DSC PERMANENT STAFF

Steve Maddox, Director of Operations – I first learned to sail on a 14’ dinghy with my wife. We rented a learn-to-sail video and got some books out of the library. While we would have done better by taking some formal sailing classes, the sailing fever rooted itself deeply in us. We worked to get as much sailing experience as possible. We bought used boats in rough shape, fixed them up, sailed them for a while, and then would sell them and buy another. This allowed us to gain experience with approximately 30 different boats from 14 – 30 feet, and gain a comprehensive education on all aspects of boat repair and maintenance. While my business occupation for over a dozen years was in a family owned woodworking, furniture repair and cabinetmaking business and later in the construction industry, my passion has always been, and continues to be sailing and sailing education.

Before joining the DSC in 2008, I worked as a summer camp director and then executive director for another sailing program. I hold certifications as a US SAILING Small Boat Instructor, Small Boat Instructor Trainer, Powerboat Instructor Trainer, Basic Keelboat Instructor and Small Boat Coach. As the US SAILING Regional Training Coordinator, I volunteer time scheduling and facilitating instructor training courses in the Chesapeake region. Although keeping the DSC on track is my primary focus, sailor education is my passion. I believe quality education is the key to making sailing fun, and making sailing fun is an integral part of quality education. I look forward to working with all the DSC members and volunteers to keep the DSC in top shape.

Peter Hegel, Director of Community Outreach – I found the Downtown Sailing Center on-line while studying Psychology and Anthropology at Washington University in St. Louis. Over the summers I taught sailing for the outreach programs until I graduated in 2002. After graduation, I moved to Baltimore to take a lead role in establishing the Sailing Instructor Trainee (SIT) program. I took a brief hiatus in 2004 to pursue a career at sea, and spent the last few years sailing in New York, Florida, The Great Lakes, The Bahamas, and 3000 miles through the Mediterranean, captaining 50 ft sailboats for an educational non-profit during the bulk of that time.

I returned to the DSC full time in 2007 to focus on developing and expanding the community outreach programs and am proud of the results thus far. I know from my travels that the DSC is an incredible and unique place. People from all walks of life come to sail here. Sailing itself can teach so much - from environmental awareness to teamwork, self-confidence, discipline, and communication skills. It is a powerful opportunity for folks to share an experience - be it day-sailing or racing - across age, gender, background and ability barriers that would otherwise keep them apart. As deputy director, I hope to grow the outreach programs to make them more effective and far reaching.

Shannon Darlington, Director of Adult Programs – I grew up on and around the water and learned to sail when I was 13 years old. My family had a Sunfish that we kept on the beach, and I was fortunate to spend many summer days sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. My husband and I moved to Baltimore in the mid 1990’s, and I found the Downtown Sailing Center shortly thereafter. I was so impressed with this community of sailors. I developed new friendships and, of course, was happy to pursue my childhood passion for sailing. Like so many who sail at the DSC, I was hooked. I served on the Board of Directors from 1999-2001 and volunteered in our outreach programs. I received my instructor certification in 2005 and have been teaching adults to sail ever since. I joined the full time staff in the fall of 2007, and when not in the office or teaching a class, I serve as crew on our sister charter-vessel, the Pintita.

The Downtown Sailing Center is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit community sailing center.
Located at The Baltimore Museum of Industry
Photography donated by Andy Herbick Photography, and others.