US Sailing Navigation Courses Navigate with Knowledge & Confidence | US Sailing Navigation courses are hands-on programs that teach you to find your position, plan a safe route, and make confident decisions on the water. These nationally recognized certification courses prepare you for navigating safely with the tools you rely on. |
Hands-On Practical exercises to reinforce your learning during class |
Expert Instructors Highly-trained instructors certified by US Sailing |
Inclusive Environment Where people of all backgrounds can enjoy building skills |
Classroom Instruction Perfect for skill development during the sailing off-season |
US Sailing Navigation Courses Offered |
The courses below all conclude with written exams that must be passed in order to earn the associated US Sailing certification. Each course stands on its own, so choose the one that fits your goals, or take all three to build a complete navigation toolkit. Please note that Coastal Navigation is a prerequisite for Celestial Navigation certification. We typically offer these courses in the offseason each year - if you don't see courses listed, check back in the Fall!
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Class Discounts for MembersDSC members receive a discount on classes! Check class descriptions for member pricing. Membership DiscountsNon-members who wish to join the DSC after completing a class may receive a discount on their membership! |
Navigation Course FAQsWho should take the above courses?These courses are intended for all boaters interested in becoming better navigators, not just sailors! Take one or all three to learn whichever aspects of navigation interest you. Do I need any experience?No prior experience is required to take any of the Navigation courses. NAV 1 and Coastal Navigation have no prerequisites, and anyone is welcome to take the Celestial Navigation course and its exam. To earn the US Sailing Celestial Navigation certification, you’ll need to hold the US Sailing Coastal Navigation certification first. If you don’t, you’ll still learn the full course material and can take the exam to validate your knowledge.What do I need to bring?Each course has its own list of what to bring, which is detailed in that course’s calendar announcement. Please check the announcement for your course so you arrive ready to go. What is included in the course fee?Each course includes a textbook, and the course fee also covers the exam, a logbook if you don’t already have one, and the US Sailing sticker for your logbook when you earn certification. Some courses include additional materials, which are listed in the calendar announcement for your course. All courses are taught by US Sailing-certified instructors.Where will the courses be held?The Navigation courses are held in our classroom space, on the third floor of the building at 1425 Key Highway. The building has parking, Wi-Fi, bathrooms, an elevator and a water dispenser. Please reach out to lessons@downtownsailing.org if any accommodations are needed. What if I don't pass the exam?If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you may retake the exam once. To schedule a retake, email us at lessons@downtownsailing.org. You’ll have 90 days from the date of your first exam to study and complete your retake. Waitlist and Cancellation PolicyWaitlistIf the class you want to attend is fully booked, feel free to join the waitlist. We will send an email to the waitlist when a spot becomes available. It is then first come first serve. CancellationsParticipant Cancellations Participant cancellations made 14 days or more in advance of the event date will receive a 100% refund. Cancellations made 3-13 days in advance of the event date will receive a 50% refund, unless we are able to fill the opening in which case a 100% refund will be issued. Cancellations made within 48 hours to the event will not be refunded unless the opening is filled, in which case a 100% refund will be issued. The above policy applies to change requests, and we have a $35 Course Change Fee to switch dates or cancel a class with any amount of notice. The DSC will do its best to find a replacement student for the course. Please email info@downtownsailing.org to cancel a registration. DSC Cancellations If the Downtown Sailing Center cancels your course, you will be rescheduled for another offering at no cost or a refund will be issued. |
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat kind of boats are used for classes?Most courses are taught aboard the DSC's keelboats - either a J/22 or a Sonar. Both have a heavy keel to provide stability and will not tip over during your sail! Please note that Performance Sailing is only taught aboard J/22s and uses symmetrical spinnakers. Basic Cruising and Bareboat Cruising courses are taught aboard the DSC's cruising boats, auxiliary-powered vessel between 30' and 40' in length. Is parking available?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. Are there breaks during class?Our full-day classes return for a lunch break in the middle of each day, but you should plan to be on the water for up to three hours at a stretch. What do I need to bring?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 water bottle, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen and a great attitude. |
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