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Advanced Sailing (Level 3)

  • 14 hours
  • Advanced
  • Weekdays or weekends

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?

Basic Keelboat Certification Completion

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:

  • Fine-tune your sail trim for optimal performance
  • Use sail controls appropriately
  • Anchor and moor a keelboat under sail
  • Sail effectively without a rudder
  • Fine tune your boat-handling skills through fun drills and skills practice
  • Evaluate weather conditions and leverage free weather information resources
  • take the written and practical exams for the US Sailing BK Certification

Class Prerequisites

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. You WILL be tested on these skills 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?
  • 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?
  • Do you know the rules of the road and have basic navigation skills, including how to interpret the Aids to Navigation on the water?

For those who have not taken the Level 1 and Level 2 courses at the DSC, if you can answer all of the above questions affirmatively, you are welcome to join us!

$450*/members

$550*/non-members

*A discount is available if you've completed Level 1 and Level 2 at the DSC this year. Contact us for details.

Upcoming Classes

  View Full Calendar

Waitlist and Cancellation Policy

Waitlist

If the class you want to attend is fully booked, feel free to join the waitlist. We will send an email to the waitlist when a spot becomes available. It is then first come first serve.

Cancellations

Participant Cancellations

Participant cancellations made 14 days or more in advance of the event date will receive a 100% refund. Cancellations made 7-13 days in advance of the event date will receive a 50% refund, unless we are able to fill the opening in which case a 100% refund will be issued. Cancellations made within 48 hours to the event will not be refunded unless the opening is filled, in which case a 100% refund will be issued.

The above policy applies to change requests, and we have a $35 Course Change Fee to switch dates or cancel a class with any amount of notice.

The DSC will do its best to find a replacement student for the course.

Please email info@downtownsailing.org to cancel a registration.

DSC Cancellations

If the Downtown Sailing Center cancels your course, you will be rescheduled for another offering at no cost or a refund will be issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of boats are used for classes?

Most courses are taught aboard the DSC's keelboats - either a J/22 or a Sonar. Both have a heavy keel to provide stability and will not tip over during your sail!

Please note that Performance Sailing is only taught aboard J/22s and uses symmetrical spinnakers.

Basic Cruising and Bareboat Cruising courses are taught aboard the DSC's cruising boats, auxiliary-powered vessel between 30' and 40' in length.

Is parking available?

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.

Are there breaks during class?

Our full-day classes return for a lunch break in the middle of each day, but you should plan to be on the water for up to three hours at a stretch.

What do I need to bring?

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 water bottle, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen and a great attitude.

View All FAQs

Questions?

If you have questions as to your readiness for this class, set up a call with the Adult Education Manager