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THrilling summer Sailing camp for kids and teens ages 8-16

The DSC summer sailing camp offers a unique experience in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Whether your child is new to sailing or looking to hone their racing skills, our flexible programs cater to all levels of experience. With a 1:4 staff-to-camper ratio, each child receives personalized instruction tailored to their skill level. Let your child discover the joy of sailing at the DSC this summer!

New Sailors Welcome

No sailing experience necessary! We tailor instruction for all skills!

Safety First

1:4 staff-to-camper ratio ensures personalized attention and safety

Sailing-based STEM

Enjoy fun STEM projects while exploring the historic Inner Harbor

Scholarships Available

Scholarships are available for campers with financial need

Beginner Camp

  • 1 week
  • Ages 8 - 16
  • 4 campers per boat

Beginner Sailing Camp is ideal for kids and teens looking to try sailing for the first time or returning campers wanting to refine their basic skills. Each boat is staffed with one instructor and accommodates four campers. Friends attending together can request to be placed on the same boat crew.

Learning the Ropes

The goal of the beginner programming is to make everyone a comfortable crewmember on the boats, while beginning to showcase some of the skills required to be a skipper.

  • Wind awareness
  • Parts of the boat
  • Essential knot tying
  • Points of sail
  • Tacking and jibing
  • Basic sail trim
  • Basic skippering
  • Sailing a windward-leeward course

Intermediate Camp

  • 2 weeks
  • Ages 10 - 16
  • 4 campers per boat

Intermediate programming bridges the divide from crewmember to skipper in a two week course focused around getting campers prepared to sail a J22 unassisted. 

From Crew Member to Skipper

During the first week, boat crews will practice their skills with an instructor onboard. During the second week, coaches will be instructing from a powerboat a short distance away while campers continue to develop their skills and become proficient skippers.

Week 1 Skills

  • Sail trim and crew work
  • How to use a spinnaker
  • Launching/Docking
  • Person-in-water recovery drills

Week 2 Skills

  • Spinnaker Sets and Douses
  • Basics of Racing
  • Sailing Backwards
  • Steering without a rudder

RATES & DATES

$990/members

$1100/non-members

  • Session A
    June 23 - 27 (week 1)
    June 30 - July 4 (week 2)
  • Session B
    July 7 - 11 (week 1)
    July 14 - 18 (week 2)
  • Session C
    July 21 - 25 (week 1)
    July 28 - Aug 1 (week 2)
  • Session D
    Aug 4 - 8 (week 1)
    Aug 11 - 15 (week 2)

A Typical Day at Camp

While every day at camp is a little bit different, this is what most days typically look like.


9:00 AM - Check-in & Chalk Talk

Each day starts with a brief "chalk talk," where counselors outline the day's learning objectives for the boat groups. They discuss key sailing concepts and use visual aids to help reinforce the lessons, ensuring everyone is ready for the day ahead.


9:45 AM - Rigging Boats

After the chalk talk, campers apply sunscreen, use the facilities, grab their lifejackets and water bottles and head to the docks to rig their boats. Each member of the boat crew will assist rigging the boats, carefully attaching the mainsail and jib to the mast. They secure the halyards, organize the lines, and double-check the setup, ensuring the boat is fully prepared for a day of sailing.


10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Morning Sail

Here's where the fun really begins! Campers spend several hours sailing around Inner Harbor. Counselors ensure that everyone has the opportunity to take a turn at the helm and handle the sheets, gaining hands-on experience while enjoying the water.


12:00 PM Lunch, Hydration, and Sunscreen

After sailing, campers return to the docks and relax in the shaded area for lunch, hydration, and sunscreen application. On especially hot days, lunch may be extended, with access to the air-conditioned break room at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. Frozen treats are often provided to help everyone cool off!


12:45 - 3:15 PM Afternoon Sail

After lunch and a rest, campers return to their boats for several more hours on the water. They have the opportunity to practice their nautical lingo and refine the skills they learned earlier in the day, further building their confidence and sailing expertise.


3:15 - 3:45 PM De-Rigging Boats

After a day on the water, campers carefully de-rig their boats, lowering the sails, coiling the lines, and securing the equipment. With the help of their counselor, they work together to clean and store everything, ensuring proper maintenance.

Parent/Guardian Information

Parents/Guardians must complete all camp paperwork and submit it online at least 14 days before the start of their camper's session.

Complete Paperwork Online

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about what your child needs to bring, what items are prohibited, or other items not covered on this page?

Read Camp FAQs

Thank You To Our Supporters

Thank you to our friends at the AYC Foundation for providing scholarships that allow area youth to attend our camps!



Inclimate Weather Policy

If weather or wind prevents sailing, we engage campers in fun and educational on-land activities, including STEM projects, buoyancy experiments, knot-tying races, sailing jeopardy and water quality testing. We always prioritize safety, and in case of thunderstorms, the Baltimore Museum of Industry provides a safe indoor space.

___________________________________________________________

The Downtown Sailing Center

Est 1994
1425 Key Highway, Suite 110, Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 727-0722 • info@downtownsailing.org

Liability Waiver


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