like this one. Check the events calendar for more dates.

Who Can Participate?

The Downtown Sailing Center welcomes women and non-binary people of all experience levels. Skipper Skills Clinics are open to DSC members only.

Questions?

We're happy to help. Email info@downtownsailing.org if you have any questions about the program or what to expect.

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weeknights Course (Tuesday, June 16, 2026)

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weeknights Course - Mon & Tues for 2 weeks

Dates: June 15,16,22,23 (June 29 will be our rain-date if any one evening is cancelled due to weather)

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).

The four-evening course takes place from 5pm - 8pm each day. 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!

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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Thursday, June 18, 2026)

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Thursday & Friday (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).

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Thursday, June 18, 2026)

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 21:00:00 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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Friday, June 19, 2026)

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Thursday & Friday (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).

Person Overboard Skills Workshop (Saturday, June 20, 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 16:30:00 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.

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Saturday, June 20, 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weeknights Course (Monday, June 22, 2026)

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weeknights Course - Mon & Tues for 2 weeks

Dates: June 15,16,22,23 (June 29 will be our rain-date if any one evening is cancelled due to weather)

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).

The four-evening course takes place from 5pm - 8pm each day. 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!

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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weeknights Course (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weeknights Course - Mon & Tues for 2 weeks

Dates: June 15,16,22,23 (June 29 will be our rain-date if any one evening is cancelled due to weather)

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).

The four-evening course takes place from 5pm - 8pm each day. 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!

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).

Demystifying Docking: Skills Workshop (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:00:00 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

You'll practice each maneuver multiple times with coaching from a skilled instructor.

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!

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course -

Wednesday through Sunday (9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course (Thursday, June 25, 2026)

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course -

Wednesday through Sunday (9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course (Friday, June 26, 2026)

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course -

Wednesday through Sunday (9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekend Course (Saturday, June 27, 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 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).

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course (Saturday, June 27, 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course -

Wednesday through Sunday (9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekend Course (Sunday, June 28, 2026)

Sun, 28 Jun 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).

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course (Sunday, June 28, 2026)

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course -

Wednesday through Sunday (9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Sunday, June 28, 2026)

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:00:00 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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Thursday, July 02, 2026)

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 21:00:00 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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weeknights Course (Monday, July 06, 2026)

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weeknights Course - Mon & Tues for 2 weeks

Dates: July 6,7,13,14 (July 20 will be our rain-date if any one evening is cancelled due to weather)

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).

The four-evening course takes place from 5pm - 8pm each day. 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!

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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weeknights Course (Tuesday, July 07, 2026)

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weeknights Course - Mon & Tues for 2 weeks

Dates: July 6,7,13,14 (July 20 will be our rain-date if any one evening is cancelled due to weather)

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).

The four-evening course takes place from 5pm - 8pm each day. 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!

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).

Demystifying Docking: Skills Workshop (Tuesday, July 07, 2026)

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 21:00:00 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!

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Thursday, July 09, 2026)

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Thursday & Friday (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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Friday, July 10, 2026)

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Thursday & Friday (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).

Basic Keelboat 6-Day Course (Saturday, July 11, 2026)

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 6-Day Course -

Saturday/Sunday over 3 Weekends (6 Days, 9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Spinnaker Sailing Workshop (Saturday, July 11, 2026)

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Spinnaker Sailing: Skills Workshop

Ready to take your sailing skills to the next level? Join us to learn how to sail with a symmetrical spinnaker — often called the "third sail."

This workshop is designed for sailors who are already comfortable crewing with main and jib and want to expand their skills. Instruction takes place aboard our J/22 and Sonar keelboats.

What You'll Learn

During this 3.5-hour on-the-water workshop, you will practice:

Rigging the spinnaker
Hoisting and Dousing
Trimming the spinnaker
Jibing with a spinnaker
Using the spinnaker pole

Each participant will rotate through key crew positions while flying the spinnaker, including:

Foredeck
Pit
Trim

Prerequisites

This is not a beginner course. Before attending, you should feel confident 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)

DSC staff carefully monitor wind conditions and will reschedule the workshop if conditions are not appropriate for introductory spinnaker training.

