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June 2019 DC Sail Newsletter
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DC Sail
is the community sailing program of the
National Maritime Heritage Foundation.
Our mission is to promote and sustain affordable educational, recreational and competitive sailing programs for all ages in a fun and safe environment. DC Sail empowers its participants to develop self-respect and sportsmanship, foster teamwork, and cultivate sailing skills and an appreciation for maritime-related activities. In addition, DC Sail enhances the DC community by using sailing to bolster community spirit and volunteerism. |
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From the Helm: Vittoria Energy Expedition
~ Report from Nathan Sermonis, DC Sail Instructor: Taking Sailing to A New Frontier of Sailing Toward Sustainability
Chasing our dream to build an "infinity" sailboat for long distance cruising, complete with an electric motor, huge solar panels, and enormous batteries, several friends and I have embarked on an educational adventure called the Vittoria Energy Expedition. With only a shoe-string budget, we purchased and retrofitted a 31' Hunter sailboat named Vittoria, then set off down the Atlantic coast from Washington, DC to Havana, Cuba.
 Along the way, we've hosted community events aboard our vessel and visited local renewable energy pioneers at each stop. This rag-tag crew has now sailed over 2,000 miles through rivers, bays, canals, and offshore waters - powered by the wind and sun - to field test our do-it-yourself system, sharing the experience online with boaters and non-boaters alike.
It all started with a training course at DC Sail, when I decided to try the sport for my first time. I was completely hooked by the end. The next season, I rented DC Sail boats on weekends and, soon after, started volunteering as an Adult Beginner Learn to Sail course instructor. Eventually, I bought my own boat, a Catalina 25, to sail around the Potomac and Chesapeake on weekend jaunts.
My ambitions, however, soon outgrew her comfortable simplicity, and  I concocted the idea for an energy-independent design to never run out of fuel or battery power again. Thus began the Vittoria project and one incredible journey that has pushed the limits and changed our lives.
Filming across the expedition, we've collected over 100 hours of footage that will soon be clipped, condensed, and released on our social media channels. You can join the journey on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter by following @VittoriaEnergy. Or visit our website www.vittoriaenergy.org.
Editorial Comment: Nathan has extended his field of research in alternative energy sources. He has temporarily re-located to Cape Town, South Africa for a three-year term, where he will be attending university with a focus on sub-Saharan solar and other resources. We wish him all the success in his innovative endeavors, that he finds a welcoming sailing community in his new home, and we look forward to seeing the development of Vittoria 2.0!
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June "Monthly Social"
~ Tuesday, June 25, 2019 - 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
You're Invited! Please join us at our "Monthly Social."
We will be gathering at All Purpose Pizza, starting at 6:00 PM. Management has generously extended Happy Hour pricing until 8:00 PM for our members and guests. Happy Hour food pricing available 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
The event is open to both members and the public - bring a friend or two! (*No cover to attend. Guests will be responsible for their own food/beverage purchases.)
Our Facebook Event can be found by clicking here if you wish to share with your friends.
Please click here to learn more about our Monthly Socials and to RSVP if you wish to attend. (Registration is not required but is helpful to our host location's staffing and logistics.)
See you soon!
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"American Spirit" Schooner Sailing
~ Public and Private Events
Our "4th of July Fireworks Cruise" is sold out to capacity, however, we will be hosting a Sunset Sail on Friday, July 5th!
Sunset Sails, which run every-other Friday evening from mid-May through mid-October are fun and memorable events open to the public. DC Sail members receive a 50% discount on Sunset Sail tickets too! To book passage,
please click here to view our Sunset Sail schedule and information.
Boating & Baseball Program:
Passengers will sail with us for three hours and then attend the Nats home game following the cruise. Cost is just $65/per person and includes Terrace Level game ticket.
Please click here to book your Boating & Baseball tickets. Space is limited.
