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Volunteer AT the Downtown Sailing Center

The Downtown Sailing Center (DSC), a non-profit organization, relies on our dedicated community of members and volunteers to fulfill our mission.

Why Volunteer?

Your participation supports youth, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited opportunities.

What You Get

By contributing your time, you will received on-site training, earn high school service-learning hours, and form lifelong friendships!

Why It Matters

Volunteering helps us report hours to donors, secure funding for impactful initiatives, and maintain our fleet and grounds.

Volunteer Opportunities

Members of the public and DSC members are welcome to volunteer at the following events.  Please note that some positions require background checks. More information can be found on the individual program pages.

Access-Ability Saturdays

The Access-ability program is an open house sailing event for anyone with a disability. Volunteers skipper and crew sailboats (must be a DSC member), greet participants, escort them to the water, and help launch and catch boats at the dock.

Learn More



Community Engagement

The DSC partners with local community organizations to provide low to no-cost opportunities for their program participants to see their city from the water and experience the joy of sailing. DSC Members can volunteer on the water and members of the public can volunteer in dockside roles.

Learn More

Those who wish to volunteer for either of the above programs must complete a standard background check. Learn more ยป


Member Only Volunteer Opportunities

We ask members to participate in a committee or volunteer for 8 events per year.  With so many opportunities, there is something to suit every schedule and interest!

Three people polishing a J22 in dry dock

Fleet Work Parties

Our boats are a shared resource and we depend on our members to help keep them ship shape! No boat-work experience is necessary and we provide instruction and all necessary tools and supplies.

Four people holding a sail while being repaired on the sewing machine

Canvas Work Parties

Help keep our sails in working order and gain experience sewing on our Sailrite machine. We have canvas parties for inspection, tagging, inventory management, and repairs.

An experienced crew member coaching a novice while sailing in a race

Mentoring

Skippers can help community members achieve their sailing goals by scheduling private reservations with those looking to build skills and work towards a skipper checkout.


Member Sail Skipper

Skipper at our bi-weekly member sails and join crew members for a fun sail or help them build skills. Skippering is a great way to connect with the community and improve your own skills.

4 women in the cockpit of a J22 sailboat enjoying a evening on the water

Women on the Water

Women and nonbinary sailors are invited to join our WoW sails from May - September. Skipper at the event or help coordinate sails and create an empowering, welcoming experience. 

3 smiling women enjoying a BIPOC saili

BIPOC Sails

BIPOC sailors are invited to help coordinate BIPOC sails from June - September. You will assist in pairing skippers with crew and welcoming everyone to the DSC. All experience levels welcome!

Two sailboats racing with spinnakers up

Marketing Brainstorm

Join us in January to brainstorm a marketing plan for the DSC! Help generate ideas for newsletters, ads, social media, and shape our outreach efforts to connect effectively with our community.

report volunteer Hours

Track hours towards your volunteer commitment and help us secure grants by demonstrating an active and engaged community!

Report Form

other ways to get involved

The DSC has over a dozen committees members can join to get involved and help fulfill their volunteer requirement.