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 the majority of the time on the water.
Boats Used: J/22 or Sonar keelboats — both are 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 — register early to secure your spot.
If the event 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 details 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!

Basic Keelboat 6-Day Course (Sunday, July 12, 2026)

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 6-Day Course -

Saturday/Sunday over 3 Weekends (6 Days, 9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weeknights Course (Monday, July 13, 2026)

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weeknights Course - Mon & Tues for 2 weeks

Dates: July 6,7,13,14 (July 20 will be our rain-date if any one evening is cancelled due to weather)

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).

The four-evening course takes place from 5pm - 8pm each day. 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!

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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weeknights Course (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weeknights Course - Mon & Tues for 2 weeks

Dates: July 6,7,13,14 (July 20 will be our rain-date if any one evening is cancelled due to weather)

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).

The four-evening course takes place from 5pm - 8pm each day. 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!

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).

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Thursday, July 16, 2026)

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 21:00:00 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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

Intermediate Sailing (Level 2) Weekend Course (Saturday, July 18, 2026)

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 13:00:00 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).

Basic Keelboat 6-Day Course (Saturday, July 18, 2026)

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 6-Day Course -

Saturday/Sunday over 3 Weekends (6 Days, 9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Saturday, July 18, 2026)

Sat, 18 Jul 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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

Intermediate Sailing (Level 2) Weekend Course (Sunday, July 19, 2026)

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 13:00:00 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).

Basic Keelboat 6-Day Course (Sunday, July 19, 2026)

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 6-Day Course -

Saturday/Sunday over 3 Weekends (6 Days, 9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Monday, July 20, 2026)

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Monday & Tuesday (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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weeknights Course (Monday, July 20, 2026)

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weeknights Course - Mon & Tues for 2 weeks

Dates: July 20,21,27,28 (Aug 3 will be our rain-date if any one evening is cancelled due to weather)

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).

The four-evening course takes place from 5pm - 8pm each day. 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!

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).

Women on the Water (WOW) Skipper Skills Clinic (Monday, July 20, 2026)

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Women on the Water (WOW)
Skippers Skills Clinic

A supportive sailing clinic for women and non-binary sailors preparing to become DSC skippers.

Interested in Becoming a Skipper?

This Skipper Skills Clinic is designed for women and non-binary DSC members who are working toward their skipper checkout.

Our experienced sailors will help guide practice and create a supportive environment where you can ask questions, refine your skills, and prepare for your checkout.

Not Ready for Skipper Training?

Volunteer Skippers Needed

If you are already checked out as a DSC skipper, please consider signing up to volunteer skipper for this clinic.

WOW Events Schedule

WOW sessions take place on the first and third Mondays of each month during the sailing season. We occasionally hold Skipper Clinics like this one. Check the events calendar for more dates.

Who Can Participate?

The Downtown Sailing Center welcomes women and non-binary people of all experience levels. Skipper Skills Clinics are open to DSC members only.

Questions?

We're happy to help. Email info@downtownsailing.org if you have any questions about the program or what to expect.

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Monday & Tuesday (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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weeknights Course (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weeknights Course - Mon & Tues for 2 weeks

Dates: July 20,21,27,28 (Aug 3 will be our rain-date if any one evening is cancelled due to weather)

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).

The four-evening course takes place from 5pm - 8pm each day. 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!

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).

Person Overboard Skills Workshop (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:00:00 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 (Saturday, July 25, 2026)

Sat, 25 Jul 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).

Basic Keelboat 6-Day Course (Saturday, July 25, 2026)

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 6-Day Course -

Saturday/Sunday over 3 Weekends (6 Days, 9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekend Course (Sunday, July 26, 2026)

Sun, 26 Jul 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).

