We've rounded the last mark, the "Finish Line" is in sight, and we are closing in on it with great speed! 

The fantastic levels of fund raising that have been clicking in all week have put us in a beautiful position to garner an extra $2,500 donation.  The "Challenge" posed to the DSC is that if we raise $5000 by this Friday, there will be a guaranteed check in the amount of $2,500 cut and we'll reach our ambitious goal of $20,000 in funding for our Accessible Sailing Programs! 

And, we are ONLY $615 away

from that $5,000 achievement. 

We love our donors for helping us directly by supporting our community outreach and mission statement to provide unique sailing opportunities for persons with disabilities.  

To quote one disabled sailor: "Sailing is the only sport I've ever tried which actually makes me feel less, rather than more disabled."

Be the one generous person reading this to help thrust us over the finish line with one last gust - Please Click Here to be taken to our safe and secure FirstGiving website where you may make your kind donation.  

   

The Ya' Gotta Regatta is supported by friends of the DSC in more ways than fiduciary.

A magnificent crew of 45 DSC Volunteers have registered and will be on site to assist with the itinerary of the day for our anticipated 130 accessible sailing guests. 

By conducting boat transfers, providing food and beverage services, performing Race Committee roles, and as Sailing Buddies, the DSC Volunteers are essential to the success of the day.

For those persons who have registered to be a YGR Volunteer, details on your role will be emailed to you by tomorrow, Thursday, September 20th.  Watch your inbox and a most sincere thank you in advance for your time and energy in lending a hand for our event.

For our Racing Teams, please review the Sailing Instructions for the Ya' Gotta Regatta.   

Click Here to view the Sailing Instructions for the Ya' Gotta Regatta.

Dear DSC Community:

I wanted to touch base with you about the transition process and our plans for moving forward together.

The board is doing a great job with the transition team, led by Kathleen Lester, and with Bryan Richardson's selection committee, reviewing resumes and considering a interim director until a permanent director is selected. With good hands on the helm I know we will have time to reflect and finish our planning for next year's fleet, facilities, programs and fundraising
 

Lynn Handy has very deservedly been promoted to Director of Programs and Education and will be working this winter in fully and seamlessly integrating ALL our programs. Please join me in giving her all the support she needs to successfully make our center the most robust and diverse in the region. By the way - she's getting married next week!

As for me, I'm sticking around, rolling up my sleeves as a volunteer, donor, and will proudly serve on our re-invigorated fundraising committee. I've been happily bitten by the DSC bug and see a bright and exciting set of improved programs that impact so many that we serve in so many unforgettable ways.

Frankly, I'm amazed at how we've done all this and kept our fees so low for so long. One path to improving and growing our programming with such low fees is stepping up to volunteer, telling our inspirational stories, and donating when you can.

Hopefully next year we'll also have Maryland state tax credits to offer to those who can donate $500 or more. That said, we are finishing the year much better financially than what I saw just four months ago! To keep everyone updated, we'll post a financial summary dashboard so you'll remain informed about how our income and expenses are doing.

From inner city teens learning and then teaching sailing, to their graduations from high school, to folks that may be new to Baltimore and are making wonderful and lifelong connections with each other, we are making a difference in each other's lives. Each one of us needs to redouble our commitment to our mission in making sure our sailing remains available to everyone by donating our dollars and time. It's the only way we'll not only maintain what we have now but will grow into The Best Sailing Center in the Region.

Speaking of regions, we have a very special visitor, David Staley from Access Sailing Australia (where our dinghies came from) spending the day with us Thursday and Friday to review us as potential hosts for the 2014 Worlds. If you are around those days, please welcome David!

I have to say, getting to know you, our board and staff has been, and my daughters know I never use this word: AWESOME! The DSC, as do all nonprofits, has bumps and bruises of experience, and you know what? We still Rock! See you on the docks.

Greg

On Thursday, September 20th from 12:00 Noon until Sunset, the BMI parking lost will be "Red Flagged."  As is costomary on these dates, the BMI will be restrictiing usage of the parking lot for guests at an event in the BMI. 

For DSC Members, specifically Thursday Night Racing participants, the difference is for this date, you may identify yourself as a DSC Member to BMI Staff at the Entrance Gate and will be allowed access to the gravel parking lot.

Bring your child to the DSC one day camps this fall.

Participants will sail on our J22 fleet and engage in STEM-centered activities.  It is the most beautiful time of year to sail. Don't let your child miss out!

Follow the links to register:

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Monday, October 8, 2012

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:

Wednesday, September 19, 2012 ~ 5:00 PM to Sunset

Wednesday, September 26, 2012 ~ 5:00 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. 

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."