DC Sail Programs

Learn to Sail

A session consists of four lessons with a trained instructor and up to four other novice sailors aboard our 19-foot Flying Scot sailboats. You will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to pass our certification test, which will allow you to rent boats without an instructor. Subjects covered include: how a sailboat works, boat rigging, points of sail, water safety, reading the wind, and essential sailing knots.

Schedule

Weekend sessions: 2 Saturdays and 2 Sundays in a row, 9:30am-12:30pm
Weekday sessions: 2 Wednesdays and 2 Fridays in a row, 5:30pm-8:30pm.

Lessons 1 & 3 are held on Saturdays and Wednesdays. Lessons 2 & 4 are held on Sundays and Fridays.

Sailing for the 2008 season has commenced. We will announce specific lesson dates for the 2009 season in Spring 2009.

Curriculum

Students will receive a complimentary copy of US Sailing's acclaimed Start Sailing Right textbook.Click on a lesson for more details of what is taught on that specific day.

Lesson 1: Parts of the Boat, Basic Knots, Upwind Sailing
Lesson 2: Points of Sail, Rules of the Road, Downwind Sailing
Lesson 3: Man Overboard, Land-at-a-Mooring
Lesson 4: On-Water & Written Certification Test

Cost
Lessons/Basic Membership Package: $275
Lessons/Super Membership Package: $425 ($50 off the regular price!)
Gift Certificates are available! Email dcsail@nmhf.org for details.

Cancellation Policy
DC Sail’s boat facility remains open when it is raining. However, we will close the boat facility if there is a serious threat of lightning or if the wind speed exceeds 20 knots. Please click here for more information about our weather policy. Classes are also taught by volunteer instructors. Classes are subject to rescheduling if there is a shortage of volunteer instructors.

You can reschedule lessons by phone or over email. When rescheduling, keep in mind that Lessons 1 & 3 are held only on Saturdays and Wednesdays while Lessons 2 & 4 are held on Sundays and Fridays.

How to Register
1) Send an email to dcsail@nmhf.org or call (202) 309-1115 to let us know the dates that you would like to take lessons. Please schedule your lessons at least one week in advance.
2) Check out our What to Bring page for directions, waiver forms, etc.
3) You can pay by check on the first day of lessons or you can pay by credit card ahead of time. All checks should be made out to NMHF.

To charge for your lesson by credit card (Visa or Mastercard):

1. Click on the lesson & membership package that you would like to purchase:
   Lessons with Basic Membership : $275
   Lessons with Super Membership: $425
   (Gift Certificates are Available)
   
2. Enter the course dates that you are signing up for in the "Description" field under "Order Details." Check out our calendar to see a list of available dates.
3. You will receive a confirmation email after you finish this process.
4. Please print your receipt and bring it to your first lesson.