COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP EVENTS AND CLASSES

MSC partners with organizations across the Twin Cities to introduce youth and adults to sailing. Partnerships range from short 1-hour sailboat rides and day-long field trips to group classes. Groups can be as few as three people and up to 100 sailors. Events can be customized for your specific group. In 2023, we hosted over 950 sailors from 25 different organizations. Past partners include Girls Taking Action, Outdoor Afro MN, Outdoor Latino MN, New Directions Youth Ministry, Bolder Options, Urban Ventures, YWCA, and many more.

Since its founding in 1989, MSC has aspired to make sailing accessible to all. To reduce access barriers, we offer sliding-scale programming for community organizations to introduce youth and adults to sailing.

Click below for more information about Community Partnership opportunities. To schedule an event or learn more about partnership opportunities with MSC, fill out the form below or email us at info@sailmpls.org.

Setting Sail Together: Empowering Sailors Through Community Partnerships

Minneapolis Sailing Center's Community Partnership Program helps make sailing accessible for everyone in the Twin Cities area. Through field trips, classes, or our Free Sailing Sunday events, this program offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and wonder of learning to sail. MSC has partnered with over 30 organizations and hosted over 3000 participants to date.

Hear from our longstanding partner Girls Taking Action as they describe what this program means to them.

preparing for your event

If you have scheduled an event, here are a few items to help you prepare to visit the Minneapolis Sailing Center and ensure you have a fun day!

  • For field trips, our events will be sailed on our Ensign Keelboats. These 23 ft long sailboats have a weighted keel at the bottom of the boat that prevents the boat from tipping over and keeps the passengers safe. That being said, we require sailors to wear lifejackets while on the dock and on the boat for safety. We have lifejackets available for use free of charge. Sailors may get a little water splashed on them, but they will not need to swim or get in the water.

  • Students can expect to have a short introductory lecture on the shore where they will learn the basics of sailing and review safety instructions. From there, the sailors will split into groups of 5-7 on each boat along with an instructor and sail for 1-2 hours. Depending on the length of the event, our groups can bring lunches and have an afternoon sail as well.

  • Lessons meet at our Boathouse (3010 E Bde Maka Ska Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55408). Please try to arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time to get settled in.

  • Check weather conditions before leaving home and dress appropriately. We recommend quick-drying clothing with UV protective properties. Long-sleeve swim shirts, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats all help to prevent sunburn and long-term skin and eye damage. Feet and footwear will likely get wet. Shoes that can get wet or sandals with a back strap (Teva, Chaco, Keen) are all acceptable. Flip-flops are not allowed. Shoes must be worn at all times.

  • Sailors can bring a small bag or backpack with them that can be stored in our Boathouse during the sail. We encourage sailors to bring a full water bottle on the boat to stay hydrated.

  • We require all participants to complete our Medical and Liability Waiver and bring them to the event or email them ahead of time.

  • Get ready to have fun! If you want to come back to learn more, just ask our staff how to stay involved!