(*New in 2019 for our Boating & Baseball passengers: No backpacks are permitted into the ballpark - plan accordingly!)
"American Spirit" is available April through mid-October for Private
 Charters. We've hosted birthday parties, corporate team building events, alumni gatherings, small weddings, anniversary events, and memorial sails. Private Charter information can be found by
clicking here.
We also welcome school teachers and administrators of social service organizations with a focus on youth in inquire about our exciting Educational Charters for children.
Please click here to view information on how we manage these discounted sails that incorporate STEM curriculum during the engaging three-hour event!
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12th Annual Cantina Cup
~ Saturday, September 14, 2019
The Cantina Cup Regatta and Fundraising Event was created 12 years ago as an annual event to bring together DC Sail's members and local sailing organizations to support the mission of promoting and sustaining affordable, educational, recreational and competitive sailing programs for youth in a fun and safe environment.
Regatta Changes for 2019: This year, we have partnered with the Potomac River Sailing Association to encourage even more boats on the water. Regatta registration for DC Sail owned Flying Juniors and Flying Scots will be managed by us. Please click here.
For additional information regarding the regatta, please contact Brian McNally at [email protected]
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For all other fleets of privately-owned vessels, (Albacores, Buccaneers, Flying Scots, Inland Scows, Lasers, Lightnings, etc.), please contact PRSA for information by clicking here.
Racing will take place on a variety of race courses throughout the day, culminating at our "After Party & Awards Ceremony Event," hosted by Cantina Bambina and Pearl Street Warehouse on the Transit Pier at The Wharf. The After Party is open to the public, there is no cover charge, children are welcome when accompanied by an adult, and will feature loads of celebrating sailors dancing under the stars with live music!
Cantina Cup Regatta is our signature fundraising event that supports the DC Sail Youth Scholarship Program. Our Youth Scholarship Program provides over $20,000 annually in scholarship opportunities to children under the age of 18, who would otherwise not have the ability to explore the beauty of the sport of sailing, along with water and boating safety via an engaging STEM curriculum, and building awareness for an appreciation of our fragile waterway systems.
With the growth of our programs and facilities, we have the ability to increase the number of children we serve in the DC Metro area. With your help, we hope to provide even more scholarship opportunities in 2020!
Please consider a generous donation to support our Youth Scholarship Program by clicking here.
Please click on the following links information/registration:
We are also seeking individual and corporate sponsorship of the annual fundraising event. Please contact Traci Mead to explore opportunities to show your support in helping us to provide these unique and beautiful programs for children less fortunate than ourselves. Phone: 202-547-1250 or email: [email protected].
Thank you and see you on September 14, 2019!
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Adult Lessons
~ Beginner Learn to Sail and Intro to FJs
DC Sail's excellent sail training programs are running for the 2019 sailing season.
If you have family and/or friends that have expressed an interest in learning to sail and getting out on the water with DC Sail, please encourage them to register for class now as we'll continue to fill up as we are now into the summer months.
Please click here to view information on sessions, curriculum, etc.
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Intro to FJs, which prepares more experienced sailors for engaging in our Racing program resumes in July. These lessons are only held once a month in July and August. The course is limited to just 16 students per session.
Secure your booking now to reserve your space and get SAILING FAST on our Flying Junior Fleet. Completing these lessons also opens up the Boat Rental options for students as they'll be qualified to take out FJs during weekend rentals.
Please click here for additional information and registration.
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DC Sail Boat Rentals
~ Sailing Area Boundaries for FJ and Flying Scot Rentals
Reminder for members of our sailing boundaries for FJ and Flying Scot rentals are the 11th Street bridge on the Anacostia River, DC Police Department Harbor Patrol building on Washington Channel, CSX Long Bridge on the Potomac River (1st bridge heading north towards Georgetown) and no further south of DCA airport on the Potomac River.
