We have kicked off our grassroots fundraising effort for the 2012 Ya' Gotta Regatta. Participants and volunteers are making pages to raise money and we hope to raise $5,000 of our $20,000 goal by September 22nd. The DSC wanted to share with everyone the great success we have had in 2012. The money we are raising will help us to continue this great program into 2013.

The Downtown Sailing Center's 11th annual Ya'Gotta Regatta is quickly approaching and will be on September 22nd from 8:00AM-2:00PM.

There are going to be 3 heats of dinghy racing and one keelboat race for the first time in DSC's Ya' Gotta Regatta history. There will also be an awards ceremony, food and celebration after the races. 

Sign up now to volunteer for this great event by clicking this link. We are in need of volunteers to fill numerous roles including race committee, grill master and sailing buddies.

See you at the Regatta!

The speed at which April to present has passed makes for a breeze of its own!  As we approach September this Saturday, we are entering the final weeks of DSC "Organized Seasonal Sails," otherwise known as Open Sail.  Below you will find the dates for the remaining DSC Member Open Sail events.  We strongly encourage advanced registration and high levels of participation for several reasons:

• Networking.  Build up your contact list of Skipper and Crew Members' cell and email address to exchange potential sailing dates once October arrives.  Remember, we do not haul out the boats and you can sail year-around once you've coordinated Skipper/Crew arrangements, independent of DSC office administration and coordination of sanctioned sailing dates.
• Take part in beautiful sailing during early Fall! 
• Continue to meet and mentor new(er) members of the DSC in both Crew and Skipper capacity.  We are a community organization and need to embrace our members who may not know many on the DSC member roster.  Making someone new feel welcome and introducing them to others is cross-beneficial and makes YOU feel good too!
• Because sailing is soothing to the soul!

Links are provided below for ease of online Registration for remaining DSC Member Open Sails:

Sunday, September 2, 2012 ~ Noon to 4:00 PM

Wednesday, September 5, 2012 ~ 5:30 PM to Sunset

Wednesday, September 12, 2012 ~ 5:30 PM to Sunset

Sunday, September 16, 2012 ~ Noon to 4:00 PM

Wednesday, September 19, 2012 ~ 5:30 PM to Sunset

Wednesday, September 26, 2012 ~ 5:30 PM to Sunset

Sunday, September 30, 2012 ~ Noon to 4:00 PM

*Open Sails are a beneift for paid in full Members of the Downtown Sailing Center at Crew and Skipper Levels.  No guests, please. 

On the heels of a very fun August Member Social last Friday evening, our next Member Social will occur one week from this Saturday! 

On September 8, 2012, we'll get an early start for the Member Social at 4:00 PM and will run until 9:00 PM.  Early start on a weekend evening will allow for an extra couple hours of sailing time and we're promised a deliciously fabulous fare for our main entrée crafted by our DSC Social Committee Chefs!

Many sincere thanks to Justin Wade and the DSC Social Committee for creating the theme and activities at last Friday's Member Social, "DSC Olympics!"  We were treated to feats of finesse in cleat wrangling, spinnaker packing and launch (using a cleverly fashioned halyard system attached to the Pavilion rafters,) and nimble line tying expertise.  An overall superb menu of Kabobs on the grill and a beautiful sunset made for a stunning evening under the Pavilion with good cheer shared and friends' laughter as music on the air. 

By completing online Registration for the next Member Social, you'll help us identify how much food and beverage will be needed.  Please click here for September Member Social Registration.

See you next week! 

We have two openings for the highly desired US SAILING Powerboating Course!

This 16-hour hands-on, on-the-water course is for anyone who wants to learn how to safely operate a small motorboat and improve their boat handling skills on actual boats.

Once receiving the certification you will be able to operate a powerboat in the state of Maryland and is US Coast Guard approved. The certificate you receive will be considered your license to be on the water.

Click Here to Register for the Course.

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. 

"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."