Ripples
Dytanya was head SIT instructor summer 2020
Dytanya was our 2020 Sailing Instructor Training (S.I.T.) Program head coach. Dy, a 2015 S.I.T. grad, rescued the program from the grips of the coronavirus pandemic this summer. Under his leadership, the program flourished.
Dear Sailor,

I hardly know where to begin... so I will share a story to frame my thoughts.

A friend of The DSC, Andy, stopped by the office one September afternoon to pick up some merchandise and say hello. He had been involved with The DSC through 2010, but then life and a new family took precedent as he explored other sailing pursuits.

I convinced him to check out the renovated 'B' dock marina and the weekly Siebel Sailors Program. Andy was involved with the early Accessible program that had been staged on the original 'B' dock, which in his day was made up from a derelict selection of rickety piers. The marina redevelopment is nice, but the sailors made the impact on him.

"Wow!"
Siebel Sailors work together to haul the boats after sailing
The Siebel Sailors work together to haul the boats out of the water after a day of sailing. Photo Courtesy of US Sailing
The scene was inspiring. Youth worked together to hoist the sails while others walked confidently down the dock, greeting us with "Hi, Mister Stuart!" as they ambled past. Sailors washed their hands at the handwashing station without being prompted, and kids of all shapes and colors worked together to splash the boats as quickly as possible. It was their dock, their program, their space.

He could not stay long but we were able to take a few moments to chat about the past, and when we walked off the docks he glanced over his shoulder to confirm that what he had seen was real. In that moment, his dreams for the future were realized. His efforts long ago had made ripples that were manifest years later in that very moment.

I am inspired every day by the people who enter through our gates and sail our boats. Our community is, collectively, committed to social change through the beauty of sailing. Thank you.
The Siebel Sailors Fleet with sailors in background
The Siebel Sailors Fleet on the day Andy visited. The sailors are conducting their chalk talk under the green tent in the upper right corner of the photo
A Siebel Sailor Blasts off
A Siebel Sailor sheets in. Photo courtesy of US Sailing
In 2020, you know what we accomplished. It feels good! But 2020 was simply the manifestation of what WE - you and your neighbors and those who came before me - have dreamed and worked towards for the past 25 years. With your support and engagement, we weathered this first coronavirus storm and our vessel is prepared for the next challenge ahead.
Celebrating every person, The DSC is committed to making sailing diverse, inclusive, and desirable to people who traditionally lack access to our sport and its opportunities.
Hansa-Access Schooners tow in a line up to the inner harbor
The Hansa-Access SCHOONER parade of sail, organized by Rena and supported by Duncan Hood and schooner ADVENTURER, celebrated our eclectic sailing community. Photo courtesy of Clara Dawson
Junior Campers Command their own Sonar Sailboat without assistance
Our next generation of sailors lead the way with confidence and skill. Photo courtesy of Rena Kazmierski
With your involvement and support, we have begun the slow shift from a "charity mindset" toward one of "social investment" in our community sailing center. Sailing is for Everyone, all the time, within every facet of our programming. With your investment, The Downtown Sailing Center is moving forward as a change leader in our sport and in our community.
Amani leads campers on a Sonar Sailboat summer 2020
Amani leads his "pod" of campers through the coronavirus pandemic, summer 2020
Thanks in part to awesome volunteers in the "Member Connections Task Force" and program leaders for "Women on the Water (WoW)" Wednesdays, we continue to see positive growth in our membership. Our cruising program has made great strides to provide sailing access for all, and our racing program continues to provide an accessible path to the sportier side of sailing. Our organization has a long journey ahead, but we are advancing with purpose.

Our camp staff continue to show us what is possible in our community, and they have embraced the opportunity to lead and to dream. We are beginning to listen to their wisdom.
Women on the Water Wednesday launches summer 2020
Women on the Water (WoW) sailors set sail for an evening of fun, fellowship, and learning. Summer 2020
As we move into this holiday season, please accept my thanks and deep gratitude for your involvement and your support. It has been a joy to serve our community this season, and I have so many experiences to be thankful for this year. Thank you!
The Summer 2020 Siebel Sailors Crew
The Summer 2020 Siebel Sailors. The Siebel Sailors Program is supported by the Tom and Stacey Siebel Foundation and your donor support! Photo courtesy of US Sailing
3 Hansa-Access Schooners sail in the inner harbor
Christopher and Mom lead the pack in green, with Sha'mar and Nate in red and Dylan in violet. Photo courtesy of Clara Dawson
In order to best serve you and to provide the most affordable opportunities for our sailors, The DSC has already posted its sailing school lessons for 2021 with very few price increases. To keep you safe, our COVID-19 protocol remains in place for the duration of next year.

Early-bird Member Pricing is also posted, and we encourage all current and prospective members to take advantage of early-bird pricing before the New Year. The savings begin on Friday, November 27th.
Camp registration goes live on Friday, November 27th, too. Camp was sold out this summer, so don't wait 'til the last minute. Deep savings run through December 25th.
Dy leads the S.I.T. youth in Feva sailing while volunteer Sam builds the ramp
The 2020 S.I.T. Class "caught the Feva" and embraced the small, capsizable dinghies. Dy led their way.
Beyond the "Donate" button, and the "Join or Renew" button, please know that your presence and care for The DSC are just as critical as your membership dollars and your donor efforts. We are a community, made up of unique individuals, and we are a center that is embracing our mission of service.

I hope everyone has a safe and restful holiday over the coming days. Whether you are staying home or visiting family, please take the joy of The DSC with you and share some of the good things we are accomplishing together.

Andy left that September day knowing that his actions had made a positive impact for a future generation. Dytanya, featured in the top and bottom photo of this newsletter, is making a similar splash. You can, too.

With your commitment, we will continue to make more than just positive ripples in our world: we will make waves.

Happy Thanksgiving,


-Stuart