The Downtown Sailing Center upcoming events

TNR End of Season Party (Friday, November 06, 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

You’re invited to the Thursday Night Racing end-of-season awards party!

When: Friday, November 6, 7:00 PM

Where: Checkerspot Brewing, 1399 S Sharp St, Baltimore

Bring your friends! Friends, family, crew, and anyone curious about racing are all welcome. It’s a great way to meet the fleet and maybe find new crew for next season.

Three quick asks before the party, all by Wednesday, October 30:

Nominate: Vote for this year’s awards here.
Chip in: A few dollars toward awards goes a long way. Venmo Jeff at https://venmo.com/u/Jeffrey-Poehler with the note “TNR awards.”
Share photos: Upload your favorite shots of your team racing this season to our Google Drive folder (Google sign-in required): https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12pGsVeZOaQnqgCSqpELfH5FCEuPcOanx?usp=sharing. We’ll use them for the awards.

Cruising Winterization Work Party (Saturday, November 07, 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

End-of-Season Work Party

All are welcome to come help and learn about taking sails down, engine maintenance, and other winterization tasks for our cruising fleet.

Location: B-Dock

If registration fills up, please join the waitlist and look for an email about coming down to help. Check Circle for more details and to post any questions.

Frostbite Racing (Saturday, November 07, 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Frostbite racing – 12:00–3:00 PM

Bundle up and hit the starting line - Frostbite Racing is back at the Downtown Sailing Center! Gather your crew and join us for an afternoon of fast, fun racing around the buoys.

Frostbite Racing is a self-run member event. Members typically meet on the docks before racing to decide on a course for the day. Sailors are welcome to take out the hippity-hop marks (small orange ball marks) to set and retrieve a course, or the group can choose a course using government marks.

Please note that the DSC staff do not assign teams or monitor skipper-to-crew ratios, so sailors are responsible for finding their own boat or crew.

Schedule

Arrival & Rigging: 12:00 PM
First Race: 12:30 PM

Find Your Crew

Skippers and crews are encouraged to form teams in advance - use Circle to connect with other sailors and form a team for the day. Don't have a team? Arrive by 12:00 and connect with available skippers and crew on the docks.

Registration opens one week before each event and is required so participants receive timely event updates and cancellation notices. Skippers must also reserve their boats in advance through RecHub.

Important Notes:

Main and jib only - No spinnakers
Lifejackets are required
Skippers must reserve boats in advance
Registration is required for all participants
Racing will be canceled if winds exceed 20 kts or staff feels conditions are unsafe
Participation is at sailors' own risk. Please read the Fall/Winter Sailing Policies before going out.

Cool weather. Hot competition. Come race with us!

Member Town Hall & Community Gathering (Sunday, November 08, 2026)

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Member Town Hall & Community Gathering

Sunday, November 8 | In Person

Good company, great conversation, and a look at what's ahead for the Downtown Sailing Center!

We're bringing our November Member Town Hall together in person! Join Sharon and fellow members for a relaxed morning of conversation, community, and a look at the exciting things taking shape for 2027.

There's a lot happening at the DSC, and we want YOU to be part of the conversation! We'll share updates, celebrate what we've accomplished together, and talk about where we're headed next.

On the agenda:

2027 Planning: What's on the horizon for next season, including programs, priorities, and opportunities.
Member Survey Results: What you told us, what we've learned, and how your feedback will help shape the DSC experience.
Dock Project Updates: The latest progress on our dock transformation and what's coming next.
Full Sail 2027: A sneak peek at our annual celebration and how you can get involved.

Most importantly, we want to hear from you! This is your opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, connect with other members, and help shape the future of our sailing community.

Coffee & Conversation!

We'll have the coffee brewing! Feel free to bring a breakfast treat or snack for yourself or something to share with the group. Bringing food is completely optional—just bring yourself!

Whether you've been part of the DSC for years or just joined this season, your perspective matters, and we'd love to see you there.

Please register in advance so we know how many members to expect. Let's get together, share ideas, and look ahead to an exciting 2027!

Frostbite Racing (Saturday, November 21, 2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Frostbite racing – 12:00–3:00 PM

Bundle up and hit the starting line - Frostbite Racing is back at the Downtown Sailing Center! Gather your crew and join us for an afternoon of fast, fun racing around the buoys.

Please note that the DSC staff do not assign teams or monitor skipper-to-crew ratios, so sailors are responsible for finding their own boat or crew.

Schedule

Arrival & Rigging: 12:00 PM
First Race: 12:30 PM

Find Your Crew

Important Notes:

Main and jib only - No spinnakers
Lifejackets are required
Skippers must reserve boats in advance
Registration is required for all participants
Racing will be canceled if winds exceed 20 kts or staff feels conditions are unsafe
Participation is at sailors' own risk. Please read the Fall/Winter Sailing Policies before going out.

Cool weather. Hot competition. Come race with us!

Sewing Basics and Sailrite Machine Orientation (Wednesday, December 02, 2026)

Wed, 02 Dec 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Sewing Basics and Sailrite Machine Orientation

Are you interested in helping with the Canvas Committee this year, but have never used a sewing machine? This hands-on event will teach you the basics of sewing using a Sailrite sewing machine.

We will cover:

How to thread the machine
Setting up the bobbin
Reviewing the different machine settings (diagonal vs straight, stitch length, etc)
Making some basic stitches, learn to turn a corner, and get used to the foot pedal and hand crank on the Sailrite.

This event will be held in the Liberty Room, on the 3rd floor of the brick building along Key Highway. You'll receive an email on the day of the class with building entry instructions.

If the event is full, please add yourself to the waitlist - we will contact you if a spot opens up!

Lighted Boat Parade (Saturday, December 05, 2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Lighted Boat Parade

Let's light up the Inner Harbor!

Join your DSC sailing friends for one of the most festive events of the year! We'll transform our cruising boats into floating holiday displays and join Baltimore's Lighted Boat Parade, bringing a little holiday magic to the Inner Harbor.

This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate another great sailing season, get creative with fellow members, and enjoy a memorable evening on the water. Whether you love decorating, have a great holiday theme in mind, or simply want to be part of the festivities, we'd love to have you aboard!

Get Creative & Join the Fun!

We're hoping to have as many DSC boats participating as possible, and we encourage skippers and crew to work together to dream up fun holiday themes!

From classic Christmas characters to colorful light displays, the possibilities are endless. Coordinate with your skipper and fellow crew members to plan decorations, gather supplies, and bring your boat's theme to life.

The more boats we have participating, the brighter the harbor will shine!

What to Expect

We'll gather at the DSC during the day to decorate our boats before heading to Anchorage Marina around 4 PM. From there, we'll join the illuminated parade through Inner Harbor, followed by a holiday celebration and awards for the best-decorated boats at Anchorage Marina.

Along the way, participants will also have an opportunity to experience nighttime cruising, including navigation using illuminated markers, identifying other vessels' lights, and docking after dark.

Good to Know Before You Go

Meeting Time: Skippers will coordinate decorating plans and specific dock-call times with their crews through Circle.
Decorations: Bring lights, decorations, batteries, and other festive supplies as coordinated with your skipper. Please check with your skipper before bringing electrical equipment or generators.
Shared Costs: No slip or dockage fees are expected. A $5 contribution to the DSC fuel fund is appreciated.
Waitlist: Additional crew may be admitted from the waitlist if more skippers register and another boat becomes available.
Weather: Any weather-related cancellation will be announced by 11 AM on the day of the event.

Questions?

Contact the DSC office at info@downtownsailing.org.

Ready to make the harbor sparkle? Register today and join the festivities!

Frostbite Racing (Saturday, December 05, 2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Frostbite racing – 12:00–3:00 PM

Bundle up and hit the starting line - Frostbite Racing is back at the Downtown Sailing Center! Gather your crew and join us for an afternoon of fast, fun racing around the buoys.

Please note that the DSC staff do not assign teams or monitor skipper-to-crew ratios, so sailors are responsible for finding their own boat or crew.

Schedule

Arrival & Rigging: 12:00 PM
First Race: 12:30 PM

Find Your Crew

Important Notes:

Main and jib only - No spinnakers
Lifejackets are required
Skippers must reserve boats in advance
Registration is required for all participants
Racing will be canceled if winds exceed 20 kts or staff feels conditions are unsafe
Participation is at sailors' own risk. Please read the Fall/Winter Sailing Policies before going out.

Cool weather. Hot competition. Come race with us!

Safety Is Second: Sailing Leadership, Teamwork & Risk (Wednesday, December 09, 2026)

Wed, 09 Dec 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Safety Is Second: Sailing Leadership, Teamwork & Risk

A seminar with John Schafer of the Ministry of Sailing

Description

Gear and checklists matter, but the best-equipped boat still depends on the people aboard. In this seminar, offshore racer and safety specialist John Schafer shares the ideas behind his book Safety Is Second: Sailing Leadership, Teamwork & Risk Assessments Come First, and shows why leadership, teamwork, and honest risk assessment are the foundation of safety on the water.

Drawing on real sailing experience, John will look at how crews are built, how they function under pressure, and what happens when a team isn’t ready. Whether you race, cruise, instruct, or skipper a boat with friends, you’ll leave with practical ideas you can use on your next sail.

You will learn:

Why and how leaders must prioritize safety
How to create and manage a team
The difference between a crew overboard boat-handling drill and a proper team recovery of a person in the water
How disagreement within a team affects its response in a crisis
Why crew readiness matters, and how to build it

Who Should Attend
Sailors of all kinds, including skippers, crew, racers, cruisers, and anyone who leads others on the water. No experience with leadership training is needed.

About the Speaker
John Schafer is the founder of the Ministry of Sailing, a safety and training organization, and the author of Safety Is Second. He is a vessel safety inspector for ocean racing, a US Sailing International Offshore Certification moderator, and a Coast Guard-licensed captain with more than 30 years of sailing and tens of thousands of offshore racing and delivery miles.

Details:

The class will be held in the Liberty Room, on the 3rd floor of the brick building along Key Highway. You'll receive an email on the day of the class with building entry instructions.

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).

Full payment is required to reserve your spot for this course.

Nautical Book Club: First Light by Cole Brauer (Thursday, December 10, 2026)

Fri, 11 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Nautical **Book Club: First Light by Cole Brauer**

Hosted by our Women on the Water planners. All genders welcome!

Description
Join us for a conversation about First Light, the memoir by sailor Cole Brauer. This is a story with something for everyone, and we’d love to hear your take on it!

About the Author
Cole Brauer is an American professional sailor who, at 29, became the first American woman to race solo and nonstop around the world. She finished second in the 2023-2024 Global Solo Challenge, sailing more than 27,000 miles in 130 days aboard a 40-foot sailboat named First Light.