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August Sail in the Amalfi Coast, Italy! This Summer With CCS
~ Cabin Charter Sailing Offers Opportunities to Sail in Exotic Places
24 - 31 August, 2019
Cabin Charter Sailing has two available cabins on this sail.
We'll take a new, 2019 model, Lucia 40 ft. catamaran for a week-long sail along the fabulous Amalfi Coast stopping overnight at gorgeous destinations such as Ischia, Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi. Smooth sailing on this comfy cat and delicious cuisine in the evenings! Each queen cabin has a private bath.
Capt. Bob is a USCG licensed captain with marine liability insurance who has skippered over 90 of these CCS week-long sails.
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~ Support DC Sail When Shopping Online!
Did you know your purchases can make a difference?
Please include exploring items at Amazon.com via the AmazonSmile link. We are a registered nonprofit organization and have the ability to receive a percentage of sales via a donation through their giving program. DC Sail is the Community Sailing Center of the National Maritime Heritage Foundation which will be referenced at your checkout. Thank you for helping us to raise funds to support our mission statement which includes providing unique on-the-water opportunities for at-risk kids that can change lives in so many positive ways.
Please help us "network" this opportunity by sharing or forwarding this newsletter to your business and personal contacts and ask that they lend a hand to DC Sail.
As a registered charity with the AmazonSmile program, the donations are not issued just for holiday shopping, as it is active 365 days a year! Please visit the page and add to your favorites in your internet browser for future usage.
Thank you!
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Membership Cards
~ Automatically Generated Membership Cards
DC Sail membership cards are available through your online profile as members of DC Sail.
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Both at the time of initiation of a new membership and at renewal, your customized DC Sail Membership Card will be created. You'll have the ability to easily print and tuck into your wallet or gear bag.
 As we all experience time flying by with busy schedules, it is easy to forget about your pending membership renewal with DC Sail. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the funds generated by your membership and renewal fees to keep up with operating and maintenance costs year-around.
If you have let your membership lapse and wish to re-activate, please visit your membership profile via
www.dcsail.org. Cannot recall your login information? Click the easy link to have it emailed to you or contact us and we'll be happy to help.
For those who hold certifications with US SAILING, American Red Cross First Aid/CPR, etc., now is good time to also pull out those cards and assure you are in good standing.
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Member Discussion Forums
~ Ways to Communicate with DC Sail Members
Looking to hop on a boat but don't have a rental? Seeking someone to sail with you during your boat rental when your guests are unable to join you?
Post a notice on the Member Discussion Forums! Easy and your message will be available for viewing by active DC Sail Members. (No public access.)
You will need to be logged into your DC Sail account profile to view the link to the Member Discussion Forum.
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~ Links Will Deliver You to the Website for Information/Registration.
- June Monthly Social: Tuesday, June 25th @ All Purpose Pizza
- 4th of July Fireworks Cruise on "American Spirit: Thursday, July 4th-SOLD OUT
- Sunset Sail: Friday, July 5th
- July Monthly Social: Tuesday, July 16th @ The Salt Line
- Sunset Sail: Friday, July 19th
- Boating & Baseball: Saturday, July 27th
- Sunset Sail: Friday, August 2nd
- Sunset Sail: Friday, August 16th
- Boating & Baseball: Saturday, August 17th
- Sunset Sail: Friday, August 30th
- August Monthly Social: TBD
- Sunset Sail: Friday, September 13th
- Cantina Cup: Saturday, September 14th
- September Monthly Social: Cantina Cup After Party
- Sunset Sail: Friday, September 27th
- Sunset Sail: Friday, October 11th
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| DC Sail Mission Statement "Our mission is to promote and sustain affordable educational, recreational and competitive sailing programs for all ages in a fun and safe environment. DC Sail empowers its participants to develop self-respect and sportsmanship, foster teamwork, and cultivate sailing skills and an appreciation for maritime-related activities. In addition, DC Sail enhances the DC community by using sailing to bolster community spirit and volunteerism." |
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