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SAILING IS FOR EVERYONE

Minneapolis Sailing Center endeavors to foster an inclusive, sustainable community and to teach sailing to all. 

Your generosity helps us to deliver high-quality programming in a safe, inclusive environment:

  • Community Outreach Events introduce youth and adults from organizations across the Twin Cities to sailing through 1-hour sailboat rides, day-long field trips, and group enrollment in classes. MSC Partner organizations include Minneapolis Public Schools, YWCA, Outdoor Latino MN, Outdoor Afro MN, Inner City Ducks, Bolder Options, and Lutheran Social Services. 

  • Free Sailing Sundays provide no-cost sailing experiences to the public recreating on Bde Maka Ska. Volunteer skippers have introduced sailing to hundreds of community members through these events.

  • Scholarships help remove financial barriers to sailing lessons. In the past three years, we provided over 150 full or partial scholarships to community members.

  • Youth and Adult Classes including our new Women’s Keelboat Class, first offered in 2021.

We are asking for your support so that we can continue to provide these experiences for first-time sailors from all communities in the Twin Cities.

Every dollar helps us fulfill our mission. A $40 donation provides an hour of sailing for someone who may not otherwise have the opportunity.


SUPPORT THE MINNEAPOLIS SAILING CENTER

Your donation also supports day-to-day operations at MSC. Donations during the 2023 year provided funding for these priorities: 

  • Equity and Inclusion Initiative - Comprehensive plan including scholarships, training, events, member outreach, and community partnerships to more proportionately reflect the diverse demographics of our community in our students, membership, staff, and board.

  • Staffing - Permanent and seasonal staff provide instruction, assist members, coordinate events, and ensure the day-to-day operations of MSC.

  • Boat Maintenance and Repairs - With over 100 sailboats in our fleet, MSC provides maintenance and repairs throughout the year. Each winter, we perform regular maintenance across the fleet and overhaul donated vessels to ensure performance and safety. 

  • Facilities and Equipment - From new docks to lifejackets, sails to storage, MSC’s equipment and facilities are continuously maintained and updated for reliability and efficacy. 


donate to the TWIN CITIES BLIND SAILING PROGRAM

In 2023 Minneapolis Sailing Center started a new partnership with the Twin Cities Blind Sailing (TCBS) Program. In the offseason, we were approached by Katy Boyd, founder of the new Twin Cities Blind Sailing group. She recently moved to Minneapolis from Boston and wanted to create a regular cruising and racing program for visually impaired sailors. 

"While living in Boston, I discovered my love for sailing. From the first practice with Boston Blind Sailing, I was hooked. I have been sailing for about 5 years, and have participated in regattas in NY, IL, MA, and RI.  When I found out that I was moving to Minneapolis I wanted to bring something I fell in love with to the Twin Cities." - Katy Boyd

The Cruising Group of Twin Cities Blind Sailing is held at the Minneapolis Sailing Center and the Racing Group meets at Wayzata Sailing. Cruising practices are held every other Saturday from 9:30-Noon and the program is a huge success.  Cruising sessions cover beginner sailing skills for visually impaired individuals with the assistance of volunteer guide instructors.

Donations made to our TCBS Fund will go directly to funding the cruising portion of this program at MSC.

Donate to Twin Cities Blind Sailing Program at MSC

If you have any questions or would like to enquire about donating to a specific component of our work, please contact Executive Director Ted Salzman at ted@sailmpls.org.