Sailing School: Learn to Sail and Improve!

The Downtown Sailing Center is an accredited US Sailing school that provides courses for all sailing levels. Our comprehensive curriculum helps every student reach their full potential through a balance of structure and individualized attention.

Courses

Taste of Sailing - quick, fun primer in Sonars: $75 - $99

Intro to Sailing 12 hr. - most popular course for basic sailing skills: $325 - $450

Beyond Intro 12 hr. - secondary course for Intro grads: $325 - $450

Basic Keelboat (BK) Certification 32 hr. - comprehensive learn-to-sail course over five days or three weekends: $725 - $1000

US Sailing Basic Cruising Certification - for cruising sailors w/ BK certification taught over two weekends: $1000 - $1100

US Sailing Bareboat Cruising Certification - for cruising sailors w/ BC certification taught over 5 consecutive days $2050- $2200 

Accelerated Powerboat Course - US Powerboat Course over two days: $325 - $450 

For those looking to customize, we provide Private Lessons & Special Events.

Our Instructors and Fleet

Our Coaches teach part time at the Sailing Center and have other lives on the side. Many have been teaching for well over a decade, while we also have fresh faces coming up through the ranks. The top coaches at the other "premier school" in the area are frequently DSC skippers, instructors, and trainers. Our program focuses on true competency, not gimmicks.

Our J/22s and Sonars are the perfect balance of comfortable size and nimble feedback. Adult learners and teens alike will appreciate this balance.

Taste of Sailing and First Sail courses are taught in our comfy and roomy Sonars. Keelboat Lessons are typically taught in our nimble and responsive J/22s. US Sailing's "Basic Cruising" is taught aboard Captian Bob's personal MAKANI, a Bavaria 38 cruising sailboat with all the amenities.

Members of the Downtown Sailing Center receive special discounts on education courses. If you live in the Baltimore area, we strongly recommend joining a the crew level so you can get straight to the water for practice after your lessons! Click Here for details on Member Sails

Private Lessons & Special Events

Private lessons are available for up to three adults and can be tailored to all levels, from beginner to US SAILING Basic Keelboat Certification. Private sailing lessons cost $60/hour for one adult plus $10/hour per for up to three people. There is a 2 hr. requirement for private lessons, but we recommend three hours for maximum educational benefit. You do not need to be a DSC member to take private lessons. 

If you have a special event in mind that you like to plan with the DSC, we can make it happen if you plan it with us in advance. Typically we ask for at least one month advance preparation for customized events!

If you are interested in private lessons or planning a special event, please email info@downtownsailing.org or call at 410.727.0722