About the Book
First Light is Cole’s memoir of that voyage. It follows her through mechanical breakdowns, food poisoning, and the brutal cold of the Southern Ocean, but it isn’t only a tale of conquering the elements. It’s also about belonging: in a male-dominated sport, in a fast-moving world, and in yourself. It’s an inspiring read about persistence, trust, and what’s possible when you take on something that seems impossible, and it’s a great pick for sailors of every kind.

Join Us
Everyone is welcome, including those who haven’t finished the book. (We’ll try to keep spoilers to a minimum!) Feel free to bring a snack or drink to share. We just ask that you clean up after yourself.

Details

The event will be held in the Liberty Room, on the 3rd floor of the brick building along Key Highway. You'll receive an email on the day of with building entry instructions.

Frostbite Racing (Saturday, December 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Frostbite racing – 12:00–3:00 PM

Bundle up and hit the starting line - Frostbite Racing is back at the Downtown Sailing Center! Gather your crew and join us for an afternoon of fast, fun racing around the buoys.

Please note that the DSC staff do not assign teams or monitor skipper-to-crew ratios, so sailors are responsible for finding their own boat or crew.

Schedule

Arrival & Rigging: 12:00 PM
First Race: 12:30 PM

Find Your Crew

Important Notes:

Main and jib only - No spinnakers
Lifejackets are required
Skippers must reserve boats in advance
Registration is required for all participants
Racing will be canceled if winds exceed 20 kts or staff feels conditions are unsafe
Participation is at sailors' own risk. Please read the Fall/Winter Sailing Policies before going out.

Cool weather. Hot competition. Come race with us!

Frostbite Racing (Saturday, January 02, 2027)

Sat, 02 Jan 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Frostbite racing – 12:00–3:00 PM

Bundle up and hit the starting line - Frostbite Racing is back at the Downtown Sailing Center! Gather your crew and join us for an afternoon of fast, fun racing around the buoys.

Please note that the DSC staff do not assign teams or monitor skipper-to-crew ratios, so sailors are responsible for finding their own boat or crew.

Schedule

Arrival & Rigging: 12:00 PM
First Race: 12:30 PM

Find Your Crew

Important Notes:

Main and jib only - No spinnakers
Lifejackets are required
Skippers must reserve boats in advance
Registration is required for all participants
Racing will be canceled if winds exceed 20 kts or staff feels conditions are unsafe
Participation is at sailors' own risk. Please read the Fall/Winter Sailing Policies before going out.

Cool weather. Hot competition. Come race with us!

US Sailing NAV 1, Essentials of Marine Navigation (Tuesday, January 05, 2027)

Tue, 05 Jan 2027 23:00:00 GMT

US Sailing NAV 1, Essentials of Marine Navigation

Course Dates: January 5, 7, 12, 14 (Tu/Thu) 6-9pm

Note that the makeup date, if weather interferes with any evening, will be Tuesday January 19th.

Do you know where you are on the water, and how to get where you’re going safely? New this year, NAV 1 is US Sailing’s foundational navigation course, and it’s a great way to build confidence whether you race, cruise, or simply want to be a more capable skipper or crew member.

This classroom course covers the essentials of modern electronic navigation: how to use your chartplotter or navigation app to confirm your position, plan a safe course, and make sense of the information on your screen. You’ll also learn how to keep a backup plan ready, because good navigators never rely on a single source. The skills apply on inland and coastal waters, day or night, and when visibility is poor.

During this course, you will:

Set up an electronic navigation device for your vessel
Find your course and speed using the data display
Confirm your position using more than one source
Tell the difference between course to steer, heading, and course over ground
Understand cross-track error and use it to find a safe new course
Use AIS to identify aids to navigation and other vessels
Recognize and use aids to navigation (ATON)
Create a backup navigation plan

Important: Please come to class with Navionics downloaded on your device of choice (tablet or phone) in order to participate in the exercises.

There are no US Sailing prerequisites, and this course is open to sailors and boaters of all experience levels.

Learn more about NAV 1 on the US Sailing website

Description

This course, taught by certified US Sailing instructors, will teach you the art of traditional navigation techniques, and how to integrate electronic navigation tools into your planning. There are no prerequisites and this hands-on course will allow you to immediately apply the material.

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Essentials of Marine Navigation Student Book. Everyone that passes the exam will receive a sticker for your US Sailing log book.

The course takes place over 3 evening sessions, with a 4th evening for the (optional) certification exam. The makeup date will be used if weather interferes with any of the other day. We will communicate any changes to schedule via email and text message. Please opt in to text messages to ensure you receive any updates (we do not send marketing texts).

The class will be held in the Liberty Room, on the 3rd floor of the brick building along Key Highway. You'll receive an email on the first day of the class with building entry instructions.

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).

Full payment is required at the time of registration. Space is limited.

US Sailing NAV 1, Essentials of Marine Navigation (Thursday, January 07, 2027)

Thu, 07 Jan 2027 23:00:00 GMT

US Sailing NAV 1, Essentials of Marine Navigation

Course Dates: January 5, 7, 12, 14 (Tu/Thu) 6-9pm

Note that the makeup date, if weather interferes with any evening, will be Tuesday January 19th.

During this course, you will:

Set up an electronic navigation device for your vessel
Find your course and speed using the data display
Confirm your position using more than one source
Tell the difference between course to steer, heading, and course over ground
Understand cross-track error and use it to find a safe new course
Use AIS to identify aids to navigation and other vessels
Recognize and use aids to navigation (ATON)
Create a backup navigation plan

Important: Please come to class with Navionics downloaded on your device of choice (tablet or phone) in order to participate in the exercises.

There are no US Sailing prerequisites, and this course is open to sailors and boaters of all experience levels.

Learn more about NAV 1 on the US Sailing website

Description

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Essentials of Marine Navigation Student Book. Everyone that passes the exam will receive a sticker for your US Sailing log book.

The class will be held in the Liberty Room, on the 3rd floor of the brick building along Key Highway. You'll receive an email on the first day of the class with building entry instructions.

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).

Full payment is required at the time of registration. Space is limited.

US Sailing NAV 1, Essentials of Marine Navigation (Tuesday, January 12, 2027)

Tue, 12 Jan 2027 23:00:00 GMT

US Sailing NAV 1, Essentials of Marine Navigation

Course Dates: January 5, 7, 12, 14 (Tu/Thu) 6-9pm

Note that the makeup date, if weather interferes with any evening, will be Tuesday January 19th.

During this course, you will:

Set up an electronic navigation device for your vessel
Find your course and speed using the data display
Confirm your position using more than one source
Tell the difference between course to steer, heading, and course over ground
Understand cross-track error and use it to find a safe new course
Use AIS to identify aids to navigation and other vessels
Recognize and use aids to navigation (ATON)
Create a backup navigation plan

Important: Please come to class with Navionics downloaded on your device of choice (tablet or phone) in order to participate in the exercises.

There are no US Sailing prerequisites, and this course is open to sailors and boaters of all experience levels.

Learn more about NAV 1 on the US Sailing website

Description

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Essentials of Marine Navigation Student Book. Everyone that passes the exam will receive a sticker for your US Sailing log book.

The class will be held in the Liberty Room, on the 3rd floor of the brick building along Key Highway. You'll receive an email on the first day of the class with building entry instructions.

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).

Full payment is required at the time of registration. Space is limited.

US Sailing NAV 1, Essentials of Marine Navigation (Thursday, January 14, 2027)

Thu, 14 Jan 2027 23:00:00 GMT

US Sailing NAV 1, Essentials of Marine Navigation

Course Dates: January 5, 7, 12, 14 (Tu/Thu) 6-9pm

Note that the makeup date, if weather interferes with any evening, will be Tuesday January 19th.

During this course, you will:

Set up an electronic navigation device for your vessel
Find your course and speed using the data display
Confirm your position using more than one source
Tell the difference between course to steer, heading, and course over ground
Understand cross-track error and use it to find a safe new course
Use AIS to identify aids to navigation and other vessels
Recognize and use aids to navigation (ATON)
Create a backup navigation plan

Important: Please come to class with Navionics downloaded on your device of choice (tablet or phone) in order to participate in the exercises.

There are no US Sailing prerequisites, and this course is open to sailors and boaters of all experience levels.

Learn more about NAV 1 on the US Sailing website

Description

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Essentials of Marine Navigation Student Book. Everyone that passes the exam will receive a sticker for your US Sailing log book.

The class will be held in the Liberty Room, on the 3rd floor of the brick building along Key Highway. You'll receive an email on the first day of the class with building entry instructions.

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).

Full payment is required at the time of registration. Space is limited.

Frostbite Racing (Saturday, January 16, 2027)

Sat, 16 Jan 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Frostbite racing – 12:00–3:00 PM

Bundle up and hit the starting line - Frostbite Racing is back at the Downtown Sailing Center! Gather your crew and join us for an afternoon of fast, fun racing around the buoys.

Please note that the DSC staff do not assign teams or monitor skipper-to-crew ratios, so sailors are responsible for finding their own boat or crew.

Schedule

Arrival & Rigging: 12:00 PM
First Race: 12:30 PM

Find Your Crew

Important Notes:

Main and jib only - No spinnakers
Lifejackets are required
Skippers must reserve boats in advance
Registration is required for all participants
Racing will be canceled if winds exceed 20 kts or staff feels conditions are unsafe
Participation is at sailors' own risk. Please read the Fall/Winter Sailing Policies before going out.

Cool weather. Hot competition. Come race with us!

Board Gaming (Saturday, January 16, 2027)

Sat, 16 Jan 2027 20:00:00 GMT

Let's get together after Frostbite Racing for a cozy afternoon and play some games! We'll meet in the Liberty Room at 3pm on Sat, 1/16 and play until whenever.

Feel free to bring snacks or drinks, there's an electric kettle available for making tea or cocoa. Everyone is welcome to bring a game, just be willing to teach it :)

Marine Diesel Engines Seminar (Wednesday, January 20, 2027)

Wed, 20 Jan 2027 23:00:00 GMT

Marine Diesel Engines Seminar

Description

This Diesel Engines Seminar will provide you with an introduction to the engines aboard a recreational vessel like the DSC Cruisers. It will be taught at an introductory level and cover the basic and important knowledge any cruiser needs to know to do basic troubleshooting and repairs, and to understand the systems aboard their vessel.

The following topics will be covered:

Overview of how diesel engines work and the parts of an engine
Important engine components, including the cooling system, fuel system, and the connection to the Electrical System via the batteries and alternator
Pre-sail engine checks
Basic Troubleshooting

Bring your questions!

The class will be held in the Liberty Room, on the 3rd floor of the brick building along Key Highway. You'll receive an email on the day of the class with building entry instructions.

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).

Full payment is required to reserve your space in the course.

