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Why Your Donation Matters
As we prepare our boats and facilities for the 2026 season, we rely on the generosity of our community to help make our programs possible. Program fees cover only about half of our annual operating costs, and donations allow us to keep sailing accessible, safe, and welcoming for sailors of all ages and backgrounds.
Founded in 1996, MDI Community Sailing Center was the first organization of its kind in the state of Maine. Three decades later, we remain a community-supported nonprofit, sustained by the people who believe in the value of learning on the water.
In 2025, MDI Community Sailing experienced a record year. More than 225 junior sailors and 100 adult sailors participated in our programs — the highest enrollment in our history. Through sailing, students learn far more than how to rig a boat or trim a sail. They build confidence, responsibility, decision-making skills, and teamwork — lessons that stay with them long after the season ends, as you’ll see in the stories below.
Your support helps ensure that these opportunities remain available to every sailor who wants to learn, grow, and belong on the water.
Donations allow us to recruit, train, and retain experienced instructors who create a safe, supportive environment on the water. Their consistency, care, and leadership are what make it possible for sailors to learn with confidence and for families to place their trust in us.
Testimonials From Our Sailors
“I’ve been sailing at the center for truly as long as I can remember. To put into words what the sailing center means to me is nearly impossible. Throughout my childhood it has been a rock; a reliable place that always welcomed me. The center has undoubtedly been one of the biggest influences in my life. Beyond learning how to sail and becoming comfortable on the water, the center has taught me values and lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Some examples of this are leadership, respect, teamwork, perseverance, and so many more. In addition to this, the center has helped form some of my most valued relationships, both with friends and mentors. Without question I’m a better person because of my time spent at the center.”
— Alex Donahue
“The sailing center has brought untold joy and positive growth for my daughter, Antonia Burns. She has spent most of her summers there since she was 7 or 8 years old, and it truly feels like a wonderful second home to her. In addition to becoming an excellent sailor, she has developed confidence, leadership, and teaching skills and formed close, lasting friendships.”
— Jessica Stewart
“When I first stepped onto the docks here as a young camper, I had no idea how much this place would shape me. What started as summer lessons became a community that pushed me to grow as a sailor, a leader, and a person. Over the years, I’ve taken on roles I never expected, from teaching new sailors their first tacks to helping guide our team through unexpected challenges on the water.
The sailing center has taught me how to stay calm under pressure, make quick decisions, and lead with patience and confidence. These lessons have shaped who I am and continue to influence me well beyond the water.
Your support ensures that more young sailors can have these same transformative experiences. Every donation helps provide the boats, instructors, and resources needed to keep this program strong so that another generation of sailors can step onto the dock, just as I did, and embark on a journey that will shape them for life.”
— Seth Dow
More reflections from sailors and families who have been part of our community over the years.
Your Donations Help Us:
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Keep sailing accessible
Donations help offset the true cost of boats, instructors, and equipment so we can keep lesson fees as affordable as possible, allowing more people to get on the water.
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Maintain our fleet and facilities
Donations support the year-round costs of maintaining our boats, docks, and facilities, which are crucial to ensuring safe and reliable programs season after season.
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Preserve our home on the harbor
Donations help support our Clark Point Road location in Southwest Harbor, ensuring continued access to docks and waterfront space that makes our programs possible.
MDI Community Sailing Center is a 501(c)3 organization. Your contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Buy a Boat
For information on boats for sale, or if you would like to donate a boat to MDI Community Sailing, contact Glenn Squires at (207)-244-7905 or at info@mdisailing.org.
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