us sailing cruising certification courses
Basic Crusing and Bareboat Cruising Certifications
US Sailing Cruising Certifications Overview
Interested in taking your sailing skills to the next level by learning to skipper an auxiliary powered cruising sailboat? US Sailing Basic Cruising and Bareboat Cruising Courses are offered.
The prerequisites for this class are to have attained the US Sailing Basic Keelboat certification, and to have competency in skippering a small keelboat. This is not a learn-to-sail class, and sailing knowledge will be assumed. It is also helpful to have crewed on a larger (27'-40') sailboat with an inboard engine.
Those with excellent keelboat skills may challenge the US Sailing Basic Keelboat certification by contacting lessons@downtownsailing.com.
US Sailing Basic Cruising (BC)
Each course is held over two full weekends and graduates who complete the Basic Cruising certification course should finish the class with familiarity of engine systems, electrical systems, and how to confidently Day-sail an auxiliary powered cruising sailboat. The program is open to three (3) students at a time with a course minimum of two (2) students. For a list of practical skills and knowledge for successful completion of the Basic Cruising Course, click HERE. Other schools offer this as a 3-day course whereas the DSC course is up to days 4 or 32 hours of on the water and classroom time.
Prerequisite for the course is proof of completing the US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification Course plus additional on the water time. Persons born on or after July 1, 1972 must also provide proof of valid Maryland Safe Boater Certification (or equivalent), which can be earned at no cost to you through Boat US Foundation's program.Basic Cruising Challenge
We also offer the Basic Cruising Challenge as an alternative to the full class. The BC Challenge is intended for individuals with meaningful day-sailing and cruising experience who are fully ready to take the written and on-the-water exams. Candidates will be evaluated and required to demonstrate that their knowledge and skills are consistent US Sailing Basic Cruising Certification standards. Candidates should understand the challenge is an evaluative course, and they should be able to fully demonstrate cruising skills and knowledge with little or no coaching. Email lessons@downtownsailing.org for more information and to schedule.
Basic Cruising Courses
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The Downtown Sailing Center
Est 1994
1425 Key Highway, Suite 110, Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 727-0722 • info@downtownsailing.org