Basic Centerboard Class: 

Sailing lessons from novice to expert will be offered by our talented, American Sailing Association (ASA) certified, SCWDC sailing instructors. Our instructors make sure you'll have fun while learning.  Space is limited so sign up early!

For beginners, or those who want to brush up on their skills, we offer a Basic Centerboard Class on 19’ Flying Scots out of Belle Haven Marina on the Potomac River in Alexandria.  The class is designed primarily for people who have sailed a few times and want to learn more or to be confident sailing on their own.  Through six classes, including four on the water, you will learn how to jibe, tack, adjust the sails for changing winds, dock, and perform man-overboard drills.  Please be aware part of the training will be a voluntary capsize in protected waters of the Potomac.  You also will learn nautical terminology and the working parts of the boat.  Graduates will qualify to take out centerboard boats in sheltered water.  Those who have taken our class before are welcome to attend the classroom sessions at no cost. Students who successfully complete the course and test will receive ASA certification. 

Dates:  Centerboard classroom dates are planned for May 7 and 14 in Vienna, Virginia from 7:15 – 9:15 PM at 2300 Malraux Drive (transportation will be provided from the Dunn Loring Metro upon prior request).

On-the-water lesson dates are May 12, 13, 19 and 20 from 9 AM – noon at Belle Haven Marina in Alexandria.

Cost: $165 members; $180 guests       

Click here to register.

For more information, contact Bernie Joiner at 703-560-2203 or Choosri@aol.com OR  David Hastie at 703-799-4967 or TapioIV@gmail.com.

  (To pay by check, send a check payable to 'SCWDC', to .) David Hastie, 8418 Blakiston Lane, Alexandria, VA 22308.

KEELBOAT SAILING CLASS

Cost of class includes: Book and study materials, ground class, two days of on the water classes, and the American Sailing Association Certification.

This class is designed for those who have taken the centerboard class or who feel comfortable taking a centerboard boat out and want to move up to a heavier boat and sail in more challenging conditions. Students who successfully complete the course and test will receive ASA certification. Subjects taught:

• Maneuvering in and out of the marina
• Boat preparation and inspection
• Safety and weather analysis
• Anchoring
• Emergency procedures
• Basic chart reading
• Sailing a 24' boat in open waters, (e.g. Chesapeake Bay)

The student will improve on previously learned skills to feel comfortable chartering. Students who successfully complete the course may take the ASA test for certification. Contact the trip leader to let him know you're interested.

We need at least 4  students for this class.

Offshore class will be held June 2 and June 3 from 10 am to 4 pm on the Chesapeake Bay, Deale, MD. In the event of bad weather, the alternate dates for offshore classes are June 16 and 17.  Cost of the class is $330 for members, $370 for guests.

Click here to register