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Beginner Lessons
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2025 Registration Information:
The 2025 Adult Beginner Learn to Sail Lessons registration will open at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, February 13th. You may need to "refresh" your browser to view all of the Sessions' links in the red box below as they go live. This may take about three-five minutes from opening registration as the database updates and the links appear on the website.
How To Register for the Lessons:
Please scroll down to the red box on this page. When registration opens, you'll find white hyperlinks to click on to start the registration process. There will be a total 19 Sessions once they all appear. You only need to register and issue payment for one Session to complete the course.
When you open a Session, you’ll find the four dates that you’ll be required to attend to complete the course/certification. Please be sure your calendar will permit attendance for both of the weekend dates noted for that Session, as we’re unable to “break up” the Sessions and it is unlikely we’ll be able to reschedule you should we reach capacity.
Sell Out to Capacity Situations & Waitlist:
As the Sessions fill, you will see when you click on the link that there are zero spaces remaining available for that Session. However, there will be a "Join Waitlist" button available. We strongly recommend that you keep moving through the links until you find an open Session and secure your registration. Each Session class size is only eight students, so we typically reach sell out to capacity quickly.
Please Note: Your 12-Month Membership with DC Sail will not start until a few days prior to your first Lesson, so if you’re unable to get into a Session until July or August, for example, you will still be an active Member through the activation date in 2026!
Thank You!
Please click here for our Membership Benefits and Boat Rental Policies.
DC Sail's beginner sailing course ensures that with practice you will learn the basics of the sport of sailing. We want you to not only learn how to sail but also to continue building your skills. DC Sail is dedicated to making your unique experience something that will last a lifetime.
COST:
Basic Membership and Adult Beginner Learn to Sail Package: $615.00
Super Membership and Adult Beginner Learn to Sail Package: $790.00
*The difference between Basic & Super Membership Details:
Level |
Benefits |
Basic |
P Access to rentals (After certification) P Discounted tickets for member & up to three guests aboard the “American Spirit” Sunset Sails P Access to Member Only Sails and on Monday and Wednesday evenings which run mid-May to mid-September P Invitations to DC Sail events such as our annual signature fundraising event, Cantina Cup Regatta & Awards Ceremony |
Super |
P Boat rental fees are waived P Complimentary Refresher Course annually P All benefits of the Basic Member level |
Membership Benefits and Boat Rental Policies can be found by clicking here.
By signing up for this course, you receive:Instruction takes place in 19-foot Flying Scot sailboats. DC Sail follows the the US Sailing Small Boat Sailing Curriculum. US Sailing is the governing body of the sport of sailing in the United States. This certification ensures that you are receiving the best quality of sailing education.
REGISTRATION: To register for your lesson package, click on a Session from the red box below - the dates for the four lessons will be posted inside the registration link. Please note that your attendance is required for all four lessons within a Session. We are unable to split Sessions due to logistics. (Full payment must be made at the time of registration. Pending registrations without payment will be auto-cancelled by the system after 15 minutes. Please have your payment information available at the time of registration.)
DC SAIL CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY
WEATHER:
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 15 miles per hour. If severe weather prevents us from holding the lessons on the water, Instructors will lead lessons on land if possible.
See below for more information related to Curriculum, Prepare to Sail, Guarantee Policy and Certification Information.
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 Certification Curriculum and is divided into general skills and boat handling skills modules:
General Skill Modules
Boat Handling Skill Modules
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).
Lifejacket - All DC Sail members are required to provide their own USCG Certified PFD (lifejacket). Types I, II, III, and V are all acceptable. Type III jackets are the most common. Following lessons and certification, members must also provide PFDs for any guests they bring to weekend rentals.
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 rain gear. We will evaluate weather conditions at the dock and will sail in the rain if there no severe weather is in the area. We do not cancel lessons due to rain.
What else to bring:
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 and 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 prior to any Boat Rental.
Questions?
Please call or email us. Email to Traci Mead, Executive Director, or call (202) 547-1250.