Basic Keelboat Training Program – Katie Harrison, River Training Coordinator

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Pentagon Sailing Club Basic Keelboat Training (aka River Training Program)

The Pentagon Sailing Club, based out of Bolling Air Force Base Capitol Cove Marina, offers Basic sailing courses on the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. We conduct the training aboard our own small keelboat sailing sloops, which range between 22 and 24 feet. All have outboard motors, a full complement of sails, and sparse accommodations below deck. Completion of our Basic sailing program results in the award of the U.S. Navy Basic Keelboat Skipper (B-KBS) certification. This certification is commensurate with US Sailing and American Sailing Association basic sailing programs.

The Basic Keelboat Skipper (B-KBS) course is conducted over two consecutive weekends (approximately 32 hours on the water) and two evening classes conducted between 7:00 & 9:00 PM on Thursdays before each weekend class. The course has a written test as well as a practical On-The-Water (OTW) Evaluation. Typically, a class has about 12 students, with three students and one instructor per boat. The cost for these classes (see PSC Rate Schedule) includes the textbook, logbook and other course materials.  Costs help to offset class materials and boat expenses. We are confident you'll find this cost is significantly less than comparable commercial programs, representing the all-volunteer-instructor basis of PSC training.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will have the minimum skills necessary to safely skipper a small keelboat in designated, inshore waters, during moderate conditions.  Additionally, upon the recommendation of the Senior Instructor and approval of the Training Commodore, you will be qualified to check-out one of PSC’s small keelboats for personal use.  

The club also has basic keelboat skipper challenge procedure, where a member with previous training and experience can be awarded the B-KBS qualification without taking the course.  The challenge involves an on-the-water evaluation by a club instructor and successful completion of the B-KBS written exam.  The cost for challenging the B-KBS qualification is $50.
The B-KBS courses are easily our most popular events.  Make your reservations today so that you don't miss out!  Contact Katie Harrison, the PSC River Training Coordinator.

Hal Moore
Training Commodore

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How to sign up for Basic Sailing Classes:
1. Check the calendar to see when Basic Sailing Classes are scheduled.
2. Contact Katie Harrison, the PSC River Training Coordinator, to see if space is available in a particular class.
3. Print and fill out a River Activities Registration Form for the class.
4. Mail your completed River Activities Registration Form and your payment to:

PSC Treasurer
P.O. Box 23422
Washington, DC  20026-3422

Note: Cost is posted on the PSC Rate Schedule Page. Make checks payable to Pentagon Sailing Club and specify for which class. Sign up early so you will not miss out!

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2010 Basic Keelboat (B-KBS) Class Schedule:

Class No. 1
Evening Classroom Sessions 7:00 PM-9:00 PM - Thursday, 13 May (Duncan Branch Library) and Thursday, 20 May (Capitol Cove Marina, Bolling AFB) t

Weekend On-The-Water Sessions 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM - Saturday/Sunday - 15/16 May and 22/23 May (Capitol Cove Marina, Bolling AFB)

Class No. 2
Evening Classroom Sessions 7:00 PM-9:00 PM - Thursday, 10 June (Duncan Branch Library) and Thursday, 17 June (Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library in Alexandria)

Weekend On-The-Water Sessions 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM - Saturday/Sunday - 12/13 June and 19/20 June (Capitol Cove Marina, Bolling AFB)

Class No. 3
Evening Classroom Sessions 7:00 PM-9:00 PM - Thursday, 5 August (Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library in Alexandria) and Thursday, 12 August (Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library in Alexandria)

Weekend On-The-Water Sessions 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM - Saturday/Sunday - 7/8 August and 14/15 August (Capitol Cove Marina, Bolling AFB)

Class No. 4
Evening Classroom Sessions 7:00 PM-9:00 PM - Thursday, 9 September and Thursday, 16 September (Location TBD)

Weekend On-The-Water Sessions 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM - Saturday/Sunday - 11/12 September and 18/19 September (Capitol Cove Marina, Bolling AFB)

Class No. 5
Evening Classroom Sessions - Thursday, 30 September and Thursday, 14 October (7:00 PM-9:00 PM, Furnari Hall, NDW Anacostia Annex) (note a week is skipped due to the Annapolis Boat Show).
Weekend On-The-Water Sessions - Saturday/Sunday - 02/03 October and 16/17 October (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Capitol Cove Marina, Bolling AFB)  (note a week is skipped due to the Annapolis Boat Show).

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This page updated on August 18, 2009