Hello everyone -

Thanks again for the warm welcome I've received!

Unfortunately, I need to let you know that due to the Sailabration navigational restrictions, airshow restrictions, potentially chaotic vessel traffic, and resulting potential liabilities occurring on June 16th and 17th, DSC will not have any boating activities available that weekend. We believe this will be a red flag weekend at the BMI as well and so we are locking our dock gate to prevent access.  

We hope you'll have a chance to volunteer or visit our DSC booth on the festival grounds (where the waterfalls are on the island between Pratt and Light streets) that weekend. Please contact Lynn at lynn@downtownsailing.org to help out. as this is a very special occasion and opportunity for our Center.

 
Thanks!

Greg

As Greg relayed in his message above, we are cancelling boating activities on June 16th and 17th due to the navigation restrictions posted by the United States Coast Guard on these days due to the air show between 1pm and 4pm.

The regulated area during the air show is from 11am to 5pm and is much larger than the restricted areas on any other day of the event for recreational vessels. In addition, given that these days fall on a weekend, the harbor traffic will be filled with novice boaters trying to get a look at the festivities.

Click Here to View Restricted Area Maps

At the DSC our boats are our greatest asset, and to protect them we need to adhere to our decision to cancel boating activities on these two days. Please understand that this is not an easy decision for us to make, but we must make our decisions in the best interest of the organization as a whole.

All other DSC activities will go on as planned during the week. We do ask that if you go out during any restricted times (e.g. tall ship arrival and departure), please be mindful of the restrictions at all times. Maryland DNR and the US Coast Guard will be out en masse and will issue tickets. We trust that each skipper will take into consideration his/her skills and the skills of his/her crew prior to sailing during a restricted time.

Please visit the Sailabration FAQ Page for more information.  It is advised that skippers and crew become familiar with the guidelines for boating activities during the multi-day event.   

IMPORTANT DATES:

Festival set-up will be next Wednesday the 13th from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM.  Please register by clicking here for Sailabration Set Up.  We need volunteers to help tow an access dinghy and design our overall booth.

On June 9th (Register Here) and June 12th (Register Here), DSC staff will hold brief mandatory meetings for interested volunteers to discussroles for the event.

Festival will be from Thursday, June 14th to Monday, June 18th from 10:30 AM-6:30 PM each day. 

Breakdown will be on Monday, June 18th from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM. (Register Here) 

If you are unable to attend either of the meetings but you can attend the event please call Lynn Handy at 410-727-0722 or email her at lynn@downtownsailing.org.

Reminders about parking for DSC Members - your cooperation is very much appreciated:

1. Seek parking on the gravel area near the docks.  If no parking is available in that area, limited blacktop parking can be utilized, keeping as close to the docks as possible. 
2. The "Entrance" Gate is solely for the purpose of vehicular traffic entering the BMI/DSC parking lot.  Do not use this as a vehicle exit from the property at any time unless the "Exit" gate is locked.  The "Exit" Gate should be utilized to leave the property.  (This applies to moving vehicles only, not pedestrian or bicycle traffic.)
3. Skippers and Dock Masters performing end of day "securing the property" duties as the last remaining members on site will be required to close and lock both the Entrance and Exit Gates in the future. 
4. Please drive slowly and keep watch for pedestrians, especially children, and also wildlife in the parking area. 

If you or if you know of anyone in the market to purchase a sailboat, the Downtown Sailing Center is selling a few of its boats. 

The donated boats we receive are utilized for a few seasons, typically, and worked on to make improvements, then subsequently sold to raise funds to support the mission of the DSC's community involvement. 

Please send an email message to sales@downtownsailing.org with inquiries. 

You may also click on the following vessels' names to view details:

Air Waves

Chenonceau

Good Egg

"The Downtown Sailing Center provides quality educational and life enriching programs that promote self-esteem and teamwork through the joy of sailing.  The Downtown Sailing Center is committed to promoting an environment of inclusiveness and accessibility, especially to youth, persons with disabilities, and those with limited opportunity."