Dear Sailor and DSC Supporter,

At The Downtown Sailing Center, we believe that "Sailing is for Everyone." Believe it, Hon.

The above picture is of the Sailing Instructor Training Program teens sailing on the new capsizable RS Fevas at the end of last week. When I moved to Baltimore in 2011, I dreamed of a day when Baltimore City youth would sail capsizable boats in the Inner Harbor. But I barely believed it would ever come true - least of all by 2020.

Well, believe it, Hon. Yes, we still face substantial water quality challenges. Yes, the sport of sailing is still plagued more than a century of systemic racism. Yes, there are perceptions about Baltimore, and Baltimore Harbor ... the list goes on and on.

I am taking a moment to focus on the positive. I am taking a moment to focus on the results of our collaborative"can do" attitude. I am taking a moment to celebrate our collective accomplishments. Yes, we are making a positive impact in our sport, in our city, and in the lives of the individuals who call The DSC home. Believe, Hon.

If you do not yet believe, please take a moment to read US Sailing's most recent and very positive statement about the course US Sailing is now taking. We have "community leaders" among us. We ARE making a difference in our sport and continuing to lead the way.

But the work is not over. We must double down if we are to accomplish the goals that we set out to accomplish through The Downtown Sailing Center. We have a commitment to the adaptive sailing community that we must live up to. We have a commitment to quality sailing education. We have a commitment to improving the lives of those we come into contact with through sailing. And we have a commitment to fulfill the legacy of those who set us on this path.

Ya Gotta Regatta will be upon us in less than two months' time. Even though we are in a global pandemic we cannot afford to lose ground. The DSC needs your financial support if we are to continue achieving our dreams of quality, access, and opportunity.

As you are able, please join us in becoming a financial supporter of The DSC. Together, we will achieve our dreams.

Sincerely,

Stuart Proctor, Executive Director

PS - Our mission remains the same and our purpose is resolute. For a quick trip down memory lane about "Ya Gotta Regatta," click HERE. The video highlights our continued purpose while also showing how far we have come with facilities improvements. Steve and Ed, we miss you and I thank you for sharing your vision with us. Your efforts and purpose are not forgotten.