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DSC Calendar
August 4 -- Wednesday Night Open Sail
August 5 -- Thursday Night Racing
August 6 -- First Friday Social Party
August 7 -- Access Open Sailing
August 8 -- DSC Open House
August 21 -- Ya' Gotta Regatta -- Mark your calendar!
See our complete calendar HERE. |
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Friday Night Fun Race Changes
There are some changes coming to Friday night fun races! In addition to our regular sprint out to the Fort and back, we will be offering short-course racing for new racers.
DSC stalwart Tom Hicks has graciously volunteered to guide new sailors around a short course and help grow an interest in racing.
If you are a DSC crew-level member who has attended an Access Dinghy orientation, this is a great chance to practice your sailing skills and learn about racing.
Join us this Friday to learn more!
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Its Party Time! Carib' Style, Mon...
Join us under the pavilion to party Caribbean-style this Friday!
DSC member Gareth Morgan, is preparing his famous jerk-seasoned chicken that we will be grilling for everyone.
Join us for a virtual trip to the islands, great sailing and Friday fun. But don't forget to bring a side dish, dessert or drinks to help fill out the rest of the evening!
The party will begin at 6 p.m. and run until 9 p.m. We still need several volunteers to help with grilling and clean up.
Please email Grady if you are available to volunteer for grilling or clean up. |
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Outreach News
Last week six sailing instructor trainees stormed the halls of Congress and became true Capitol Hill insiders by successfully meeting with Rep. John Sarbanes and Rep. Elijah Cummings, as well as staff members in Sen. Ben Cardin and Sen. Barbara Mikulski's offices.
The SIT's talked with these Maryland lawmakers about the Downtown Sailing Center and our programs, and gave their personal testimonials about what they have learned and how sailing has changed their lives.
It was a new experience for most of these young people to travel to Washington, D.C., and meet with members of Congress. This is another great example of what the SIT program can do for the young people who participate and for the DSC.
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Dismasted!
Last Thursday, one of our J22's was dismasted and suffered significant hull damage during and intense squall that passed over the area. Onboard the boat at the time were three juniors campers and an instructor who safely weathered the storm in a shelter at the Amports facility located on the Southern shore of the Patapsco River. Most importantly, the instructor was able to safely get all of the participants and himself to safety during the most intense part of the storm that packed lightning, heavy rain and winds in excess of 40kts. Due in part to where the boat was docked, and because the mainsail was not lowered, the mast broke above the spreader and the boat suffered significant damage to the hull. This incident has contributed to some policy changes and is an opportunity for the entire DSC membership to learn more about weather awareness, storm tactics and safety at sea. Join us on Facebook for discussion on safe sailing here at the DSC. Of course, if you have questions or comments please contact Executive Director, Kristen Berry. |
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Calling All Skippers...
Volunteerism is at the heart of what makes the Downtown Sailing Center such a great place. Our weekly Wednesday open sail is a great opportunity for skippers to volunteer their time and to give back to the organization by helping provide access to the water for many of our members. In an effort to best serve our crew-level members, we are asking skippers who plan on sailing during open sails to let the office know by contacting Office Manager Grady Byus to tell him that they intend to sail. Armed with this information we will know whether an appeal for more skippers is needed and ensure that we continue to provide access to the freedom of sailing to everyone. Thank you, skippers, for your help and your ongoing commitment to the DSC.
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Fleet and Facility News
We are currently working on a project to relocate our boat hoist to the BMI/DSC campus. Present concept plans are to locate it at the shoreline requiring assistance/expertise by those in the following fields/businesses: civil, structural and mechanical engineering, steel pipe piles, steel fabrication/welding, stone and concrete. We will also need someone who can help with a crane/pile driving from the land.
If you have expertise in any of these areas, or your business involves any of these areas, please contact Doug Silber, facilities chairman, and let him know how you may be able to help.
If you plan on racing this Thursday or attending the First Friday Social this Friday, Doug will be at DSC and would appreciate talking with you then about how you may be able to help on this important project.
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Policies and Procedures
The sailing season is in full swing, and with many members planning "staycations" in order to sail with the Downtown Sailing Center, there could be no better time for a gentle reminder about policies, procedures and responsibilities. Below are five links to documents that outline the policies, procedures and responsibilities that keep all of us and the boats safe, help us continue to learn and ensure we have fun at the DSC. 2010 Safety GuidlinesDSC PoliciesDSC/BMI Policies2010 DSC Statement of Responsibility and LiabilityOpen Sail GuidlinesIf you have questions or comments about DSC's policies and procedures please contact Director of Operations Steve Maddox.
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Picture of the Week
by Michael McNamara
Submit Your Shots HERE
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Trivia!
The first person to answer the question correctly wins a DSC t-shirt. Email your answer HERE This week's trivia question is a riddle: Why do light house keepers keep chickens? The answer to last week's question is:
6 feet = 1 fathom
100 fathoms = 1 cable
10 cables = 1 nautical mile
5,280 feet = 1 statute mile
6,076 feet = 1 nautical mile
60 nautical miles = 1 degree of latitude
3 nautical miles = 1 league
Congrats to last week's winner, Vasiliy Gokoyev.
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The Downtown Sailing Center's Person of the Week is Melissa Deveney.
What do you do with all that trash in harbor? Well if you are DSC member and Loyola University sailing coach Melissa Deveney, you build a boat.
Melissa's work with children who have autism and emotional disorders was highlighted this week in The Baltimore Sun.
Melissa uses sailing to help the young people she works with understand the importance of communicating clearly with others. She uses the DSC to share with these children the lessons and joys of being on the water.
Melissa is a graduate of St. Mary's College of Maryland, where she sailed with their nationally ranked sailing team. She lives in Annapolis and sails at the DSC as often as she can.
Melissa Deveney: coach, trash artist, social worker and the DSC Person of the Week. |
Click above to view pictures and video. You can also get the latest news about what's going on around the DSC! Remember, you do not have to have a Facebook account to view our page.
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