The US Sailing Basic Cruising Certification Course is a 4-day intensive sailing course in which you will learn to responsibly skipper and crew an auxiliary powered cruising sailboat during daylight hours, within sight of land in moderate wind and sea conditions. 

You will learn to prepare the boat for sailing and complete a thorough systems check, safely depart from the dock under engine power, learn crew communication skills, practice boat control in confined waters, raising the sails, rescuing an overboard crew, and returning to the dock. You'll also learn anchoring procedures, safety and emergency protocols, and basic navigation.

Participants need to have successfully completed the US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification in order to qualify for the Basic Cruising Certification.

Each student will receive a copy of the US Sailing Basic Cruising textbook. Upon successful completion of the exams, students will receive a logbook and sticker.

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. The maximum number of students per boat is 3, to allow everyone plenty of time to practice the skills.

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

The course takes place from 8:30am - 5pm each day, 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. The restroom onsite is a port-a-potty.

This course is taught aboard 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.