Hello, I'm David Minges, the new Executive Director of the Downtown Sailing Center.  I am thrilled to be joining you in this great organization, and really look forward to meeting and working with all of you over the coming weeks, months, and years.  I've been onboard for two weeks now, and my head is spinning a bit, but that may be from connecting with the boom last Monday when Stuart and Lynn took me out on Jolie.  Don't worry, the boom is fine.

The DSC has a strong appeal for me because it blends so many of my interests and experiences.  I grew up sailing and maintaining a wooden Snipe and Lightning on Lake Murray, South Carolina, and have trailered my Mud Hen 17 around most shallow water in Maryland.  I believe in the power of volunteers from directing the Governor's Office on Volunteerism and my own volunteer background.  I believe in the power of experiencing nature from and for the water from directing the Chesapeake Bay Trust.  I believe in the power of young people from working with Service-Learning and the Boy Scouts of America.  I believe in Baltimore City from 27 years as a homeowner and community volunteer.  I believe in the strength of people with disabilities and nonprofit organizations because of my father-in-law, Frank A. Gunther, Jr., the Founding Chairman of the National Aquarium.  And I believe, from my wife Fran, (who grew up helping in his hardware store), that the difference between a stock brass oval head wood screw and a marine brass oval head wood screw is that marine means 37 cents more.  And that my head is sometimes harder than the boom.

In the past 10 days, I've heard many perspectives on the past, present, and future of the DSC.  I want to hear many more, and will work hard to bring these together in a productive, creative consensus.  In the meantime, I am grateful for this place, these boats, and you - the Board, Staff, Members, Volunteers, Contributors,  and Sailors - the people who keep it all afloat, on course and underway.

Happy Thanksgiving, and safe travels!   

Calling all Cruising Skippers and Crew ~ The Cruising Boats will be receiving their tender loving care in preparing for the coming Winter months.  If you are among the Cruising Members of the DSC, and have some time available, there is a Cruising Boat Work Party scheduled for this Saturday from 9:00 AM until 12;00 Noon.  If you have yet to become part of the Cruising program at the DSC, but have an interest in marine engine maintenance, please also fee free to sign up for the Cruising Boat Winterization Work Party.  Click Here to Let Stuart Know You're Attending!  Thank you!

Stuart is once again leading the charge for Fleet and Facilities work that needs to be performed on the boats as well as around the grounds.  If you have a bit of time and want some fresh air and further the sense of "DSC Community," come out on Saturday and join your fellow members.  Click Here to Register for the Fall Work Party.  Thank You!