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COMMUNITY Engagement

Providing Access to the Inner Harbor

The Downtown Sailing Center (DSC) is committed to providing opportunities for everyone to experience the waters of Baltimore. We believe navigating our shared harbor on a sailboat, with only the wind and water, is a powerful way to connect with the natural world thriving in our city. It’s also a powerful way to teach the life lessons of teamwork, self-confidence, discipline and leadership to young people.

As a community sailing center proudly located in Baltimore, we strive to make the DSC reflective of the wonderful communities around us. Our outreach programs seek to overcome barriers of all kinds, giving access and opportunity to all, making the water and the sport and pastime of sailing more inclusive. Sailing can change lives, and everyone in turn can change sailing. In 2025 alone, DSC had the privilege of hosting over 610 individuals from partner organizations.

Community Engagement Event Options

The Downtown Sailing Center's Community Outreach Program provides a low cost opportunity for people from local organizations to see their city from the water and experience the joy of sailing.

Through the classroom of the sailboat, students work together to overcome obstacles, plan and execute maneuvers, develop self-discipline and strengthen self-esteem as they explore Baltimore's rich historical waterfront. Sailing broadens horizons, stimulates the mind, and actively engages young people with their environment.

2 volunteers at an open house information table

OPEN HOUSES
These events are free to the public and provide a fun sail around the Inner Harbor. Events are held multiple times each season.

PRIVATE GROUP MORNING SAIL
Individual groups can arrange go out for a "fun sail" for a few hours to experience sailing and see the rich, historical waterfront

Come Sail With Us

If you would like to book a program for your community group, please complete our Community Outreach Sailing Request form.

Complete the form

Community Partners

These opportunities are possible due to our partnerships with organizations that serve the community and an abundance of volunteers. These community partners help to connect us with those of the most need and support us in the development of our programs. We are always reflecting, learning from our partners on how to keep improving. A few of our most recent partners are listed below, and we look forward to partnering with many more wonderful community organizations in the future.