How can you make a difference in the DC Sail community?
....become a VOLUNTEER!
Instruct for DC Sail's Adult Lessons (Beginner, Intermediate, Capsize)
Our instructors are dedicated and skilled volunteers who undergo annual training to bring the best quality sailing instruction to the water. Many of our instructors are US Sailing Certified Instructors and have sailed in all corners of the globe.
DC Sail's adult lessons are taught by highly trained, local volunteer instructors. DC Sail is always looking for volunteers to serve in this capacity! We host a mandatory training session at the beginning of each season, and there are opportunities for new instructors to join our team of volunteers throughout the season. DC Sail instructors receive a special membership rate with all the perks of a super membership.
Requirements for becoming a Volunteer Instructor:
- Relevant sailing experience
- Successful completion of a NASBLA approved boat safety course (in your state)
- Ability to swim 50 yards while fully clothed
- Ability to exhibit appropriate interpersonal skills
- Participate in DC Sail trainings
- US Sailing Small Boat Level 1 Student Certified (can be obtained at DC Sail)
- Sign up for a Shiftboard account through www.shiftboard.com with DC Sail
- Become a DC Sail member at the Instructor rate
- A great attitude and a desire to have fun!
Recommended qualifications:
- US Sailing Small Boat Level 1 Instructor Certification
- US Sailing Safe Powerboat Handling Certification
- Current CPR and First Aid Certifications
If you're interested in becoming a Volunteer Instructor, email Brian McNally.
2013 TRAINING:
April 27, 28, May 4, 5: US Sailing Small Boat Level 1 Instructor Course
- Great opportunity for Instructors to become nationally certified
- Instructors can sign off on US Sailing Red Books
- Eligible to volunteer in a dock manager capacity
- Required for some paid positions at DC Sail
April 6-7: DC Sail's In-House Instructor Training
- Mandatory for DC Sail Instructors
- Saturday & Sunday, 9am - 4pm
- Email Brian McNally to reserve your spot.
Crew Aboard the American Spirit
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 and middle of the season OR observe at least two cruises.
To sign up for training and to learn how to volunteer on the American Spirit, visit the DC Sail Shiftboard and register for an account. Once approved, request to join the American Spirit Team. You will then receive information about upcoming training sessions and be able to sign up as a crew.
Please contact Captain Matt Vilbas for more information about getting involved with the American Spirit Schooner.
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 DC Sail benefits from a tremendous amount of advertising via, "Word of Mouth." We want to become a bigger presence in the DC community but are working with a limited budget. In-kind donations of printed materials, marketing assistance for mailing list development, etc., are all welcome.
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 18, 2013
Please email
Traci Mead if you would like to get involved.
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 repair and maintenance 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 scheduled throughout the year.
Please contact Brian McNally to get started!
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