Pentagon Sailing Club - River Training Program. Providing USNSA and US Sail basic keelboat certification!

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 (approx 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 Chris Elenbaum, the PSC River Training Coordinator.

2008 Basic Keelboat (B-KBS) Class Schedule: (Please note that SOME of the days & dates of the classroom sessions are changing to Thursday evenings because of the change of the PSC monthly membership meetings to Wednesday evenings!!)