Basic Keelboat 6-Day Course (Sunday, July 26, 2026)

Sun, 26 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 6-Day Course -

Saturday/Sunday over 3 Weekends (6 Days, 9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weeknights Course (Monday, July 27, 2026)

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weeknights Course - Mon & Tues for 2 weeks

Dates: July 20,21,27,28 (Aug 3 will be our rain-date if any one evening is cancelled due to weather)

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).

The four-evening course takes place from 5pm - 8pm each day. 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!

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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weeknights Course (Tuesday, July 28, 2026)

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weeknights Course - Mon & Tues for 2 weeks

Dates: July 20,21,27,28 (Aug 3 will be our rain-date if any one evening is cancelled due to weather)

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).

The four-evening course takes place from 5pm - 8pm each day. 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!

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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Thursday, July 30, 2026)

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Thursday & Friday (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).

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Thursday, July 30, 2026)

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 21:00:00 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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Friday, July 31, 2026)

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Thursday & Friday (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).

Intermediate Sailing (Level 2) Weekend Course (Saturday, August 01, 2026)

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 13:00:00 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).

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Saturday, August 01, 2026)

Sat, 01 Aug 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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

Intermediate Sailing (Level 2) Weekend Course (Sunday, August 02, 2026)

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:00:00 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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Thursday, August 06, 2026)

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Thursday & Friday (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).

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Thursday, August 06, 2026)

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:00:00 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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Friday, August 07, 2026)

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Thursday & Friday (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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekend Course (Saturday, August 08, 2026)

Sat, 08 Aug 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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekend Course (Sunday, August 09, 2026)

Sun, 09 Aug 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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Monday, August 10, 2026)

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Monday & Tuesday (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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Tuesday, August 11, 2026)

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Monday & Tuesday (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).

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Thursday, August 13, 2026)

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 21:00:00 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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Saturday, August 15, 2026)

Sat, 15 Aug 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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Sunday, August 16, 2026)

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 21:00:00 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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

Women on the Water (WOW) Skipper Skills Clinic (Monday, August 17, 2026)

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Women on the Water (WOW)
Skippers Skills Clinic

A supportive sailing clinic for women and non-binary sailors preparing to become DSC skippers.

Interested in Becoming a Skipper?

This Skipper Skills Clinic is designed for women and non-binary DSC members who are working toward their skipper checkout.

Our experienced sailors will help guide practice and create a supportive environment where you can ask questions, refine your skills, and prepare for your checkout.

Not Ready for Skipper Training?

Volunteer Skippers Needed

If you are already checked out as a DSC skipper, please consider signing up to volunteer skipper for this clinic.

WOW Events Schedule

WOW sessions take place on the first and third Mondays of each month during the sailing season. We occasionally hold Skipper Clinics like this one. Check the events calendar for more dates.

Who Can Participate?

The Downtown Sailing Center welcomes women and non-binary people of all experience levels. Skipper Skills Clinics are open to DSC members only.

Questions?

We're happy to help. Email info@downtownsailing.org if you have any questions about the program or what to expect.

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Thursday, August 20, 2026)

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Thursday & Friday (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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Friday, August 21, 2026)

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Thursday & Friday (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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekend Course (Saturday, August 22, 2026)

Sat, 22 Aug 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).

Demystifying Docking: Skills Workshop (Saturday, August 22, 2026)

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 16:30:00 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!

Advanced Sailing (Level 3) Weekend Course (Saturday, August 29, 2026)

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Advanced Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification Completion Weekend Course

Saturday & Sunday (9am-4pm)

Course Description:

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

Anchor a keelboat under sail, including sailing off the anchor
Sail effectively without a rudder
Fine tune your boat-handling skills through fun drills and skills practice
On Day 2, you will take the written and practical exams for the US Sailing BK Certification

Can you smoothly depart and return to the dock under all wind directions - upwind, downwind, and crosswind?
Are you adept at performing the Figure 8 and Quick-Stop POBs, always approaching on a Close Reach and coming to a stop at the PIW?
Do you know how to adjust your sail controls and crew placement for different wind conditions? Are you comfortable sailing in gusty conditions, making the appropriate sail trim and sail control adjustments?
Can you heave-to and reef the mainsail while hove-to?
Do you know the vocabulary for all of the parts of the boat and sails, sail controls, running and standing rigging, and points of sail?
Can you tie a bowline, cleat hitch, stopper knot, clove hitch, sheet bend, and square knot?

