Adult Beginner Learn to Sail

Curriculum

Included in the course fee, students will receive a copy of US Sailing's acclaimed Start Sailing Right! textbook and a US Sailing Small Boat Certification Red Book.

The course content is based on the US Sailing Small Boat Level 1 Certification Curriculum and is divided into general skills and boat handling skills modules:

General Skill Modules

• Wind Direction
• Rigging and Derigging
• Knots/Lines
• Rules of the Road

Boat Handling Skill Modules

• Departure/Landing
• Steering
• Safety Position
• Tacking
• Points of Sail
• Jibing
• Capsize Prevention and Recovery
• Person Overboard Recovery
• Getting Out of Irons
• Upwind Sailing
• Downwind Sailing
• Capsize recovery

Location

All course material is taught at the marina or on our sailboats. There is a heavy emphasis for hands-on teaching. In every lesson students will spend the majority of their time on a sailboat practicing skills and applying their knowledge.

The Wharf Marina is located at 600 Water Street SW in Washington DC, just two blocks from the Southwest Waterfront Metro stop on the Green Line.

 
View Larger Map

Back to top

Prepare to Sail

• What to wear
  Wear something you don't mind getting a little dirty and possibly wet and consider what the weather is going to be both in terms of temperature and wind speed. It tends to be a bit cooler on the water than on land (that's why sailing is a great summer activity).
  
  Shoes - tennis sneakers or shoes designed for sailing have the best traction, but any sneaker of some sort will suffice (the softer the sole the better). You must wear closed toe shoes or sports sandals (choco's or teva's). Flip-flops and open back shoes are not permitted.
  
  Top - a t-shirt will often do the job, but if it's windy or rainy, a light fleece top, sweatshirt, rain-jacket or some combination will meet your needs.
  
  Bottom - shorts or pants depending on the temperature.
• 
  Rain gear - If rain is forecast, please bring a rain-jacket. We will evaluate weather conditions at the dock and will sail in the rain if there no severe weather is in the area. 
  
• 
  
• What else to bring
  Sunblock
  Bottled Water
  Hat
  

Back to top

Cancellation Policy

DC Sail's programs and dock remain open when it is raining. However, we will close operations if there is a serious threat of lightning or if the wind speed exceeds 20 miles per hour. Click here for our detailed weather policy.

If you need to reschedule your lesson, please do so by phone or email up to four days prior to your lesson time. If you fail to reschedule within this time frame, there is a $75 cancellation fee.

Back to top

Certification Guarantee

Our classes are designed around the US Sailing Small Boat Sailing Certification, and most students should be ready to pass the US Sailing Small Boat Sailing Certification test after completion of our four classes.

Many of our students also take advantage of our Member Sails on Monday evenings and Social Sails on Wednesday evenings to get a little practice in during these fairly laid-back events before (and after) their check-out sails which occur during your first Flying Scot Rental. For Boat Rental Policies, please click here. Additional certification is required by the District of Columbia.

Back to top

Questions?

Please call or email us. Email to Traci Mead, Director of Business Operations or call (202) 547-1250.