The Downtown Sailing Center (DSC) is a vibrant community sailing center thanks to our dedicated corps of member volunteers. We depend on an active membership to help with a variety of activities and events — from accessible sailing and adult programs to Ya' Gotta Regatta and youth programs. Sailing at the DSC is affordable because our members donate so much time to keeping our facilities and boats in tip-top shape and our programs running smoothly.
If you have a passion for a particular program, or just like hanging out at the DSC, check out the many areas where your contribution of time can make a difference.
Work Parties
Work parties are scheduled throughout the year. At the spring work parties, members prep and launch the boats and tidy up the docks for the sailing season. In the fall, they pull the boats out of the water and ready them for winter storage. Throughout the season, members perform the bulk of the boat and dock maintenance. Joining a group of fellow sailors for a work party makes the work more fun — required tasks are completed quickly, there is plenty of time for friendly conversation as the work progresses and you can learn a lot about the boats you sail.
Dates for work parties are announced in the weekly e-newsletter and listed on the Calendar. Come and help out for a couple of hours or the whole day (lunch is provided for those working the entire day!). Crew and adult family members are encouraged to attend at least one work party each season; Impulse and J22/Sonar skippers are encouraged to attend at least three work parties each year.
Boat Maintenance
All of the boats in the DSC fleet require routine maintenance and, sometimes, restorative work. Drawing on the diverse skills of our member volunteers, the boats are kept in good condition and members learn firsthand how to maintain and repair the boats. All kinds of skills are needed. If you would like to work on the boats, contact Jared Ackers.
Accessible Sailing Programs
Volunteer instructors, assistants and dock support allow us to offer the joy of sailing at little or no cost to sailors of all ages with disabilities. Volunteers receive training to ensure that all the participants enjoy themselves and sail safely. Contact Stuart Proctor if you would like to get involved in these programs.
Summer Youth Programs
Whether you are an instructor or an enthusiastic crew, the outreach programs have a constant need for volunteers. High school and college students can earn service-learning hours working on the summer sailing programs. Schedules are flexible and some paid positions may be available. If you have a flexible schedule during the summer and would like to work with youth, contact Stuart Proctor.
Adult Programs
Without a pool of qualified, enthusiastic instructors, our adult education program would cease to exist. Our instructors, as well as competent skippers, also allow the DSC to open its docks to local businesses for corporate outings. If you would like to teach adults to sail through our adult education program or corporate outings, please contact Stuart Proctor.
Special Events
Committee chairs and members, as well as crew, are needed to make our DSC Member Socials, Ya’ Gotta Regatta, and other special events possible. Watch for special event announcements and details in the weekly e-newsletter. if you would like to volunteer at any of our special events please contact Traci Mead.
Office Support
The DSC employs only a small paid staff. There is always a little too much work to be done, so volunteers keep the administrative side of the operation running smoothly by doing computer work, answering phones, filing, performing small office maintenance tasks, etc. If you have a few spare hours — or days — to help out in the office, contact Lynn Handy.
Questions?
If you have any questions about volunteer opportunities — or maybe you have a skill or a desire to do something that doesn't fit into any of the general categories above, please talk to one of the DSC staff members, send an email to Traci Mead or call us at 410.727.0722.
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