How can you make a difference in the DC Sail community?  

....become a VOLUNTEER!

American Spirit Crew

DC Sail's schooner, the American Spirit, runs cruises on weekends and weekdays throughout the April - October season.  It is a great way to learn more about big boat sailing, get out on the water in the evenings, and help DC Sail!  In order to become a crew member you must participate in the training which occurs at the beginning of the season OR observe at least two cruises. In return for crewing at least two cruises a month, you will be elegible to purchase your membership at the "Instructor" rate with the Super Member benefits! 

Please contact Emily Rodegast erodegast@dcsail.org to start crewing now!

Instructor

DC Sail's adult beginner lessons are taught by highly trained, local volunteer instructors.  Last year, our Volunteer Instructors put over 200 beginner adults successfully through our Learn to Sail course!  DC Sail hosts a mandatory training session at the beginning of each season, and opportunities for new instructors to join our team of volunteers throughout the season.  DC Sail instructors are required to instruct at least two lessons a month, and you will be eligible to purchase your membership at the "Instructor" rate with the Super Member benefits!

For more information about recommended experience before instructing, please visit the Volunteer Instructor page.  Contact Brian McNally at bmcnally@dcsail.org to start instructing now!

Events & Marketing

Have a background in marketing, event planning or advertising?  DC Sail needs your help!  Our volunteers assist DC Sail staff in implementing all marketing and event planning efforts.  Assistance is needed in the following areas:

Outreach & Press  If you are a writer or know people in the journalism field we need articles put into local papers, radio and TV. DC Sail would love to boost it's local media presence.

Marketing  A lot of DC Sail's advertising is word of mouth.  We want to become a bigger presence in the DC community, but are working with a limited budget.   

Events  DC Sail is in need of volunteers to help coordinate current events, and plan for new events and fundraisers!  Current Events:

• Season Kick-Off
• Setting up booths to advertise at local festivals
• Guerilla marketing:  print out DC Sail fliers and post them where you work, eat, play, live!
• Annual Cantina Cup Regatta - August 11

Grant Writing & Fundraising

DC Sail needs help with grant writing, fundraising efforts, and asking local businesses for donations and youth scholarship support.  Please let us know if you can assist with the following efforts:

• Researching grants that DC Sail might be eligible for
• Draft grant requests
• Corporate and individual donation outreach
• Securing partnerships that can help improve our programs

Maintenance

Maintenance is always needed on the dock, as our boats are used daily during the sailing season!  DC Sail can boast of some very experienced volunteers who help lead our on-going maintenance effort.  If you would like to help assist them, and learn some valuable boat fixing skills, consider joining our maintenance team!

Once you learn the ropes around DC Sail maintenance needs, you can come down to the dock to assist during your free time, or participate in organized maintenance sessions to get started.

Please contact, Mythbusters Creator, Peter Rees at peter_rees_tv@yahoo.com to get started!