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On a breezy day, it’s not uncommon to see a sailboat—or several—setting out from the shore near the Baltimore Museum of Industry, cutting a beautiful sight as it glides in front of the Domino Sugar complex, plying the industrial waters of Baltimore’s harbor. These are the boats of the nonprofit Downton Sailing Center (DSC), which has been making the water accessible to all since 1994. In fact, DSC has been nationally recognized for its successful work connecting people with the sport and pastime by US Sailing, the sport’s governing body.
This year, as DSC celebrates its 30th anniversary, it hosted its 22nd annual Ya Gotta Regatta fundraiser. Thanks to donors and sponsors, more than $100,000 was raised to support DSC’s mission and programs. It was a nautical star-studded event with special guests including competitive solo ocean racer Ronnie Simpson, long distance swimmer Katie Pumphrey (who just became the first person to swim from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to Baltimore), Captain Bobby LaPin of Boat Baltimore, and blogger/podcaster Kate “Captain Boomies.”
The Ya Gotta Regatta caps off an exceptional year at DSC that saw the organization awarded $750,000 from the state. Those funds will be used to rebuild DSC’s docks. Fundraising, donations, support from sponsors, and the many hours donated by volunteers, are what have kept the wind in DSC’s sails for so many years.
We thank all of this year’s volunteers, participants, donors, and sponsors, and especially our Admiral and Commander Level sponsors. You can learn more about this year’s event here.
Why Sailing?
For years, the sport of sailing was considered out of reach of many, either due to economic constraints, inability to access equipment or the waterfront, or a combination of all the above. DSC, at its heart, was created to remove these barriers to entry so anyone could enjoy the remarkable feeling of wind filling a sail and carrying a boat and its crew by no means other than that provided by nature. Today, DSC continues to provide quality educational and life enriching programs that promote self-esteem and teamwork through the joy of sailing.
DSC is an accredited Community Sailing Center and accredited Sailing School through US Sailing. DSC knows that there is no better way to build confidence, self-esteem, leadership, environmental stewardship, and more, than by getting people out in boats. It’s why DSC has been a Youthworks partner site for many years.
Boating for All
There are many ways to engage with the water and sailing at DSC from hopping in a boat at an open house, to joining a camp. DSC’s primary programming includes:
Accessible Sailing—DSC’s adaptative, accessible programs enable those who need accommodations to get onboard with sailing. This year, DSC had its first accessible racing team, a unique benefit among community sailing centers.
Youth sailing camp—Kids 8-16 and of all skill levels learn all they need to become tomorrow’s future sailors. In keeping with its mission, DSC offers need-based scholarships to ensure anyone can learn to sail.
Community outreach sailing—DSC is always looking to make the water and the sport of sailing more inclusive, and partnering with organizations like Pathfinders for Autism, CASA, and Maryland School for the Blind, help bring new audiences to the harbor to experience sailing. Free open houses are also held about once a month for the public to sail.
Young Mariners program—A workforce development program, Young Mariners is a course for Baltimore City high schoolers held for eight weeks in the summer. Trainees learn to sail, build leadership talents through skippering, and soft job skills, all while getting paid.
Adult outreach—Learning to sail isn’t just for youth! DSC offers a number of programs for adults at all skill levels including the popular Women On The Water program and the newly launched BIPOC sailing program, conducted in partnership with the Universal Sailing Club.
Get Involved
As an accredited US Sailing educational provider, DSC provides adult education and has a yearly membership program. Many of DSC’s members enjoy being on the water so much, they also volunteer to support DSC in everything from boat maintenance to volunteer skippering and crewing for outreach.
As the success of 2024’s Ya Gotta Regatta fundraiser attests, DSC has a devoted following that is only growing. With the continued support of donors, sponsors, volunteers, and those who simply love to sail, DSC is securing its future on Baltimore’s waterfront.
Interested in donating, participating, or recommending? Visit us online.