Coastal Navigation: US Sailing Certification Course (Thursday, January 21, 2027)

Thu, 21 Jan 2027 23:00:00 GMT

Coastal Navigation: US Sailing Certification Course

Dates: Jan 21, 26, 28, Feb 2, 4 (all 6-9pm)

**Feb 9 will be the makeup date if any of the scheduled days are canceled due to weather

NOTE: Every student will require plotting tools for this course. We recommend the Weems & Plath brand as those are the best for accuracy - and accuracy is critical! The tools are available at Weems & Plath, West Marine, Amazon, and elsewhere.

Required tools are:

Dividers
Parallel ruler
Parallel Plotter (aka Roller Ruler) or chart protractor
#2 pencil or mechanical pencils and quality erases

**This Navigation Set includes all of the required plotting tools.

Optional: TSD circular slide rule

Description

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Coastal Navigation Student Book and a full-size chart for plotting exercises. Everyone that passes the exam will receive a sticker for your US Sailing log book.

The course takes place over 4 evening sessions, with a 5th evening for the (optional) certification exam.

You will learn the following practical skills:

Determine the Latitude and Longitude of a position.
How to plot a course on a chart, using the true and magnetic compass roses and applying variation and deviation correctly.
Measure distance on a chart with and without a bar scale.
How to plot a Dead Reckoning (DR) course; a course corrected for leeway; a running fix; a fix; a danger bearing; ranges.
How to use published reference material, including the Local Notice to Mariners, Chart #1, a Coast Pilot and Cruising Guide, and a Light List
Determine the height of tide and direction and strength of current at any time or location. Learn how to determine a course to steer given the set and drift of the current.
How to integrate electronic information with traditional navigation techniques.
And more!

The class will be held in the Liberty Room, on the 3rd floor of the brick building along Key Highway. You'll receive an email on the day of the class with building entry instructions.

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).

FULL PAYMENT IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR THIS COURSE. SPACE IS LIMITED.

Coastal Navigation: US Sailing Certification Course (Tuesday, January 26, 2027)

Tue, 26 Jan 2027 23:00:00 GMT

Coastal Navigation: US Sailing Certification Course

Dates: Jan 21, 26, 28, Feb 2, 4 (all 6-9pm)

**Feb 9 will be the makeup date if any of the scheduled days are canceled due to weather

Required tools are:

Dividers
Parallel ruler
Parallel Plotter (aka Roller Ruler) or chart protractor
#2 pencil or mechanical pencils and quality erases

**This Navigation Set includes all of the required plotting tools.

Optional: TSD circular slide rule

Description

The course takes place over 4 evening sessions, with a 5th evening for the (optional) certification exam.

You will learn the following practical skills:

Determine the Latitude and Longitude of a position.
How to plot a course on a chart, using the true and magnetic compass roses and applying variation and deviation correctly.
Measure distance on a chart with and without a bar scale.
How to plot a Dead Reckoning (DR) course; a course corrected for leeway; a running fix; a fix; a danger bearing; ranges.
How to use published reference material, including the Local Notice to Mariners, Chart #1, a Coast Pilot and Cruising Guide, and a Light List
Determine the height of tide and direction and strength of current at any time or location. Learn how to determine a course to steer given the set and drift of the current.
How to integrate electronic information with traditional navigation techniques.
And more!

The class will be held in the Liberty Room, on the 3rd floor of the brick building along Key Highway. You'll receive an email on the day of the class with building entry instructions.

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).

FULL PAYMENT IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR THIS COURSE. SPACE IS LIMITED.

Knot Tying Workshop (Wednesday, January 27, 2027)

Wed, 27 Jan 2027 23:00:00 GMT

Knot Tying Workshop

Description

In this hands-on workshop, we’ll do a quick review of the knots every sailor relies on, then spend most of our time on the fun, challenging ones that will make you the most useful person on any dock. You’ll also practice handling line the way it’s used on the water, and learn about the different types of line and what each one is for.

This is a practical session, so expect to spend most of your time with rope in your hands. Sailors and boaters of all levels are welcome! We’ll move quickly through the basics, so if you’re brand new to knots, it may help to try a few of the basics at home beforehand. Your email confirmation will contain links to videos teaching the basic ones.

During this workshop, you will:

Quickly review the standard sailing knots: cleat hitch, clove hitch, bowline, figure 8, and double overhand
Learn advanced knots, including the Alpine butterfly, trucker’s hitch, running bowline, one-handed bowline, and bowline around yourself, constrictor knot, rolling hitch, zeppelin bend... we'll work through as many as we can in the time allotted!
Practice coiling and heaving a line
Learn about the different types of line and how each is used

Who Should Attend:

Everyone! New sailors will be exposed to the knots you'll need at Member Sails, and experienced sailors will to add to your repertoire with . No experience is needed and participants will receive resources to continue practicing at home.

Details:

The class will be held in the Liberty Room, on the 3rd floor of the brick building along Key Highway. You'll receive an email on the day of the class with building entry instructions.

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).

Full payment is required to reserve your spot for this course.

Coastal Navigation: US Sailing Certification Course (Thursday, January 28, 2027)

Thu, 28 Jan 2027 23:00:00 GMT

Coastal Navigation: US Sailing Certification Course

Dates: Jan 21, 26, 28, Feb 2, 4 (all 6-9pm)

**Feb 9 will be the makeup date if any of the scheduled days are canceled due to weather

Required tools are:

Dividers
Parallel ruler
Parallel Plotter (aka Roller Ruler) or chart protractor
#2 pencil or mechanical pencils and quality erases

**This Navigation Set includes all of the required plotting tools.

Optional: TSD circular slide rule

Description

The course takes place over 4 evening sessions, with a 5th evening for the (optional) certification exam.

You will learn the following practical skills:

Determine the Latitude and Longitude of a position.
How to plot a course on a chart, using the true and magnetic compass roses and applying variation and deviation correctly.
Measure distance on a chart with and without a bar scale.
How to plot a Dead Reckoning (DR) course; a course corrected for leeway; a running fix; a fix; a danger bearing; ranges.
How to use published reference material, including the Local Notice to Mariners, Chart #1, a Coast Pilot and Cruising Guide, and a Light List
Determine the height of tide and direction and strength of current at any time or location. Learn how to determine a course to steer given the set and drift of the current.
How to integrate electronic information with traditional navigation techniques.
And more!

The class will be held in the Liberty Room, on the 3rd floor of the brick building along Key Highway. You'll receive an email on the day of the class with building entry instructions.

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).

FULL PAYMENT IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR THIS COURSE. SPACE IS LIMITED.

Frostbite Racing (Saturday, January 30, 2027)

Sat, 30 Jan 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Frostbite racing – 12:00–3:00 PM

Bundle up and hit the starting line - Frostbite Racing is back at the Downtown Sailing Center! Gather your crew and join us for an afternoon of fast, fun racing around the buoys.

Please note that the DSC staff do not assign teams or monitor skipper-to-crew ratios, so sailors are responsible for finding their own boat or crew.

Schedule

Arrival & Rigging: 12:00 PM
First Race: 12:30 PM

Find Your Crew

Important Notes:

Main and jib only - No spinnakers
Lifejackets are required
Skippers must reserve boats in advance
Registration is required for all participants
Racing will be canceled if winds exceed 20 kts or staff feels conditions are unsafe
Participation is at sailors' own risk. Please read the Fall/Winter Sailing Policies before going out.

Cool weather. Hot competition. Come race with us!

Coastal Navigation: US Sailing Certification Course (Tuesday, February 02, 2027)

Tue, 02 Feb 2027 23:00:00 GMT

Coastal Navigation: US Sailing Certification Course

Dates: Jan 21, 26, 28, Feb 2, 4 (all 6-9pm)

**Feb 9 will be the makeup date if any of the scheduled days are canceled due to weather

Required tools are:

Dividers
Parallel ruler
Parallel Plotter (aka Roller Ruler) or chart protractor
#2 pencil or mechanical pencils and quality erases

**This Navigation Set includes all of the required plotting tools.

Optional: TSD circular slide rule

Description

The course takes place over 4 evening sessions, with a 5th evening for the (optional) certification exam.

You will learn the following practical skills:

Determine the Latitude and Longitude of a position.
How to plot a course on a chart, using the true and magnetic compass roses and applying variation and deviation correctly.
Measure distance on a chart with and without a bar scale.
How to plot a Dead Reckoning (DR) course; a course corrected for leeway; a running fix; a fix; a danger bearing; ranges.
How to use published reference material, including the Local Notice to Mariners, Chart #1, a Coast Pilot and Cruising Guide, and a Light List
Determine the height of tide and direction and strength of current at any time or location. Learn how to determine a course to steer given the set and drift of the current.
How to integrate electronic information with traditional navigation techniques.
And more!

The class will be held in the Liberty Room, on the 3rd floor of the brick building along Key Highway. You'll receive an email on the day of the class with building entry instructions.

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).

FULL PAYMENT IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR THIS COURSE. SPACE IS LIMITED.

Coastal Navigation: US Sailing Certification Course (Thursday, February 04, 2027)

Thu, 04 Feb 2027 23:00:00 GMT

Coastal Navigation: US Sailing Certification Course

Dates: Jan 21, 26, 28, Feb 2, 4 (all 6-9pm)

**Feb 9 will be the makeup date if any of the scheduled days are canceled due to weather

Required tools are:

Dividers
Parallel ruler
Parallel Plotter (aka Roller Ruler) or chart protractor
#2 pencil or mechanical pencils and quality erases

**This Navigation Set includes all of the required plotting tools.

Optional: TSD circular slide rule

Description

The course takes place over 4 evening sessions, with a 5th evening for the (optional) certification exam.

You will learn the following practical skills:

Determine the Latitude and Longitude of a position.
How to plot a course on a chart, using the true and magnetic compass roses and applying variation and deviation correctly.
Measure distance on a chart with and without a bar scale.
How to plot a Dead Reckoning (DR) course; a course corrected for leeway; a running fix; a fix; a danger bearing; ranges.
How to use published reference material, including the Local Notice to Mariners, Chart #1, a Coast Pilot and Cruising Guide, and a Light List
Determine the height of tide and direction and strength of current at any time or location. Learn how to determine a course to steer given the set and drift of the current.
How to integrate electronic information with traditional navigation techniques.
And more!

The class will be held in the Liberty Room, on the 3rd floor of the brick building along Key Highway. You'll receive an email on the day of the class with building entry instructions.

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).

FULL PAYMENT IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR THIS COURSE. SPACE IS LIMITED.

Frostbite Racing (Saturday, February 13, 2027)

Sat, 13 Feb 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Frostbite racing – 12:00–3:00 PM

Bundle up and hit the starting line - Frostbite Racing is back at the Downtown Sailing Center! Gather your crew and join us for an afternoon of fast, fun racing around the buoys.

