Rental Policies

Rental Requirement

In order to rent a boat from DC Sail a skipper must be (a) a member of DC Sail and (b) certified on that particular type of boat.

In order to be certified on a Flying Scot at DC Sail, a skipper must have (a) satisfactorily passed the Learn To Sail Course during the current season or (b) satisfactorily passed the Learn To Sail course during a previous season (or possess an equivalent certification from an accredited sailing organization). On top of these requirements a skipper must do a checkout sail prior to the rental (once per season). 

The checkout sail consists of proper rigging and de-rigging of our Flying Scots, proper departure from and landing to the dock, two tacks and two jibes, and a Crew In the Water Rescue (formerly known as Man Overboard Recovery).

To be certified on either the FJs or the Lasers, a skipper must have passed the Advanced Small Boat class, possess an equivalent certificaton from another accredited sailing organization, or have passed a checkout sail.

In all cases, the waterfront manager may refuse a rental if there are safety concerns.

Boater's Safety Certificate

DC Sail requires that all of our members comply with District of Columbia law and as a learning organization provides every opportunity for continued growth. Per DC law, anyone operating a boat within our waterways is required to have a Boater’s Safety Certificate.  These can be earned online through a learning module followed by a quiz.  These cost $15 and the card will be mailed to you. Here is one good option: http://www.boatingbasicsonline.com/

The DC MPD also offer their own schedule of classes, free of charge, and will provide you with a card immediately upon completion.  Their schedule is available online here.

DC Sail in cooperation with the MPD offer dedicated bulk lessons. Contact lessons@dcsail.org for more information.

At least one person in every boat must be able to produce a Boater’s Safety Card upon request by the DC Police. There is a $50 fine for non-compliance which must be paid in person at the police station. 

We encourage everyone to take their safety and that of others seriously while on the water.  Earning a Boater’s Safety Card is a great way to do this! 

Lifejackets

All sailors must wear a lifejacket before they step foot aboard all of our small boats.

Cancellation/Late Rental Policy

If you do not appear within thirty minutes of your scheduled boat reservation, you may lose your reserved boat and will not be refunded. After this time period, walk-ins have access to the boat that was previously reserved.  If you need to cancel a rental, you must do so by 12:00 (noon) the Friday prior to your rental time.  If you fail to cancel your rental properly, we will charge you a fee of $30.

Guests

Guests are permitted to sail with you during rentals. All guests must fill out a waiver before they can sail.