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).

Advanced Sailing (Level 3) Weekend Course (Sunday, August 30, 2026)

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Advanced Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification Completion Weekend Course

Saturday & Sunday (9am-4pm)

Course Description:

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

Anchor a keelboat under sail, including sailing off the anchor
Sail effectively without a rudder
Fine tune your boat-handling skills through fun drills and skills practice
On Day 2, you will take the written and practical exams for the US Sailing BK Certification

Can you smoothly depart and return to the dock under all wind directions - upwind, downwind, and crosswind?
Are you adept at performing the Figure 8 and Quick-Stop POBs, always approaching on a Close Reach and coming to a stop at the PIW?
Do you know how to adjust your sail controls and crew placement for different wind conditions? Are you comfortable sailing in gusty conditions, making the appropriate sail trim and sail control adjustments?
Can you heave-to and reef the mainsail while hove-to?
Do you know the vocabulary for all of the parts of the boat and sails, sail controls, running and standing rigging, and points of sail?
Can you tie a bowline, cleat hitch, stopper knot, clove hitch, sheet bend, and square knot?

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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Wednesday, September 02, 2026)

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Wednesday & Thursday (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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Thursday, September 03, 2026)

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Wednesday & Thursday (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).

Demystifying Docking: Skills Workshop (Friday, September 11, 2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 19:30:00 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!

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekend Course (Saturday, September 12, 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 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).

Spinnaker Sailing Workshop (Saturday, September 12, 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Spinnaker Sailing: Skills Workshop

Ready to take your sailing skills to the next level? Join us to learn how to sail with a symmetrical spinnaker — often called the "third sail."

This workshop is designed for sailors who are already comfortable crewing with main and jib and want to expand their skills. Instruction takes place aboard our J/22 and Sonar keelboats.

What You'll Learn

During this 3.5-hour on-the-water workshop, you will practice:

Rigging the spinnaker
Hoisting and Dousing
Trimming the spinnaker
Jibing with a spinnaker
Using the spinnaker pole

Each participant will rotate through key crew positions while flying the spinnaker, including:

Foredeck
Pit
Trim

Prerequisites

This is not a beginner course. Before attending, you should feel confident 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)

DSC staff carefully monitor wind conditions and will reschedule the workshop if conditions are not appropriate for introductory spinnaker training.

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 the majority of the time on the water.
Boats Used: J/22 or Sonar keelboats — both are 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 — register early to secure your spot.
If the event 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 details 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!

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekend Course (Sunday, September 13, 2026)

Sun, 13 Sep 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).

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Sunday, September 13, 2026)

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 20:00:00 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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

Women on the Water (WOW) Skipper Skills Clinic (Monday, September 14, 2026)

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Women on the Water (WOW)

Skipper Skills Clinic

An all-volunteer effort to increase access to sailing for all women and non-binary people.

WOW is growing, and we need more women and non-binary skippers to help ensure the success of this program!

This skipper skills clinic is for women/non-binary DSC members with their sights set on skipperhood! If you have learned the basics of tacking, jibiing, and wind awareness - come out to practice the more advanced skills and get ready for YOUR skipper check out!

Beginner or not interested in becoming a skipper? That's ok and our our general WOW sails will start again in April 2027!

If you are already checked out as a DSC skipper, please sign up to volunteer skipper. This will allow you to develop your skills while boosting other women. We cannot run this program without your support!

WOW will take place on the first and third Mondays during the season.

The Downtown Sailing Center welcomes women and non-binary people of all skills and experience levels to participate with us.

If you have further questions, email info@downtownsailing.org

Intermediate Sailing (Level 2) Weekend Course (Saturday, September 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 13:00:00 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).