Please note that the DSC staff do not assign teams or monitor skipper-to-crew ratios, so sailors are responsible for finding their own boat or crew.

Schedule

Arrival & Rigging: 12:00 PM
First Race: 12:30 PM

Find Your Crew

Important Notes:

Main and jib only - No spinnakers
Lifejackets are required
Skippers must reserve boats in advance
Registration is required for all participants
Racing will be canceled if winds exceed 20 kts or staff feels conditions are unsafe
Participation is at sailors' own risk. Please read the Fall/Winter Sailing Policies before going out.

Cool weather. Hot competition. Come race with us!

Marine Electrical Seminar (Wednesday, February 17, 2027)

Wed, 17 Feb 2027 23:00:00 GMT

Marine Electrical Seminar

Description

New to the wiring and electrical systems aboard your boat? This seminar is an introduction to the electrical systems on a recreational vessel like the DSC Cruisers. It’s taught at an introductory level and covers the essentials every cruiser should know to understand their boat’s systems and handle basic troubleshooting and repairs.

During this seminar, you will:

Tell the difference between AC and DC power and recognize common wiring conventions
Understand how circuits, switches, resistors, and loads work together
Learn how battery chargers work
Use a multimeter and other basic tools
Work safely around electrical systems

Details:

The class will be held in the Liberty Room, on the 3rd floor of the brick building along Key Highway. You'll receive an email on the day of the class with building entry instructions.

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).

Full payment is required to reserve your spot for this course.

Frostbite Racing (Saturday, February 27, 2027)

Sat, 27 Feb 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Frostbite racing – 12:00–3:00 PM

Bundle up and hit the starting line - Frostbite Racing is back at the Downtown Sailing Center! Gather your crew and join us for an afternoon of fast, fun racing around the buoys.

Please note that the DSC staff do not assign teams or monitor skipper-to-crew ratios, so sailors are responsible for finding their own boat or crew.

Schedule

Arrival & Rigging: 12:00 PM
First Race: 12:30 PM

Find Your Crew

Important Notes:

Main and jib only - No spinnakers
Lifejackets are required
Skippers must reserve boats in advance
Registration is required for all participants
Racing will be canceled if winds exceed 20 kts or staff feels conditions are unsafe
Participation is at sailors' own risk. Please read the Fall/Winter Sailing Policies before going out.

Cool weather. Hot competition. Come race with us!

US Sailing Celestial Navigation (Friday, March 12, 2027)

Fri, 12 Mar 2027 23:00:00 GMT

US Sailing Celestial Navigation

Weekend Course - Friday Evening, Saturday & Sunday

Description
Before GPS age, sailors crossed oceans with a sextant, a clock, and a book of tables, and those skills still work when the electronics don’t. In this course, you’ll learn to find your position using the sun, moon, stars, and planets. It’s a rewarding skill for offshore sailors and passagemakers, and for anyone who wants a navigation backup that never needs batteries.

Over one weekend, you’ll learn the entire process, guided by a US Sailing Certified Instructor using the US Sailing Celestial Navigation curriculum.

During this course, you will:

Handle, operate, and care for a sextant by taking real sights (weather permitting).
Calculate sunrise, sunset, twilights and meridian passage using the Nautical Almanac.
Learn how to pre-plan sights using the sight reduction tables to calculate azimuth and altitude of select navigational stars.
Reduce sights of the sun, moon, stars, and planets using the Nautical Almanac and supplied work forms.
Construct chart area of the ocean using a Universal Plotting Sheet.
Revisit the running fix and its relevance to ocean navigation.
Plot lines of position and a running fix on a Universal Plotting Sheet
Fix your position using celestial lines of position and a running fix on a Universal Plotting Sheet and then transfer this fix to a nautical chart.
Obtain latitude from a noon sun sight and from a Polaris sight.

Schedule

Friday, 6-9pm: Meet and greet, hands-on time with sextants and practice taking sights (weather permitting)
Saturday, 8am-5pm
Sunday, 8am-5pm, including the written exam during the final two hours

Certification and Prerequisite
Students who hold a US Sailing Coastal Navigation certification can earn their US Sailing Celestial Navigation certification by passing the exam. If you don’t have the prerequisite, you’re still welcome to join. You’ll learn the full curriculum and can take the exam to validate your knowledge. The exam is taken without a programmed calculator.

More information on the certification is available on the US Sailing Celestial Navigation page.

Pre-Work
Please plan for about 6-10 hours of online pre-work before the first class. The pre-work will be available in January, and we’ll email you instructions for completing it. This early preparation lets us spend our class time focused on the hands-on practice of sight reduction and plotting.

What’s Included
Each student receives a textbook and access to online reference materials.

What to Bring

Please bring your own plotting tools to class, including the following:

You'll need some school supplies:

Mechanical pencil
Big square eraser
Highlighters (yellow, orange, and pink)
Notebook
Calculator

Also bring an iPad or laptop and appropriate outdoor clothing for taking sights outdoors.

Registration and Policies
This is an Adult Education course, and all participants must be at least 16 years of age.

The class will be held in the Liberty Room, on the 3rd floor of the brick building along Key Highway. You'll receive an email on the first day of the class with building entry instructions.

If the course is full, please add yourself to the waitlist. We will contact you if a spot opens up!

A $35 administrative fee applies to all date changes and cancellations. The 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.

Full payment is required to reserve your spot. Space is limited.

Let us know if you have any questions at info@downtownsailing.org!

US Sailing Celestial Navigation (Saturday, March 13, 2027)

Sat, 13 Mar 2027 13:00:00 GMT

US Sailing Celestial Navigation

Weekend Course - Friday Evening, Saturday & Sunday

Over one weekend, you’ll learn the entire process, guided by a US Sailing Certified Instructor using the US Sailing Celestial Navigation curriculum.

During this course, you will:

Handle, operate, and care for a sextant by taking real sights (weather permitting).
Calculate sunrise, sunset, twilights and meridian passage using the Nautical Almanac.
Learn how to pre-plan sights using the sight reduction tables to calculate azimuth and altitude of select navigational stars.
Reduce sights of the sun, moon, stars, and planets using the Nautical Almanac and supplied work forms.
Construct chart area of the ocean using a Universal Plotting Sheet.
Revisit the running fix and its relevance to ocean navigation.
Plot lines of position and a running fix on a Universal Plotting Sheet
Fix your position using celestial lines of position and a running fix on a Universal Plotting Sheet and then transfer this fix to a nautical chart.
Obtain latitude from a noon sun sight and from a Polaris sight.

Schedule

Friday, 6-9pm: Meet and greet, hands-on time with sextants and practice taking sights (weather permitting)
Saturday, 8am-5pm
Sunday, 8am-5pm, including the written exam during the final two hours

More information on the certification is available on the US Sailing Celestial Navigation page.

What’s Included
Each student receives a textbook and access to online reference materials.

What to Bring

Please bring your own plotting tools to class, including the following:

You'll need some school supplies:

Mechanical pencil
Big square eraser
Highlighters (yellow, orange, and pink)
Notebook
Calculator

Also bring an iPad or laptop and appropriate outdoor clothing for taking sights outdoors.

Registration and Policies
This is an Adult Education course, and all participants must be at least 16 years of age.

The class will be held in the Liberty Room, on the 3rd floor of the brick building along Key Highway. You'll receive an email on the first day of the class with building entry instructions.

If the course is full, please add yourself to the waitlist. We will contact you if a spot opens up!

Full payment is required to reserve your spot. Space is limited.

Let us know if you have any questions at info@downtownsailing.org!

US Sailing Celestial Navigation (Sunday, March 14, 2027)

Sun, 14 Mar 2027 12:00:00 GMT

US Sailing Celestial Navigation

Weekend Course - Friday Evening, Saturday & Sunday

Over one weekend, you’ll learn the entire process, guided by a US Sailing Certified Instructor using the US Sailing Celestial Navigation curriculum.

During this course, you will:

Handle, operate, and care for a sextant by taking real sights (weather permitting).
Calculate sunrise, sunset, twilights and meridian passage using the Nautical Almanac.
Learn how to pre-plan sights using the sight reduction tables to calculate azimuth and altitude of select navigational stars.
Reduce sights of the sun, moon, stars, and planets using the Nautical Almanac and supplied work forms.
Construct chart area of the ocean using a Universal Plotting Sheet.
Revisit the running fix and its relevance to ocean navigation.
Plot lines of position and a running fix on a Universal Plotting Sheet
Fix your position using celestial lines of position and a running fix on a Universal Plotting Sheet and then transfer this fix to a nautical chart.
Obtain latitude from a noon sun sight and from a Polaris sight.

Schedule

Friday, 6-9pm: Meet and greet, hands-on time with sextants and practice taking sights (weather permitting)
Saturday, 8am-5pm
Sunday, 8am-5pm, including the written exam during the final two hours

More information on the certification is available on the US Sailing Celestial Navigation page.

What’s Included
Each student receives a textbook and access to online reference materials.

What to Bring

Please bring your own plotting tools to class, including the following:

You'll need some school supplies:

Mechanical pencil
Big square eraser
Highlighters (yellow, orange, and pink)
Notebook
Calculator

Also bring an iPad or laptop and appropriate outdoor clothing for taking sights outdoors.

Registration and Policies
This is an Adult Education course, and all participants must be at least 16 years of age.

The class will be held in the Liberty Room, on the 3rd floor of the brick building along Key Highway. You'll receive an email on the first day of the class with building entry instructions.

If the course is full, please add yourself to the waitlist. We will contact you if a spot opens up!

Full payment is required to reserve your spot. Space is limited.

Let us know if you have any questions at info@downtownsailing.org!

Cruising Full Worm Moon Sail (Sunday, March 21, 2027)

Sun, 21 Mar 2027 21:00:00 GMT

Cruising Full Worm Moon Sail

Join us for a casual evening sail to catch the full moon out on the water. Although this full moon will peak on Monday March 22, the best time to view it locally will be Sunday evening on the 21st. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the "Worm Moon" is a traditional North American name given to the March full moon signifying the transition of season from winter to spring. As the ground thaws, earthworms emerge from the soil prompting the return of migrating birds. Look toward the eastern horizon on Sunday evening to catch the moonrise at 18:48 (6:48 PM) at a position of 91° (due east).

The plan is to head out around sunset (please check Circle for a message from the skippers about a specific time to meet!), sail through dusk, and be on the water as the moon rises. Depending on conditions, we’ll keep things flexible—maybe a relaxed cruise, maybe a bit more hands-on sailing if people are interested. Everyone is welcome to participate as much or as little as they’d like, whether that’s helping out with the boat or just settling in and taking it all in. If you need access to Circle please reach out to info@downtownsailing.org.

Learning Objectives: practice night navigation, recognizing other vessels lights and using lighted markers, docking at night.

