“Nothing in this world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty. No kind of life is worth leading if it is always an easy life... I know your work is hard, and that is why I congratulate you with all my heart."- Teddy Roosevelt, from "American Ideals in Education"
Worth Doing.
Dear Sailors, Friends, and Supporters,

Tuesday, September 22nd, marked a very special day for The DSC.

Yesterday, ten of our Siebel Sailors went sailing and nearly half of them capsized. Some of them capsized multiple times. The coaches assisted them in righting their boats, and people gawked from the docks.

As the Executive Director, I was a bit worried. Not for their safety, but about what others might think. John and I were supposed to be celebrating a small victory with the splashing of The DSC's little powerboat, BOATY, but as we motored out for the sea trial our youngest sailors began capsizing around us. It was awful and awesome at the same time.

It was awful because we know there are health risks associated with poor water quality that we struggle to contend with. How reckless and naïve am I, as the person most responsible for the health and safety of our sailors, to send our youngest out in their own little boats to fend for themselves against the wind and waves?
S.I.T.s sail 3 individual fevas towards fells point
It was also AWESOME because I saw kids in command of their own sailboats, right here in Baltimore. Black kids and White kids, girls and boys, all sailing individually yet looking out for one another. When the first boat capsized, all of the sailors maneuvered close by to offer help and words of encouragement. Each kid may have been on their own boat, but every child made sure that no one was alone.

They righted their boats, albeit with a little help from their coaches. Then they climbed back in and set off again on a new course. In doing so, they marked a milestone for our city and our community sailing center.

I do not want our kids to be the pointy end of the spear. They do not deserve that fate. But we cannot live in fear. That is what sailing has taught me, and that is what our sailing community is teaching me.

The Downtown Sailing Center provides sailing opportunities for many people: adults who are fulfilling a childhood dream; people of all colors and incomes looking to experience the same joys and challenges as their most privileged peers; people with disabilities, who cannot walk, who cannot see, who cannot express with words what they experience. We, The Downtown Sailing Center, put them in boats and shove them away from the docks with mere words of encouragement and many silent prayers.
S.I.T.s set sail from B dock on their own
The water quality in Baltimore will continue to challenge us. And it is not just in Baltimore, but on my home waters of the Albermarle; on both coasts; on the shores of our Great Lakes; and within rivers near and far. I have deep concern for the health of our waters everywhere, and poor water quality will soon be our greatest impediment to water access.

But should we not all have the opportunity to struggle for something as important as access to recreation on our home waters? Can we say that it is okay for a privileged few to go sailing in these waters, while denying others the same opportunity? And are we so gullible that we should sit idly and watch the waves pass by? We must tread carefully, but we cannot fail to move forward simply because we are fearful.
Mike sails solo against the girls
We are doing great things in our sport and in our community.

In a few days time, we will celebrate our Ya Gotta Regatta. The Ya Gotta Regatta was initially created as a celebration of our Adaptive Sailing program for people with disabilities. Today, it is a celebration of sailing for people of all abilities. Of all backgrounds, of all ages. The Ya Gotta Regatta is a celebration of Community Sailing, and it is a giant fundraiser to ensure that sailing remains an opportunity for the many, in addition to the few.
Mother and son go for a sail on an Accessible Saturday in a Hansa Access Dinghy
Photo Courtesy of Sandy Dawson
I am overwhelmed by the financial support that our community has given thus far, and I know that we can do more, with your help. Founding members, long time supporters, corporations, and silent benefactors are all supporting The DSC in a big way. Thank you.

If you have not yet given; if you have not yet tapped your professional networks and community circles, it is not too late to share with them what The DSC community is doing. I will ask again next year, but for now, this is my final ask. I encourage you to give only as you are able, and only as your heart desires.
Access Sailors blast around the harbor
Photo courtesy of Sandy Dawson
The weather looks good for Saturday. There are still boats available for racing, and there is still time to register for the PHRF regatta. If you are an adaptive sailor who wants to race Hansa-Access Dinghies, there is still space for you.

I am only one person, but I am buoyed by a great team of staff, board members, and sailors. Our Community Sailing Center has a powerful legacy that is acknowledged and supported by its founders, and there are many others, quiet and anonymous, who provide the financial support we need to grow and serve our beloved Baltimore. Thank you for your contribution. Thank you for believing in The Downtown Sailing Center. And thank you for your support.

Sincerely,


Stuart Proctor, Executive Director