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US Sailing Basic Keelboat Course

  • ~40 hours
  • All Skill Levels
  • 5-day Immersive, 3-weekends, or Self-paced

The US Sailing Basic Keelboat course is an intensive program designed to teach all aspects of handling a keelboat. You'll learn sailing techniques, water safety (including person-overboard rescues), knots, sailing vocabulary, and an introduction to weather. This nationally recognized certification course prepares you for more advanced US Sailing courses, such as Basic Cruising and Bareboat Cruising.

Certification

The course concludes with both written and practical exams. To earn the Basic Keelboat Certification, students must demonstrate the ability to responsibly skipper and crew a simple daysailing keelboat in familiar waters under light to moderate wind and sea conditions.

Available Course Formats

5-Day Immersive Experience

This intensive course is offered over five consecutive days (typically Wednesday through Sunday) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It provides the most immersive experience for students who have prior sailing knowledge and are comfortable with general sailing concepts. This option is ideal for those seeking formal instruction on proper techniques, vocabulary, and advanced maneuvers. Homework will be assigned at the end of each day, with exams taking place on Day 5.

3-Weekend Experience

This 6-day option is offered over three consecutive weekends (with occasional breaks for holidays—see the calendar for exact dates). It's ideal for students with some prior sailing experience, and you'll benefit most if you're a DSC member who participates in Wednesday evening member sails or an individual with a way to practice between weekends. Homework will be assigned each day, and the extra day provides additional instruction and review before exams on Day 6.

Self-Paced Certification

The Basic Keelboat curriculum can be broken up by taking DSC's Intro, Intermediate, and Advanced courses at your own pace. The advantage of this approach is that you can tailor the timeline to suit your learning style and allow time for practice between courses. Each course includes ~14 hours of instruction, and the Advanced (Level 3) course concludes with the Basic Keelboat exams.

Basic Keelboat Course Challenge

If you are an experienced sailor, US Sailing allows you to challenge the Basic Keelboat course by completing the written and practical examinations to achieve certification. Please contact us for pricing or to schedule exams.

Basic Keelboat Course FAQs

Who should take the Basic Keelboat Course?

This course is intended for those looking for an intensive sailing course AND a US Sailing certification. The Basic Keelboat certification is a prerequisite for more advanced US Sailing courses, including Basic Cruising and Bareboat Cruising.

Should I take this course if I have never sailed before?

If you are a beginning sailor, we recommend that you pace out the curriculum, which you can do by following the "self paced" option #3 and starting with the Intro (Level 1) course. The best way to do this is to join the DSC as a member, which will give you a discount on the courses and the ability to practice in between. Practice time is the key to success as it takes time and repetition, as well as sailing in different conditions, to become truly proficient at sailing.

If you have prior sailing experience, then one of the fast-paced options may be best suited for you.

How can I get some sailing experience before taking this class?

The best way is to join the DSC as a crew member! You can come to Member Sails as a novice, and our skippers will help you get acclimated to the boats and to sailing. After you’ve come out to at least 5 or 6 sails, if you are feeling comfortable taking the helm and performing the duties of a crew member, you will have a better idea of how you enjoy learning and which option will be best for you.

What if I do not pass the exams?

If you do not pass, you will receive a Plan of Improvement, which will detail exactly what skills you need to practice. DSC members can then practice by coming out to Member Sails or connecting with DSC skippers privately. You’ll have 90 days from the date of your exam to practice and will then be able to try again, only having to repeat the skills which were unsuccessful the first time. The first re-test is free, any beyond that will incur a fee so we can pay for the instructors' time.

Does passing this course automatically make me a DSC skipper?

Maybe! We have a high standard for our skippers at the DSC, so if you pass the practical exam with flying colors you may be certified as a skipper. DSC skippers will have the responsibility of crew safety and taking care of the fleet, so we must require outstanding performance on the practical exam for this privilege.

Rates & Dates

$950/members

$1175/non-members

Upcoming Classes

Sailing School Calendar

View Class Calendar

Download Skills List

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?

Consult with the Adult Education Manager to discuss which is the best option for you.