Skipper(s) will contact participants via Circle to communicate the actual dock-call time and cruising logistics.

Weather cancellations will be announced by 11 AM on the day of the event.

Event Start Time

1700-1800

Event End Time

2130

Shared Costs

No slip or dockage fees expected. Please consider a $5 contribution to the fuel fund!

Crew sign-ups may be admitted from the waitlist if additional skippers register for the event and we’re able to add another boat.

If any availability remains a week prior to the event, dayfleet skippers and crew are able and encouraged to register and check out all the Cruising program has to offer at the DSC!

Have Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact the DSC office at info@downtownsailing.org or rebekah@downtownsailing.org for registration or cruising logistic issues. Weather cancellations will be announced by 11 AM on the day of the event.

Access-Ability Saturday Volunteer Training (Saturday, April 10, 2027)

Sat, 10 Apr 2027 13:00:00 GMT

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the DSC's Access-Ability Saturdays! Your support is invaluable, as these events wouldn’t be possible without dedicated volunteers like you.

We’re excited to invite you to our Spring training session, perfect for new volunteers and seasoned sailors alike. This training is an excellent opportunity to brush up on skills and gain important knowledge about supporting Adaptive Sailing.

What to Expect:

Transfer Assistance Techniques
Disabilities Awareness Training
Volunteer Roles Overview
Equipment Set-Up
Preparing for the Adaptive Sailing Season

This session is the only dedicated Access-Ability training scheduled for 2027, making it an essential opportunity to learn, ask questions, and prepare for the season ahead.

If you’re ready to make a difference, please sign up for the training today!

For any additional questions, feel free to email us at adaptive@downtownsailing.org

Thank you again for your commitment to providing Adaptive Sailors with the opportunity to experience the joys of sailing. Your support makes these events possible!

Cruising Full Pink Moon Sail (Tuesday, April 20, 2027)

Tue, 20 Apr 2027 21:00:00 GMT

Cruising Full Pink Moon Sail

Join us for a casual evening sail to catch the full moon out on the water. The "Pink" naming originates from Native American traditions adopted by early American almanacs. It honors Phlox subulata (commonly known as moss pink or creeping ground phlox), one of the earliest widespread spring wildflowers to carpet the eastern United States. Look toward the East-Southeast horizon around 7:40-8:00pm on Tuesday the 20th for a massive deeply luminous view. If weather doesn't cooperate, there is a second chance as the view will be excellent the next evening at the same time as well. As a bonus, this full moon coincides with the annual Lyrid meteor shower which will peak between April 22-23. Keep an eye out for shooting stars, although the heavy wash of moonlight will mask the fainter ones.

Learning Objectives: practice night navigation, recognizing other vessels lights and using lighted markers, docking at night.

Skipper(s) will contact participants via Circle to communicate the actual dock-call time and cruising logistics.

Weather cancellations will be announced by 11 AM on the day of the event.

Event Start Time

1700-1800

Event End Time

2130

Shared Costs

No slip or dockage fees expected. Please consider a $5 contribution to the fuel fund!

Crew sign-ups may be admitted from the waitlist if additional skippers register for the event and we’re able to add another boat.

If any availability remains a week prior to the event, dayfleet skippers and crew are able and encouraged to register and check out all the Cruising program has to offer at the DSC!

Have Questions?

Volunteer Registration: Access-Ability Saturday Event (Saturday, May 01, 2027)

Sat, 01 May 2027 13:00:00 GMT

Thank you for volunteering for the DSC’s Access-Ability Saturday Sailing Sessions!

These sessions would not be possible without your dedication, and we deeply appreciate your support.

Schedule

9:00 AM – Volunteer muster, setup, rigging, and launching of Hansa Access Dinghies; rig Sonars
9:45 AM – Participants arrive for check-in
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Sailing session
By 12:30 PM – Event concludes after derigging

Volunteer Roles

Volunteers support the program in a variety of essential positions, including:

Greeters / Escorts
Assist with setup, participant check-in, and escorting sailors down the docks to their boats and/or their skipper/crew.
Hansa 303 Rig & De-Rig Team
Set up and secure the adaptive Hansa dinghies before and after sailing.
Sonar Sailboat Skippers
Sonar Sailboat Crew
Safety Boat Operators
Prior powerboat experience required.
Dockside Assistance
Support with boat handling and participant transfers.
Hoyer Lift Transfer Assistance
Training required.

Questions?

For more information, email adaptive@downtownsailing.org or consult the Volunteer Handbook.

Thank you once again for your commitment to providing sailors with adaptive needs the opportunity to enjoy accessible sailing!

Participant Registration: Access-Ability Saturday Event (Saturday, May 01, 2027)

Sat, 01 May 2027 14:00:00 GMT

The Downtown Sailing Center invites individuals with disabilities to join us every other Saturday morning for a free sailing experience in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

Check-In: 9:45 AM
Sailing: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

If you are unable to attend, please email adaptive@downtownsailing.org to cancel so we can offer your spot to another sailor.

Our accessible docks include ramps, Hoyer lifts, and shaded areas to ensure a safe and inclusive environment. All necessary safety equipment, including life jackets, is provided.

Choose Your Sailing Experience

Relaxed Sonar Keelboat Sail

Sail in one of our Sonar keelboats (up to 3 guests) with an experienced skipper and crew for a calm, guided harbor experience.

Adaptive Hansa 303W Dinghy Sail

Sail independently or with a partner in a Hansa 303W - designed specifically for sailors who benefit from additional support.

Hansa sailors enjoy the freedom of independent sailing. Volunteers will assist with launching and docking, but participants should feel comfortable managing their boat without assistance while on the water. Safety staff will always be nearby.

Accessibility & Accommodations

This program is free for participants with disabilities. You do not need to share details about your disability - just let us know what accommodations will help you safely access the docks and boats.

Our volunteer team is here to support you, whether you need assistance boarding or prefer someone else to steer. If at any point you’d like to return to shore, simply ask your skipper.

Registration & Volunteering

Registration opens one month before each event.

We also welcome volunteers in a variety of roles—no sailing experience necessary.

Join us for an unforgettable morning of freedom, fun, and sailing in Baltimore’s beautiful Inner Harbor!

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional details, please see our Access-Ability Sailing Program FAQ.

View FAQs

To cancel or for questions: adaptive@downtownsailing.org

Volunteer Registration: Access-Ability Saturday Event (Saturday, May 15, 2027)

Sat, 15 May 2027 13:00:00 GMT

Thank you for volunteering for the DSC’s Access-Ability Saturday Sailing Sessions!

These sessions would not be possible without your dedication, and we deeply appreciate your support.

Schedule

9:00 AM – Volunteer muster, setup, rigging, and launching of Hansa Access Dinghies; rig Sonars
9:45 AM – Participants arrive for check-in
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Sailing session
By 12:30 PM – Event concludes after derigging

Volunteer Roles

Volunteers support the program in a variety of essential positions, including:

Greeters / Escorts
Assist with setup, participant check-in, and escorting sailors down the docks to their boats and/or their skipper/crew.
Hansa 303 Rig & De-Rig Team
Set up and secure the adaptive Hansa dinghies before and after sailing.
Sonar Sailboat Skippers
Sonar Sailboat Crew
Safety Boat Operators
Prior powerboat experience required.
Dockside Assistance
Support with boat handling and participant transfers.
Hoyer Lift Transfer Assistance
Training required.

Questions?

For more information, email adaptive@downtownsailing.org or consult the Volunteer Handbook.

Thank you once again for your commitment to providing sailors with adaptive needs the opportunity to enjoy accessible sailing!

Participant Registration: Access-Ability Saturday Event (Saturday, May 15, 2027)

Sat, 15 May 2027 14:00:00 GMT

The Downtown Sailing Center invites individuals with disabilities to join us every other Saturday morning for a free sailing experience in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

Check-In: 9:45 AM
Sailing: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

If you are unable to attend, please email adaptive@downtownsailing.org to cancel so we can offer your spot to another sailor.

Our accessible docks include ramps, Hoyer lifts, and shaded areas to ensure a safe and inclusive environment. All necessary safety equipment, including life jackets, is provided.

Choose Your Sailing Experience

Relaxed Sonar Keelboat Sail

Sail in one of our Sonar keelboats (up to 3 guests) with an experienced skipper and crew for a calm, guided harbor experience.

Adaptive Hansa 303W Dinghy Sail

Sail independently or with a partner in a Hansa 303W - designed specifically for sailors who benefit from additional support.

Accessibility & Accommodations

Our volunteer team is here to support you, whether you need assistance boarding or prefer someone else to steer. If at any point you’d like to return to shore, simply ask your skipper.

Registration & Volunteering

Registration opens one month before each event.

We also welcome volunteers in a variety of roles—no sailing experience necessary.

Join us for an unforgettable morning of freedom, fun, and sailing in Baltimore’s beautiful Inner Harbor!

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional details, please see our Access-Ability Sailing Program FAQ.

View FAQs

To cancel or for questions: adaptive@downtownsailing.org

Cruising Full Flower Moon Sail (Thursday, May 20, 2027)

Thu, 20 May 2027 21:00:00 GMT

Cruising Full Flower Moon Sail

Join us for a casual evening sail to catch the full moon out on the water. The "Flower Moon" marks the abundance of springtime blooms. Because peak fullness will occur during daylight hours, the best viewing times will be both evenings surrounding the peak. (Wednesday May 19, but Thursday May 20 can ber a second chance.) Watch the moonrise at 9:03pm on the East-Southeast horizon, at 125°.

Learning Objectives: practice night navigation, recognizing other vessels lights and using lighted markers, docking at night.

Skipper(s) will contact participants via Circle to communicate the actual dock-call time and cruising logistics.

Weather cancellations will be announced by 11 AM on the day of the event.

Event Start Time

1700-1800

Event End Time

2130

Shared Costs

No slip or dockage fees expected. Please consider a $5 contribution to the fuel fund!

Crew sign-ups may be admitted from the waitlist if additional skippers register for the event and we’re able to add another boat.

If any availability remains a week prior to the event, dayfleet skippers and crew are able and encouraged to register and check out all the Cruising program has to offer at the DSC!

Have Questions?

Volunteer Registration: Access-Ability Saturday Event (Saturday, May 29, 2027)

Sat, 29 May 2027 13:00:00 GMT

Thank you for volunteering for the DSC’s Access-Ability Saturday Sailing Sessions!

These sessions would not be possible without your dedication, and we deeply appreciate your support.

