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learn to sail in baltimore's inner harborThe Downtown Sailing Center offers affordable annual memberships for sailors of all skill levels. |
Membership at a Glance
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How Membership WorksWhether you're a seasoned sailor or a complete beginner, become part of a diverse and inclusive community and learn to sail in Baltimore's beautiful Inner Harbor. |
Join as CrewCrew members can take part in our bi-weekly member sails. After attending an orientation, crew can also take out one of our Kayaks or 1-2 person Hansa dinghies. |
Get InvolvedBy volunteering at events, helping with work parties, or joining a committee, you help make the water accessible to all, while building friendships, gaining new skills, and giving back. |
Build SkillsLearn the fundamentals through member sails, mentorship, or classes. Once you’ve mastered the basics, try racing, cruising, or work towards becoming a skipper. |
Getting Out On The WaterThere are plenty of ways for members to get out on the water - No experience necessary! |
|  Member SailsGo out with an experienced skipper every Wednesday and Sunday April - October (weather permitting).  Friday Night Fun RacesLearn the basics of racing in a friendly competition. No experience necessary! Join a team at the docks. |  Women on the WaterFemale identifying or non-binary members can learn new skills and get a confidence boost!  Kayaks and Hansa 303sReserve a kayak and go for a paddle in Inner Harbor or take a Hansa Dinghy out for a quick solo sail. |
Get Involved & Give BackVolunteers are the heart of our organization, and we rely on them to make our programs possible and help us fulfill our mission of making sailing accessible to everyone. All members are asked to participate in a committee or volunteer at 8 events each year. |
Community Outreach ProgramsThe DSC partners with local community organizations to provide low to no-cost opportunities for their program participants to see their city from the water and experience the joy of sailing. Learn more » Access-Ability EventsThe Access-ability program is an open house sailing event for anyone with a disability. Volunteers skipper and crew sailboats, greet participants, escort them to the water, and help launch and catch boats at the dock. Learn more »  Work Parties / Boat MaintenanceOur boats are a shared resource and we depend on our members to help keep them ship shape! No boat-work experience is necessary and we provide instruction and all necessary tools and supplies. Find a work party » Join a CommitteeWe have 8 committees so there really is a way for everyone to get involved by doing something they enjoy! From repairing sails to planning socials to being a dockmaster or serving on race council - there is something for every interest and schedule! Learn more about committees » |
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Build Your SkillsWhether you are just starting out or have been sailing for decades, there are plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. |
Attend Member SailsMember sails take place every Wednesday and Sunday from April - October (weather permitting) and are a great way to meet other members and start learning. |
Make ConnectionsOur knowledgeable and supportive members are eager to share their time, skills, and expertise. Make connections on our online community platform and build your skills. |
Take a ClassOur US Sailing-accredited Sailing School offers classes for all skill levels and schedules. From 3-hour introductory sails to full Basic Keelboat Certification, we offer a full array of lessons. |
Private LessonsWhether you're an absolute beginner or simply looking to refine your skills, private sailing lessons offer personalized instruction to help you build confidence and master techniques at your own pace. |
Attend Member ClinicsMembership includes access to hands-on clinics covering a range of skills, including Person Overboard (PoB) drills, docking, and spinnaker sailing. Clinic topics vary from year to year - check the calendar for the latest updates. |
Upgrade Your MembershipThe Cruising Education Program provides educational sailing opportunities on our fleet of cruising sailboats. Thursday Night Racing provides friendly competition on the DSC boats after a workday. |
2025 Membership RatesThe Downtown Sailing Center offers affordable annual memberships for sailors of all skill levels. The membership rates below are valid for full-season 2025 memberships which will be available to purchase December 1, 2024. |
CREW
$470When paid before Jan 1st
Does not include $75 capital assessment fee*. Youth memberships are available for ages 10-17. Youth members must be with a full member parent or guardian. Youth rate is $250/yr. | Junior Skipper
$530When paid before Jan 1st
Does not include $75 capital assessment fee*. | SKIPPER
$995When paid before Jan 1st
Does not include $100 capital assessment fee*. |
As part of our commitment to making the sport of sailing accessible to everyone, the Downtown Sailing Center offers payment plans and full or partial scholarships. Please contact us for more information and to see if you qualify. |
| Cruising Upgrade$150/Crew $400/Skipper The Cruising Education Program provides educational sailing opportunities on our fleet of cruising sailboats. Members can work on skills by taking classes, mentoring each other, and sailing together. Members with a cruising upgrade are also invited to attend full moon evening cruises and overnight events to ports across the bay. |
| Racing Upgrade$110/Crew $195/Skipper Learn to race in our weekly J/22 one-design races. The Thursday Night Racing series runs from April through October, weather permitting. Racing rules seminars and crew parties are held each spring to help first time racers find a team and help returning racers shake off the rust. You must join a team before purchasing an upgrade. |
Frequently Asked Questions |
What type of boats will I sail? The DSC fleet includes J22s, Sonars, Hansa dinghies, and several cruising boats. Learn more on our fleet page » I want to take out a Hansa or Kayak. How do I get an orientation? Orientations happen frequently in the spring and twice a month during the summer. Check the calendar for upcoming orientations. Can I pay in installments? Yes! Please email info@downtownsailing.org and we will help you set up a payment plan. I can't afford a membership but would like to join. What can I do? As part of our commitment to making the sport of sailing accessible for everyone, the Downtown Sailing Center does offer scholarships. Please email info@downtownsailing.org to see if you qualify. How do I get my discount on classes? Classes have both member and non-member registration options. Once you are a member and have logged into the website will be able to register at the discounted rate. | Do I really have to volunteer? To keep memberships affordable and further our mission of making sailing accessible to everyone, we depend on our volunteers to help run programming and keep our fleet ship shape. Work parties and outreach or accessible events are a fun way to meet other members and get involved! We also have various committees to join, so there really is something for everyone. I took a class and would like to join. How do I get my discount? Students that have successfully completed a class are eligible for $100 off a full membership. Please complete the membership application and select "invoice me" at the payment stage, then email info@downtownsailing.org so that we can apply the discount. Please note that Taste of Sailing students do not receive a discount. How do I purchase a Cruising or Racing upgrade? When purchasing or renewing your membership please select the upgrade you would like. If you have already purchased a membership please email info@downtownsailing.org to purchase an upgrade. Please note that those purchasing a racing crew upgrade must already have a team at the time of purchase. |
Be a Part of Our Community |
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The Downtown Sailing Center
Est 1994
1425 Key Highway, Suite 110, Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 727-0722 • info@downtownsailing.org