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Intermediate Sailing (Level 2)

  • 14 hours
  • Intermediate
  • Weekdays or weekends

Are you looking to take your sailing skills to the next level? This intermediate-level course is for those competent crew members looking to advance their skills in boat-handling.

Keelboat Skipper Skill Building

This course is ideal for those with solid crewing skills (see below) who are looking to advance to the DSC skipper level - 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 from all wind directions
  • Return to the dock under sail from all wind directions
  • Perform a person overboard recovery
  • Heave-to
  • Reef sails

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 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.

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.

$450/members

$550/non-members

Upcoming Classes

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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.

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