Schedule

9:00 AM – Volunteer muster, setup, rigging, and launching of Hansa Access Dinghies; rig Sonars
9:45 AM – Participants arrive for check-in
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Sailing session
By 12:30 PM – Event concludes after derigging

Volunteer Roles

Volunteers support the program in a variety of essential positions, including:

Greeters / Escorts
Assist with setup, participant check-in, and escorting sailors down the docks to their boats and/or their skipper/crew.
Hansa 303 Rig & De-Rig Team
Set up and secure the adaptive Hansa dinghies before and after sailing.
Sonar Sailboat Skippers
Sonar Sailboat Crew
Safety Boat Operators
Prior powerboat experience required.
Dockside Assistance
Support with boat handling and participant transfers.
Hoyer Lift Transfer Assistance
Training required.

Questions?

For more information, email adaptive@downtownsailing.org or consult the Volunteer Handbook.

Thank you once again for your commitment to providing sailors with adaptive needs the opportunity to enjoy accessible sailing!

Participant Registration: Access-Ability Saturday Event (Saturday, May 29, 2027)

Sat, 29 May 2027 14:00:00 GMT

The Downtown Sailing Center invites individuals with disabilities to join us every other Saturday morning for a free sailing experience in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

Check-In: 9:45 AM
Sailing: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

If you are unable to attend, please email adaptive@downtownsailing.org to cancel so we can offer your spot to another sailor.

Our accessible docks include ramps, Hoyer lifts, and shaded areas to ensure a safe and inclusive environment. All necessary safety equipment, including life jackets, is provided.

Choose Your Sailing Experience

Relaxed Sonar Keelboat Sail

Sail in one of our Sonar keelboats (up to 3 guests) with an experienced skipper and crew for a calm, guided harbor experience.

Adaptive Hansa 303W Dinghy Sail

Sail independently or with a partner in a Hansa 303W - designed specifically for sailors who benefit from additional support.

Accessibility & Accommodations

Our volunteer team is here to support you, whether you need assistance boarding or prefer someone else to steer. If at any point you’d like to return to shore, simply ask your skipper.

Registration & Volunteering

Registration opens one month before each event.

We also welcome volunteers in a variety of roles—no sailing experience necessary.

Join us for an unforgettable morning of freedom, fun, and sailing in Baltimore’s beautiful Inner Harbor!

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional details, please see our Access-Ability Sailing Program FAQ.

View FAQs

To cancel or for questions: adaptive@downtownsailing.org

Cruising First Thursday Sail (Thursday, June 03, 2027)

Thu, 03 Jun 2027 21:30:00 GMT

Cruising First Thursday Sail

Join us for an evening sail as we meander to the Canton Waterfront park to take-in WTMD’s First Thursday concert! We may or may not dock in Canton, so plan to bring a snack to hold you over on this evening sail.

Learning objectives: participate in coordinating an evening cruise with an experienced skipper, handling lines while docking in a busy marina, or anchoring near a large public event.

Event Start Time

1730

Event End Time

2130

The plan is to head out around 5:30 (please check Circle for a message from the skippers about a specific time to meet!), sail for a bit, and head over to Canton for the music. Depending on conditions, we’ll keep things flexible—maybe a relaxed cruise, maybe a bit more hands-on sailing if people are interested. If docking at a marina there will be some shared costs, and as always, please consider a $5 donation to the fuel fund. If you need access to Circle please reach out to info@downtownsailing.org.

Skipper(s) will contact participants via Circle to communicate the actual dock-call time and cruising logistics.

Weather cancellations will be announced by 11 AM on the day of the event.

Crew sign-ups may be admitted from the waitlist if additional skippers register for the event and we’re able to add another boat.

If any availability remains a week prior to the event, dayfleet skippers and crew are able and encouraged to register and check out all the Cruising program has to offer at the DSC!

Have Questions?

Volunteer Registration: Access-Ability Saturday Event (Saturday, June 12, 2027)

Sat, 12 Jun 2027 13:00:00 GMT

Thank you for volunteering for the DSC’s Access-Ability Saturday Sailing Sessions!

These sessions would not be possible without your dedication, and we deeply appreciate your support.

Schedule

9:00 AM – Volunteer muster, setup, rigging, and launching of Hansa Access Dinghies; rig Sonars
9:45 AM – Participants arrive for check-in
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Sailing session
By 12:30 PM – Event concludes after derigging

Volunteer Roles

Volunteers support the program in a variety of essential positions, including:

Greeters / Escorts
Assist with setup, participant check-in, and escorting sailors down the docks to their boats and/or their skipper/crew.
Hansa 303 Rig & De-Rig Team
Set up and secure the adaptive Hansa dinghies before and after sailing.
Sonar Sailboat Skippers
Sonar Sailboat Crew
Safety Boat Operators
Prior powerboat experience required.
Dockside Assistance
Support with boat handling and participant transfers.
Hoyer Lift Transfer Assistance
Training required.

Questions?

For more information, email adaptive@downtownsailing.org or consult the Volunteer Handbook.

Thank you once again for your commitment to providing sailors with adaptive needs the opportunity to enjoy accessible sailing!

Participant Registration: Access-Ability Saturday Event (Saturday, June 12, 2027)

Sat, 12 Jun 2027 14:00:00 GMT

The Downtown Sailing Center invites individuals with disabilities to join us every other Saturday morning for a free sailing experience in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

Check-In: 9:45 AM
Sailing: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

If you are unable to attend, please email adaptive@downtownsailing.org to cancel so we can offer your spot to another sailor.

Our accessible docks include ramps, Hoyer lifts, and shaded areas to ensure a safe and inclusive environment. All necessary safety equipment, including life jackets, is provided.

Choose Your Sailing Experience

Relaxed Sonar Keelboat Sail

Sail in one of our Sonar keelboats (up to 3 guests) with an experienced skipper and crew for a calm, guided harbor experience.

Adaptive Hansa 303W Dinghy Sail

Sail independently or with a partner in a Hansa 303W - designed specifically for sailors who benefit from additional support.

Accessibility & Accommodations

Our volunteer team is here to support you, whether you need assistance boarding or prefer someone else to steer. If at any point you’d like to return to shore, simply ask your skipper.

Registration & Volunteering

Registration opens one month before each event.

We also welcome volunteers in a variety of roles—no sailing experience necessary.

Join us for an unforgettable morning of freedom, fun, and sailing in Baltimore’s beautiful Inner Harbor!

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional details, please see our Access-Ability Sailing Program FAQ.

View FAQs

To cancel or for questions: adaptive@downtownsailing.org

Cruising Full Strawberry Moon Sail (Friday, June 18, 2027)

Fri, 18 Jun 2027 21:00:00 GMT

Cruising Full Strawberry Moon Sail

Join us for a casual evening sail to catch the full moon out on the water. The name comes primarily from northeastern Native American Algonquian tribes (as well as the Ojibwe, Dakota, Lakota, and Haida peoples) to signal that "June-bearing" strawberries were ripe and ready to be gathered. Peak viewing will be on Friday June 18 at 8:44pm facing the East-Southeast horizon around 125°. Because this full moon occurs right around the summer solstice, it will follow a remarkably low, shallow trajectory across the southern sky. Looking through the thickest parts of the earth's atmosphere at this low angle can cause the moon to have an amber or reddish hue as it filters out the blue light wavelengths. Obstructions on land can make it hard to catch sight of the moon from this angle, so look for a wide open area if possible.

Learning Objectives: practice night navigation, recognizing other vessels lights and using lighted markers, docking at night.

Skipper(s) will contact participants via Circle to communicate the actual dock-call time and cruising logistics.

Weather cancellations will be announced by 11 AM on the day of the event.

Event Start Time

1700-1800

Event End Time

2130

Shared Costs

No slip or dockage fees expected. Please consider a $5 contribution to the fuel fund!

Crew sign-ups may be admitted from the waitlist if additional skippers register for the event and we’re able to add another boat.

If any availability remains a week prior to the event, dayfleet skippers and crew are able and encouraged to register and check out all the Cruising program has to offer at the DSC!

Have Questions?

Volunteer Registration: Access-Ability Saturday Event (Saturday, June 26, 2027)

Sat, 26 Jun 2027 13:00:00 GMT

Thank you for volunteering for the DSC’s Access-Ability Saturday Sailing Sessions!

These sessions would not be possible without your dedication, and we deeply appreciate your support.

Schedule

9:00 AM – Volunteer muster, setup, rigging, and launching of Hansa Access Dinghies; rig Sonars
9:45 AM – Participants arrive for check-in
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Sailing session
By 12:30 PM – Event concludes after derigging

Volunteer Roles

Volunteers support the program in a variety of essential positions, including:

Greeters / Escorts
Assist with setup, participant check-in, and escorting sailors down the docks to their boats and/or their skipper/crew.
Hansa 303 Rig & De-Rig Team
Set up and secure the adaptive Hansa dinghies before and after sailing.
Sonar Sailboat Skippers
Sonar Sailboat Crew
Safety Boat Operators
Prior powerboat experience required.
Dockside Assistance
Support with boat handling and participant transfers.
Hoyer Lift Transfer Assistance
Training required.

Questions?

For more information, email adaptive@downtownsailing.org or consult the Volunteer Handbook.

Thank you once again for your commitment to providing sailors with adaptive needs the opportunity to enjoy accessible sailing!

Participant Registration: Access-Ability Saturday Event (Saturday, June 26, 2027)

Sat, 26 Jun 2027 14:00:00 GMT

The Downtown Sailing Center invites individuals with disabilities to join us every other Saturday morning for a free sailing experience in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

Check-In: 9:45 AM
Sailing: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

If you are unable to attend, please email adaptive@downtownsailing.org to cancel so we can offer your spot to another sailor.

Our accessible docks include ramps, Hoyer lifts, and shaded areas to ensure a safe and inclusive environment. All necessary safety equipment, including life jackets, is provided.

Choose Your Sailing Experience

Relaxed Sonar Keelboat Sail

Sail in one of our Sonar keelboats (up to 3 guests) with an experienced skipper and crew for a calm, guided harbor experience.

Adaptive Hansa 303W Dinghy Sail

Sail independently or with a partner in a Hansa 303W - designed specifically for sailors who benefit from additional support.

Accessibility & Accommodations

Our volunteer team is here to support you, whether you need assistance boarding or prefer someone else to steer. If at any point you’d like to return to shore, simply ask your skipper.

Registration & Volunteering

Registration opens one month before each event.

We also welcome volunteers in a variety of roles—no sailing experience necessary.

Join us for an unforgettable morning of freedom, fun, and sailing in Baltimore’s beautiful Inner Harbor!

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional details, please see our Access-Ability Sailing Program FAQ.

View FAQs

To cancel or for questions: adaptive@downtownsailing.org

Cruising First Thursday Sail (Thursday, July 01, 2027)

Thu, 01 Jul 2027 21:30:00 GMT

Cruising First Thursday Sail

Learning objectives: participate in coordinating an evening cruise with an experienced skipper, handling lines while docking in a busy marina, or anchoring near a large public event.

Event Start Time

1730

Event End Time

2130

Skipper(s) will contact participants via Circle to communicate the actual dock-call time and cruising logistics.

