Deep Creek Sailing School

Deep Creek Lake, Maryland


Registration opens 8 AM Saturday March 2, 2024


SUMMER 2024 SCHEDULE
Junior Weeks
Ages 8 to 17 at DCLSA

June 17 – 21 

June 24 – 28 
July 1 – 5 
July 15 – 19 
July 22 – 26 
July 29 – Aug 2 
Aug 5 – Aug 9
 
Teen Week
Ages 12 to 17 at DCLSA 
For sailors that have previously attended DCSS and looking to advance their skills.

July 8 – 12 



Creek Critters
Ages 6-7 at DCLSA. Morning or afternoon sessions.

July 8 – 12 
July 15 – 19 

Adult Weeks
Ages 16+ at DCYC
For beginner and intermediate sailors to learn to sail and improve their skills in a Flying Scot.


June 17 – 21 

Aug 5 – 9 

Adult Week "2.0"
Ages 16+ at DCYC.
For those who have already had at least one adult week to improve their skills prior to the Sandy Douglass Regatta. This session will focus on trimming the boat and developing racing skills.

July 22 – 26
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Learn to Sail this Summer!

Nestled in the mountains in the protected waters on the southern end of Western Maryland’s largest fresh water lake, Deep Creek Sailing School (DCSS*) instructs people of all ages in the sport of sailing. U.S. Sailing-certified instructors guide students through water and boat safety, basic sailing, boat handling, and, for our more advanced students, racing techniques using Optimist Prams, RS Teras, Lasers, Club 420s, and Flying Scots. 

Week-long classes are available for juniors and adults. Shorter sessions are available for youngers students (ages 6-7). Adult private sailing lessons are also available all summer upon request. 

DCSS shares facilities with the Deep Creek Lake Sailing Association (Turkey Neck) and holds some classes at Deep Creek Yacht Club, Inc. (Thousand Acres), but DCSS is a completely separate 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and open to the entire community. 

Sailing school graduates are encouraged to participate all summer in weekend and Wednesday evening racing.
*DCSS does not rent sailboats. 

**DCSS is an equal opportunity employer and admits students of any race, gender, and national origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school in compliance with the requirements of its designation as a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

Our Boats

DCSS has fleets of Optimist Prams, Lasers, RS Teras, 420s, and Flying Scots. Student sailors are welcome and encouraged to bring their own boat.

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Optimist Pram

Sturdy 8' sailboat for beginners and younger children. The Optimist Pram is primary used in the Creek Critter and Junior Week programs.
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ILCA

A 14' performance boat for beginner and advanced youth racers. The Laser is primarily used in the Junior and Teen Week programs.
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RS

Tera

A 9' 4" sailboat that is ideal for kids and teens regardless of their skill level. The RS Tera is primarily used in the Junior and Teen Week programs.
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International

420 Sailboat

A 13' 9" boat for advanced youth and adults. The 420 Sailboat is popular in many collegiate programs. It is primarily used in the Junior Week program when conditions permit.
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Flying Scot

A 19' boat for older youth and adults learning to sail or race, or those wanting to improve their sailing skills. The Flying Scot is among the most popular one-design classes and used by racers and day sailors alike. Used in the Adult Week program.
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Location



The physical location of DCSS is different than our mailing address. The sailing school classroom is located on the first floor of Deep Creek Lake Sailing Association (DCLSA) clubhouse.  

Some classes are held at Deep Creek Yacht Club, Inc. (DCYC) Both clubs are located at the southern end of Deep Creek Lake.

DCLSA
Deep Creek Lake Sailing Association
204 Yacht Club Road
Swanton, MD 21561
(301) 387-4159

DCYC
Deep Creek Yacht Club
855 Shoreline Drive
Swanton, MD 21561
(301) 387-7890