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.
equity and inclusion initiative: community partnership spotlight
MSC’s Community Partnership Program brings people from diverse backgrounds out on the water, where they learn how sailing builds confidence, teamwork, and skills that navigate far beyond the water. We are proud that MSC was awarded the 2024 Jim Kilroy Outstanding Outreach & Inclusion Award by US Sailing for our commitment to removing barriers to access. This program is funded by support from donors like you.
One of our consistent partnerships is with Twin Cities Blind Sailing, where MSC provides visually impaired sailors access to free bi-weekly cruising, youth camp, and field trip opportunities.
We interviewed five sailors about their experiences, and all of them expressed the sentiment spoken by youth camp participant Jaxon, who said “It really doesn’t matter who you are or what you can do even if you’re blind or visually impaired. You can still sail.” Sailors expressed how “It truly is freedom on the water,” because, as shared by Gary, “Rarely do I have the mobility and control that you have when you’re sailing.”
For these TCBS participants, sailing has meant “personal growth, belonging, overcoming fears,” mindfulness, experiencing nature, physical activity, and having fun while in community. Funding from donors like you has made this experience possible for these blind sailing participants. As expressed by Gary, “I am very thankful for the opportunity that the Minneapolis Sailing Center has offered to the blind to enjoy life in a way that we never expected.”
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.
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.