Weather cancellations will be announced by 11 AM on the day of the event.

Crew sign-ups may be admitted from the waitlist if additional skippers register for the event and we’re able to add another boat.

If any availability remains a week prior to the event, dayfleet skippers and crew are able and encouraged to register and check out all the Cruising program has to offer at the DSC!

Have Questions?

Volunteer Registration: Access-Ability Saturday Event (Saturday, July 10, 2027)

Sat, 10 Jul 2027 13:00:00 GMT

Thank you for volunteering for the DSC’s Access-Ability Saturday Sailing Sessions!

These sessions would not be possible without your dedication, and we deeply appreciate your support.

Schedule

9:00 AM – Volunteer muster, setup, rigging, and launching of Hansa Access Dinghies; rig Sonars
9:45 AM – Participants arrive for check-in
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Sailing session
By 12:30 PM – Event concludes after derigging

Volunteer Roles

Volunteers support the program in a variety of essential positions, including:

Greeters / Escorts
Assist with setup, participant check-in, and escorting sailors down the docks to their boats and/or their skipper/crew.
Hansa 303 Rig & De-Rig Team
Set up and secure the adaptive Hansa dinghies before and after sailing.
Sonar Sailboat Skippers
Sonar Sailboat Crew
Safety Boat Operators
Prior powerboat experience required.
Dockside Assistance
Support with boat handling and participant transfers.
Hoyer Lift Transfer Assistance
Training required.

Questions?

For more information, email adaptive@downtownsailing.org or consult the Volunteer Handbook.

Thank you once again for your commitment to providing sailors with adaptive needs the opportunity to enjoy accessible sailing!

Participant Registration: Access-Ability Saturday Event (Saturday, July 10, 2027)

Sat, 10 Jul 2027 14:00:00 GMT

The Downtown Sailing Center invites individuals with disabilities to join us every other Saturday morning for a free sailing experience in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

Check-In: 9:45 AM
Sailing: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

If you are unable to attend, please email adaptive@downtownsailing.org to cancel so we can offer your spot to another sailor.

Our accessible docks include ramps, Hoyer lifts, and shaded areas to ensure a safe and inclusive environment. All necessary safety equipment, including life jackets, is provided.

Choose Your Sailing Experience

Relaxed Sonar Keelboat Sail

Sail in one of our Sonar keelboats (up to 3 guests) with an experienced skipper and crew for a calm, guided harbor experience.

Adaptive Hansa 303W Dinghy Sail

Sail independently or with a partner in a Hansa 303W - designed specifically for sailors who benefit from additional support.

Accessibility & Accommodations

Our volunteer team is here to support you, whether you need assistance boarding or prefer someone else to steer. If at any point you’d like to return to shore, simply ask your skipper.

Registration & Volunteering

Registration opens one month before each event.

We also welcome volunteers in a variety of roles—no sailing experience necessary.

Join us for an unforgettable morning of freedom, fun, and sailing in Baltimore’s beautiful Inner Harbor!

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional details, please see our Access-Ability Sailing Program FAQ.

View FAQs

To cancel or for questions: adaptive@downtownsailing.org

Cruising Full Buck Moon Sail (Saturday, July 17, 2027)

Sat, 17 Jul 2027 21:00:00 GMT

Cruising Full Buck Moon Sail

Join us for a casual evening sail to catch the full moon out on the water. July's full moon gets this traditional name because male deer (bucks) are actively growing new velvet antlers at this time of year. It is also historically know as the Thunder moon, Hay Moon, or Salmon Moon due to summer storms and agricultural seasons.

Because this full moon will peak in illumination during the daylight hours of Sunday July 18, the best viewing times will be the evenings of Saturday July 17 and Sunday July 18 as a second chance. To catch it as it first appears, face the southeastern horizon around 8:45pm. Penumbral Lunar Eclipse: On July 18, the moon will pass through the faint outer edge of Earth’s shadow. While a penumbral eclipse only causes a subtle, dim shading over the lunar surface rather than a dramatic "bite" out of the moon, it adds a unique trait for stargazers tracking the event.

Learning Objectives: practice night navigation, recognizing other vessels lights and using lighted markers, docking at night.

Skipper(s) will contact participants via Circle to communicate the actual dock-call time and cruising logistics.

Weather cancellations will be announced by 11 AM on the day of the event.

Event Start Time

1700-1800

Event End Time

2130

Shared Costs

No slip or dockage fees expected. Please consider a $5 contribution to the fuel fund!

Crew sign-ups may be admitted from the waitlist if additional skippers register for the event and we’re able to add another boat.

If any availability remains a week prior to the event, dayfleet skippers and crew are able and encouraged to register and check out all the Cruising program has to offer at the DSC!

Have Questions?

Volunteer Registration: Access-Ability Saturday Event (Saturday, July 24, 2027)

Sat, 24 Jul 2027 13:00:00 GMT

Thank you for volunteering for the DSC’s Access-Ability Saturday Sailing Sessions!

These sessions would not be possible without your dedication, and we deeply appreciate your support.

Schedule

9:00 AM – Volunteer muster, setup, rigging, and launching of Hansa Access Dinghies; rig Sonars
9:45 AM – Participants arrive for check-in
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Sailing session
By 12:30 PM – Event concludes after derigging

Volunteer Roles

Volunteers support the program in a variety of essential positions, including:

Greeters / Escorts
Assist with setup, participant check-in, and escorting sailors down the docks to their boats and/or their skipper/crew.
Hansa 303 Rig & De-Rig Team
Set up and secure the adaptive Hansa dinghies before and after sailing.
Sonar Sailboat Skippers
Sonar Sailboat Crew
Safety Boat Operators
Prior powerboat experience required.
Dockside Assistance
Support with boat handling and participant transfers.
Hoyer Lift Transfer Assistance
Training required.

Questions?

For more information, email adaptive@downtownsailing.org or consult the Volunteer Handbook.

Thank you once again for your commitment to providing sailors with adaptive needs the opportunity to enjoy accessible sailing!

Participant Registration: Access-Ability Saturday Event (Saturday, July 24, 2027)

Sat, 24 Jul 2027 14:00:00 GMT

The Downtown Sailing Center invites individuals with disabilities to join us every other Saturday morning for a free sailing experience in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

Check-In: 9:45 AM
Sailing: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

If you are unable to attend, please email adaptive@downtownsailing.org to cancel so we can offer your spot to another sailor.

Our accessible docks include ramps, Hoyer lifts, and shaded areas to ensure a safe and inclusive environment. All necessary safety equipment, including life jackets, is provided.

Choose Your Sailing Experience

Relaxed Sonar Keelboat Sail

Sail in one of our Sonar keelboats (up to 3 guests) with an experienced skipper and crew for a calm, guided harbor experience.

Adaptive Hansa 303W Dinghy Sail

Sail independently or with a partner in a Hansa 303W - designed specifically for sailors who benefit from additional support.

Accessibility & Accommodations

Our volunteer team is here to support you, whether you need assistance boarding or prefer someone else to steer. If at any point you’d like to return to shore, simply ask your skipper.

Registration & Volunteering

Registration opens one month before each event.

We also welcome volunteers in a variety of roles—no sailing experience necessary.

Join us for an unforgettable morning of freedom, fun, and sailing in Baltimore’s beautiful Inner Harbor!

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional details, please see our Access-Ability Sailing Program FAQ.

View FAQs

To cancel or for questions: adaptive@downtownsailing.org

Cruising First Thursday Sail (Thursday, August 05, 2027)

Thu, 05 Aug 2027 21:30:00 GMT

Cruising First Thursday Sail

Learning objectives: participate in coordinating an evening cruise with an experienced skipper, handling lines while docking in a busy marina, or anchoring near a large public event.

Event Start Time

1730

Event End Time

2130

Skipper(s) will contact participants via Circle to communicate the actual dock-call time and cruising logistics.

Weather cancellations will be announced by 11 AM on the day of the event.

Crew sign-ups may be admitted from the waitlist if additional skippers register for the event and we’re able to add another boat.

If any availability remains a week prior to the event, dayfleet skippers and crew are able and encouraged to register and check out all the Cruising program has to offer at the DSC!

Have Questions?

Volunteer Registration: Access-Ability Saturday Event (Saturday, August 07, 2027)

Sat, 07 Aug 2027 13:00:00 GMT

Thank you for volunteering for the DSC’s Access-Ability Saturday Sailing Sessions!

These sessions would not be possible without your dedication, and we deeply appreciate your support.

Schedule

9:00 AM – Volunteer muster, setup, rigging, and launching of Hansa Access Dinghies; rig Sonars
9:45 AM – Participants arrive for check-in
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Sailing session
By 12:30 PM – Event concludes after derigging

Volunteer Roles

Volunteers support the program in a variety of essential positions, including:

Greeters / Escorts
Assist with setup, participant check-in, and escorting sailors down the docks to their boats and/or their skipper/crew.
Hansa 303 Rig & De-Rig Team
Set up and secure the adaptive Hansa dinghies before and after sailing.
Sonar Sailboat Skippers
Sonar Sailboat Crew
Safety Boat Operators
Prior powerboat experience required.
Dockside Assistance
Support with boat handling and participant transfers.
Hoyer Lift Transfer Assistance
Training required.

Questions?

For more information, email adaptive@downtownsailing.org or consult the Volunteer Handbook.

Thank you once again for your commitment to providing sailors with adaptive needs the opportunity to enjoy accessible sailing!

Participant Registration: Access-Ability Saturday Event (Saturday, August 07, 2027)

Sat, 07 Aug 2027 14:00:00 GMT

The Downtown Sailing Center invites individuals with disabilities to join us every other Saturday morning for a free sailing experience in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

Check-In: 9:45 AM
Sailing: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

If you are unable to attend, please email adaptive@downtownsailing.org to cancel so we can offer your spot to another sailor.

Our accessible docks include ramps, Hoyer lifts, and shaded areas to ensure a safe and inclusive environment. All necessary safety equipment, including life jackets, is provided.

Choose Your Sailing Experience

Relaxed Sonar Keelboat Sail

Sail in one of our Sonar keelboats (up to 3 guests) with an experienced skipper and crew for a calm, guided harbor experience.

Adaptive Hansa 303W Dinghy Sail

Sail independently or with a partner in a Hansa 303W - designed specifically for sailors who benefit from additional support.

Accessibility & Accommodations

Our volunteer team is here to support you, whether you need assistance boarding or prefer someone else to steer. If at any point you’d like to return to shore, simply ask your skipper.

Registration & Volunteering

Registration opens one month before each event.

We also welcome volunteers in a variety of roles—no sailing experience necessary.

Join us for an unforgettable morning of freedom, fun, and sailing in Baltimore’s beautiful Inner Harbor!

