Raise the Sails - spring 2026 fundraiser

Raise the Sails is back — and this year, we're celebrating the start of sailing season in style.

Join us on Friday, May 29, 2026 at France 44 for an evening of good company, great food, a cash bar, and a fantastic silent auction. All proceeds support MSC's Community Partnership Program, which brings free and discounted sailing to youth and families across the Twin Cities.

This is an adults' night out. Come dressed for a nice dinner. Come ready to bid. Come ready to make a difference.

Tickets: Pay what you can — $25, $50, $75, or $100 per person

Tickets and Info

Event Details

📅 Date and Time: Friday, May 29, 2026 - 7 to 9 PM
📍 Location: France 44, 4351 France Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
🧀 Food: Charcuterie and artisan spreads catered by the France 44 deli.
🍷Drink: Cash bar featuring France 44's renowned wine and spirits selection.
🎟 Tickets: Pay what you can — $25, $50, $75, or $100 per person
👗 Attire: Smart casual — dress to impress, like you're headed to a nice dinner

This is an adults-only event, enjoy a night out!

EVENT SPONSORS

 
 

about the event

Now in its fourth year, Raise the Sails is our annual celebration of community, generosity, and the transformative power of sailing. This spring, we're moving the event to the France 44 event space in Linden Hills — with a beautiful patio, a firepit, and the kind of warm, relaxed atmosphere that makes for a memorable evening.

The evening features a curated silent auction with items donated by local businesses and community supporters: restaurant experiences, wellness packages, getaways, locally made art, sporting experiences, and more. Every bid you place goes directly toward making sailing accessible to more people.

Have an item you’d like to donate? Email us at info@sailmpls.org

Why Support Us:

Your support changes lives on the water. In 2025 alone, the Minneapolis Sailing Center:

  • Welcomed 2,793 sailors through our Outreach Program — a 34% increase over the year before

  • Hosted 1,743 participants at Free Sailing Sunday events on Bde Maka Ska

  • Partnered with 33 local nonprofits serving youth and adults

  • Awarded 54 scholarships to help families cover the cost of sailing programs

When you buy a ticket, bid on an auction item, or make a donation, you're funding the next Free Sailing Sunday. You're putting a kid on the water for the first time. You're opening a door that was previously closed.

By participating in our fundraiser, you will:

  • Empower Lives: Sailing instills self-reliance, courage, and cooperation- skills that help build leaders adept at navigating a challenging and ever-changing world.

  • Foster Education: Our sailing classes cover more than sailing. Students learn about STEM, environmental awareness, and how to be good teammates and leaders.

  • Promote access to the outdoors: Together, we can improve access to the Twin Cities rich ecosystem of lakes and parks. We aim to keep costs low to encourage time spent learning and enjoying Bde Maka Ska.

  • Build a stronger community: Our main goal at MSC is to create and foster a welcoming environment to learn sailing. Whether you have never stepped foot on a boat or are a seasoned racer, there is a place for you here. 

For questions or to donate a silent auction item, contact us at info@sailmpls.org or 612-470-7245.

Minneapolis Sailing Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible. Tax ID: 41-1713806.