Young Mariners
Sail, Learn, Lead, and Succeed!

The Young Mariners program opens the door to exciting opportunities for Baltimore City high school students eligible for YouthWorks. This unique program offers access to the water, hands-on sailing experiences, and valuable job skills to help prepare students for a bright future—all while earning a paycheck!

Sail Every Day

Learn to sail and work towards US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification

8 Weeks Paid

Get paid 25 hrs/wk for 8 weeks. Hours are M-F, 9:30AM - 3:30PM

Books & Gear Provided

Learning materials and safety materials provided

Lunch & Travel Stipend

Stipends provided to offset transportation and lunch costs

Join our 8-week summer program and learn to sail, develop leadership skills, and gain valuable job experience—all while getting paid!

Led and supported by 2-3 instructors every day
You will sail every day (excluding inclement weather)
Work towards earning a US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification
Option to return to the DSC to work each summer
Leadership opportunity, teaching experience, public speaking practice

Expectations

Safety, respect, & learning
Develop job skills and professionalism
Collaborate with peers
Work outdoors daily
Have outside support
Commit to attending every workday on time
Be present the full 8 weeks with no time off

Eligibility

Baltimore City resident
YouthWorks Eligible
14 - 16 Years old
little to no prior sailing experience
must be available June 23 - Aug 14, 2025
Able to work outdoors in all weather
Willing to work with diverse populations
Able To complete MD Safe Boater’s License

Partners for Youth Recruitment

Our long-term partners for youth recruitment include the Bridges Program at St. Paul's School and three local high schools, Digital Harbor, Coppin Academy, and Cristo Rey, but we have worked with great partners including Kids Safe Zone and Safe Alternative.

INTERESTED IN APPLYING?

If you are a YouthWorks eligible Baltimore City resident between the ages of 14-16 and are available June 23 - Aug 15 2025, please reach out to Rena Kazmierski, Director of Community Engagement, to learn more!

My summer went well, I got to learn new skills and have fun with new people. When I first joined the program I sort of did not like it , but as time went on it ended up being really fun.

~ Denver A.

This summer was good. It was really interesting because I got to learn a new skill. I really enjoyed this program, it taught me something I've never thought I would take an interest in.

~ Ka'Nye C.

This program was great for me because it enhances my chances of doing things in the coast guard or maritime industry as well as being in a maritime class at school.

~ Creed H.



The Young Mariners program has been a space for me to learn, form connections, and grow for the past two years. This summer, I got the opportunity to form deep relationships with my fellow second years as well as make new friends with those just starting. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Downtown Sailing Center.

~ Zion P.

Sample Lesson Plans

Young Mariner lesson plans are designed to build both sailing proficiency and valuable life skills, including teamwork, leadership, and communication. While the curriculum varies from year to year based on funding and opportunities, here is a peak at what the first three weeks typically look like for program participants.

WEEK 1
Introduction to Sailing

We begin with an introduction to the Downtown Sailing Center and basic sailing skills, including wind awareness, boat parts, and techniques like tacking and gybing. They practice docking, then sail as a team on a larger boat, learning to handle lines, tie cleat hitches, and complete a parts-of-the-boat quiz.

WEEK 2
Introduction to Day Sailors

In Week 2, Young Mariners learn to sail our Sonar 23 daysailors, practicing skills like tacking, gybing, rigging, and docking. They focus on sailing upwind/downwind, points of sail, and boat positions. Later, they study the rules of the road, navigation markers, chart reading, and cruising on a larger boat.

WEEK 3
POB and Docking Practice

This week covers essential sailing skills, including safe docking and departures, handling crosswind, upwind, and downwind conditions, and learning key knots. We’ll also review navigation aids, the "Rules of the Road" for sailboats, and practice coiling, heaving, and hanging lines.

When grant funding is available, program participants have the opportunity to plan a capstone project, possibly including an overnight sailing adventure!

In recent years, The Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race has generously awarded us an educational grant, enabling the Young Mariners to experience a 3-day, 2-night capstone trip as tall ship crew on Sigsbee from the Living Classrooms Foundation. They sailed around the Chesapeake Bay learning about:

Manual Navigation
The science of the bay
How to troll for fish
Camping and making smores

Thank You To Our Supporters

Funding support for the Young Mariners program comes from Family League, Summer Funding Collaborative and The Mayor's Office of Employment Development.

Program Support

If your organization is interested in supporting DSC programs like the Young Mariners, please contact our Director of Community Outreach, Rena Kazmierski.

Contact Rena