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional details, please see our Access-Ability Sailing Program FAQ.

View FAQs

To cancel or for questions: adaptive@downtownsailing.org

Cruising Full Sturgeon Moon Sail (Monday, August 16, 2027)

Mon, 16 Aug 2027 21:00:00 GMT

Cruising Full Sturgeon Moon Sail

Join us for a casual evening sail to catch the full moon out on the water. This full moon gets it's name from the giant lake sturgeon, a large freshwater fish found in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain. Northeastern and Great Lakes Indigenous tribes, including Algonquian nations, gave the moon this name because these massive fish were most easily and abundantly caught during late summer.

Because this full moon will peak in illumination in the early morning of August 17, the best viewing will be Monday evening on August 16. Look to the East-Southeast around 7:43 for the moonrise. This specific Sturgeon Moon coincides with a penumbral lunar eclipse. The moon will pass through the outer edge of Earth’s shadow (the penumbra), causing it to dim slightly rather than turning completely dark or bright red.

Learning Objectives: practice night navigation, recognizing other vessels lights and using lighted markers, docking at night.

Skipper(s) will contact participants via Circle to communicate the actual dock-call time and cruising logistics.

Weather cancellations will be announced by 11 AM on the day of the event.

Event Start Time

1700-1800

Event End Time

2130

Shared Costs

No slip or dockage fees expected. Please consider a $5 contribution to the fuel fund!

Crew sign-ups may be admitted from the waitlist if additional skippers register for the event and we’re able to add another boat.

If any availability remains a week prior to the event, dayfleet skippers and crew are able and encouraged to register and check out all the Cruising program has to offer at the DSC!

Have Questions?

Volunteer Registration: Access-Ability Saturday Event (Saturday, August 21, 2027)

Sat, 21 Aug 2027 13:00:00 GMT

Thank you for volunteering for the DSC’s Access-Ability Saturday Sailing Sessions!

These sessions would not be possible without your dedication, and we deeply appreciate your support.

Schedule

9:00 AM – Volunteer muster, setup, rigging, and launching of Hansa Access Dinghies; rig Sonars
9:45 AM – Participants arrive for check-in
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Sailing session
By 12:30 PM – Event concludes after derigging

Volunteer Roles

Volunteers support the program in a variety of essential positions, including:

Greeters / Escorts
Assist with setup, participant check-in, and escorting sailors down the docks to their boats and/or their skipper/crew.
Hansa 303 Rig & De-Rig Team
Set up and secure the adaptive Hansa dinghies before and after sailing.
Sonar Sailboat Skippers
Sonar Sailboat Crew
Safety Boat Operators
Prior powerboat experience required.
Dockside Assistance
Support with boat handling and participant transfers.
Hoyer Lift Transfer Assistance
Training required.

Questions?

For more information, email adaptive@downtownsailing.org or consult the Volunteer Handbook.

Thank you once again for your commitment to providing sailors with adaptive needs the opportunity to enjoy accessible sailing!

Participant Registration: Access-Ability Saturday Event (Saturday, August 21, 2027)

Sat, 21 Aug 2027 14:00:00 GMT

The Downtown Sailing Center invites individuals with disabilities to join us every other Saturday morning for a free sailing experience in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

Check-In: 9:45 AM
Sailing: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

If you are unable to attend, please email adaptive@downtownsailing.org to cancel so we can offer your spot to another sailor.

Our accessible docks include ramps, Hoyer lifts, and shaded areas to ensure a safe and inclusive environment. All necessary safety equipment, including life jackets, is provided.

Choose Your Sailing Experience

Relaxed Sonar Keelboat Sail

Sail in one of our Sonar keelboats (up to 3 guests) with an experienced skipper and crew for a calm, guided harbor experience.

Adaptive Hansa 303W Dinghy Sail

Sail independently or with a partner in a Hansa 303W - designed specifically for sailors who benefit from additional support.

Accessibility & Accommodations

Our volunteer team is here to support you, whether you need assistance boarding or prefer someone else to steer. If at any point you’d like to return to shore, simply ask your skipper.

Registration & Volunteering

Registration opens one month before each event.

We also welcome volunteers in a variety of roles—no sailing experience necessary.

Join us for an unforgettable morning of freedom, fun, and sailing in Baltimore’s beautiful Inner Harbor!

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional details, please see our Access-Ability Sailing Program FAQ.

View FAQs

To cancel or for questions: adaptive@downtownsailing.org

Cruising First Thursday Sail (Thursday, September 02, 2027)

Thu, 02 Sep 2027 21:30:00 GMT

Cruising First Thursday Sail

Learning objectives: participate in coordinating an evening cruise with an experienced skipper, handling lines while docking in a busy marina, or anchoring near a large public event.

Event Start Time

1730

Event End Time

2130

Skipper(s) will contact participants via Circle to communicate the actual dock-call time and cruising logistics.

Weather cancellations will be announced by 11 AM on the day of the event.

Crew sign-ups may be admitted from the waitlist if additional skippers register for the event and we’re able to add another boat.

If any availability remains a week prior to the event, dayfleet skippers and crew are able and encouraged to register and check out all the Cruising program has to offer at the DSC!

Have Questions?

Volunteer Registration: Access-Ability Saturday Event (Saturday, September 04, 2027)

Sat, 04 Sep 2027 13:00:00 GMT

Thank you for volunteering for the DSC’s Access-Ability Saturday Sailing Sessions!

These sessions would not be possible without your dedication, and we deeply appreciate your support.

Schedule

9:00 AM – Volunteer muster, setup, rigging, and launching of Hansa Access Dinghies; rig Sonars
9:45 AM – Participants arrive for check-in
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Sailing session
By 12:30 PM – Event concludes after derigging

Volunteer Roles

Volunteers support the program in a variety of essential positions, including:

Greeters / Escorts
Assist with setup, participant check-in, and escorting sailors down the docks to their boats and/or their skipper/crew.
Hansa 303 Rig & De-Rig Team
Set up and secure the adaptive Hansa dinghies before and after sailing.
Sonar Sailboat Skippers
Sonar Sailboat Crew
Safety Boat Operators
Prior powerboat experience required.
Dockside Assistance
Support with boat handling and participant transfers.
Hoyer Lift Transfer Assistance
Training required.

Questions?

For more information, email adaptive@downtownsailing.org or consult the Volunteer Handbook.

Thank you once again for your commitment to providing sailors with adaptive needs the opportunity to enjoy accessible sailing!

Participant Registration: Access-Ability Saturday Event (Saturday, September 04, 2027)

Sat, 04 Sep 2027 14:00:00 GMT

The Downtown Sailing Center invites individuals with disabilities to join us every other Saturday morning for a free sailing experience in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

Check-In: 9:45 AM
Sailing: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

If you are unable to attend, please email adaptive@downtownsailing.org to cancel so we can offer your spot to another sailor.

Our accessible docks include ramps, Hoyer lifts, and shaded areas to ensure a safe and inclusive environment. All necessary safety equipment, including life jackets, is provided.

Choose Your Sailing Experience

Relaxed Sonar Keelboat Sail

Sail in one of our Sonar keelboats (up to 3 guests) with an experienced skipper and crew for a calm, guided harbor experience.

Adaptive Hansa 303W Dinghy Sail

Sail independently or with a partner in a Hansa 303W - designed specifically for sailors who benefit from additional support.

Accessibility & Accommodations

Our volunteer team is here to support you, whether you need assistance boarding or prefer someone else to steer. If at any point you’d like to return to shore, simply ask your skipper.

Registration & Volunteering

Registration opens one month before each event.

We also welcome volunteers in a variety of roles—no sailing experience necessary.

Join us for an unforgettable morning of freedom, fun, and sailing in Baltimore’s beautiful Inner Harbor!

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional details, please see our Access-Ability Sailing Program FAQ.

View FAQs

To cancel or for questions: adaptive@downtownsailing.org

Cruising Full Corn Moon Sail (Wednesday, September 15, 2027)

Wed, 15 Sep 2027 21:00:00 GMT

Cruising Full Corn Moon Sail

Join us for a casual evening sail to catch the full moon out on the water. The name comes from Algonquian and other Native American traditions, marking the end of the growing season and the gathering of crops. The Corn Moon rises shortly after sunset for several consecutive nights, historically giving farmers extra time to finish gathering crops before the frost. This full moon is also widely known as the Harvest Moon because it falls closest to the autumn equinox.

Because the moon reaches peak illumination at 7:03pm, you can watch it rise as a spectacular orange orb right at the horizon. Look directly East to watch it rise. It will travel high across the sky toward the South as the night progresses. If the weather doesn't cooperate, you can still catch the moon looking visibly full to the naked eye on both Tuesday(the 14th) and Thursday (the 16th) nights.

Learning Objectives: practice night navigation, recognizing other vessels lights and using lighted markers, docking at night.

Skipper(s) will contact participants via Circle to communicate the actual dock-call time and cruising logistics.

Weather cancellations will be announced by 11 AM on the day of the event.

Event Start Time

1700-1800

Event End Time

2130

Shared Costs

No slip or dockage fees expected. Please consider a $5 contribution to the fuel fund!

Crew sign-ups may be admitted from the waitlist if additional skippers register for the event and we’re able to add another boat.

If any availability remains a week prior to the event, dayfleet skippers and crew are able and encouraged to register and check out all the Cruising program has to offer at the DSC!

Have Questions?

Cruising Full Hunter's Moon Sail (Friday, October 15, 2027)

Fri, 15 Oct 2027 21:00:00 GMT

Cruising Full Hunter's Moon Sail

Join us for a casual evening sail to catch the full moon out on the water. The name comes from traditional European and Native American practices. With fields cleared after the autumn harvest, animals like deer and foxes would come out to scavenge remaining crops. The bright moonlight gave hunters clear visibility to track and stock up on meat before the harsh winter months. The Hunter's Moon is the first full moon that occurs immediately after the Harvest Moon. Because the peak occurs during mid-morning daylight hours in Maryland, the best times for viewing the fully illuminated moon will be during moonrise on the evening of Friday, October 15, as well as the night prior (Thursday, October 14) Watch for the moon to rise in the east almost immediately after sunset at 6:10pm.

Learning Objectives: practice night navigation, recognizing other vessels lights and using lighted markers, docking at night.

Skipper(s) will contact participants via Circle to communicate the actual dock-call time and cruising logistics.

Weather cancellations will be announced by 11 AM on the day of the event.

Event Start Time

1700-1800

Event End Time

2130

Shared Costs

No slip or dockage fees expected. Please consider a $5 contribution to the fuel fund!

Crew sign-ups may be admitted from the waitlist if additional skippers register for the event and we’re able to add another boat.

If any availability remains a week prior to the event, dayfleet skippers and crew are able and encouraged to register and check out all the Cruising program has to offer at the DSC!