One Day introductory class for cruising crew
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Do you have basic sailing skills aboard the DSC dayfleet (J22s and Sonars) or similar keelboats, and are you looking to crew on larger sailing vessels with inboard diesel engines? This class might be for you!
You’ll receive training in how to be a great crew member on a bigger boat. This course will teach you the basics of learning to helm the boat with the engine, including how to maneuver in close quarters, how to start the engine and to perform pre-sail engine checks.
You will learn how to raise and douse the sails on a cruising boat, how to operate the winches, and you will practice sailing. You’ll learn the differences in helming a boat with a wheel vs a tiller while sailing.
Finally, we’ll show you how to assist your skipper when departing from and returning to the dock, and you’ll learn about the different types of dock lines,
Prerequisite: Basic crew level skills aboard the dayfleet - this isn’t a learn-to-sail course and basic sailing vocabulary and wind awareness / points of sail knowledge will be assumed.
Please note that there is a firm administrative course change/cancellation fee of $35 per course for switching dates or cancelling. 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.
Details:
We believe in “learning by doing” at the DSC, so the majority of your time will be spent on the water! An experienced instructor will guide you through the curriculum and be on the boat with you at all times.
This is an Adult Education course, and all participants must be at least 16 years of age.
The course takes place from 9am - 4pm, with a lunch break in the middle of the day. You must be available for the full timeframe as the boats will spend the majority of the day on the water.
This course is taught aboard one of the DSC’s cruising boats, and you’ll sail on an auxiliary-powered vessel between 30' and 40' in length.
Parking is available on site in the gravel lot of the Baltimore Museum of Industry. Classes meet behind the BMI pavilion, near the gate to the Downtown Sailing Center main dock. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early to orient yourself and meet your instructor.
Life jackets are required to be worn and will be provided. Please wear close-toed shoes for safety. We recommend dressing for the weather (it can feel cooler on the water than on land!) and bringing a full water bottle, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen and a great attitude.
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.