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Saturday, September 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

Intermediate Sailing (Level 2) Weekend Course (Sunday, September 20, 2026)

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 13:00:00 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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Monday, September 21, 2026)

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Monday & Tuesday (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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Tuesday, September 22, 2026)

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Monday & Tuesday (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).

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course (Wednesday, September 30, 2026)

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course -

Wednesday through Sunday (9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course (Thursday, October 01, 2026)

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course -

Wednesday through Sunday (9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course (Friday, October 02, 2026)

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course -

Wednesday through Sunday (9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekend Course (Saturday, October 03, 2026)

Sat, 03 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).

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course (Saturday, October 03, 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course -

Wednesday through Sunday (9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekend Course (Sunday, October 04, 2026)

Sun, 04 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).

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course (Sunday, October 04, 2026)

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course -

Wednesday through Sunday (9am-4pm daily)

Course Description:

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook, sticker, and one-year US Sailing membership.

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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Thursday, October 08, 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Thursday & Friday (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).

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Friday, October 09, 2026)

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Sailing Weekday Course

Thursday & Friday (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).

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Friday, October 09, 2026)

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:00:00 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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

Intermediate Sailing (Level 2) Weekend Course (Saturday, October 10, 2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 13:00:00 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).

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Saturday, October 10, 2026)

Sat, 10 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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

Intermediate Sailing (Level 2) Weekend Course (Sunday, October 11, 2026)

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 13:00:00 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).

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Saturday, October 17, 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 19:00:00 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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

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!

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).

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!

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.

Boats and Facilities

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!

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).

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:

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).

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).

The Downtown Sailing Center upcoming events

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekend Course (Saturday, April 11, 2026)

Course Description:

Details:

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Saturday, April 11, 2026)

Taste of Sailing - 3 Hour Introductory Sail

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekend Course (Sunday, April 12, 2026)

Course Description:

Details:

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekend Course (Saturday, April 18, 2026)

Course Description:

Details:

Performance Sailing 2-Day Course (Saturday, April 18, 2026)

**Advanced level class**

Course Description:

Details:

Demystifying Docking: Skills Workshop (Saturday, April 18, 2026)

Demystifying Docking: Skills Workshop

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekend Course (Sunday, April 19, 2026)

Course Description:

Details:

Performance Sailing 2-Day Course (Sunday, April 19, 2026)

**Advanced level class**

Course Description:

Details:

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Thursday, April 23, 2026)

Course Description:

Details:

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Friday, April 24, 2026)

Course Description:

Details:

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Friday, April 24, 2026)

Taste of Sailing - 3 Hour Introductory Sail

Intermediate Sailing (Level 2) Weekend Course (Saturday, April 25, 2026)

Course Description:

Details:

Taste of Sailing: 3 Hour Introductory Sail (Saturday, April 25, 2026)

Taste of Sailing - 3 Hour Introductory Sail

Intermediate Sailing (Level 2) Weekend Course (Sunday, April 26, 2026)

Course Description:

Details:

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Monday, April 27, 2026)

Course Description:

Details:

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Tuesday, April 28, 2026)

Course Description:

Details:

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)

Course Description:

Details:

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course (Thursday, April 30, 2026)

Course Description:

Details:

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course (Friday, May 01, 2026)

Course Description:

Details:

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course (Saturday, May 02, 2026)

Course Description:

Details:

Spinnaker Sailing Workshop (Saturday, May 02, 2026)

Spinnaker Sailing: Skills Workshop

What You'll Learn

Prerequisites

Course Details

Location & Arrival

What to Bring & Wear

Registration & Policies

Basic Keelboat 5-Day Course (Sunday, May 03, 2026)

Course Description:

Details:

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Thursday, May 07, 2026)

Course Description:

Details:

Introduction to Sailing (Level 1) Weekdays Course (Friday, May 08, 2026)

Course Description:

Details:

Person Overboard Skills Workshop (Saturday, May 09, 2026)

Person Overboard Recovery: Skills Workshop

What You’ll Learn

How the Workshop Works

Advanced level class

Advanced level class

Women on the Water (WOW)
Skippers Skills Clinic