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Why Your Donation Matters

As we prepare for another busy season by getting our boats and facilities ready, we need your support. Program fees only cover around half of our annual operating costs. Please consider making a tax deductible contribution. MDI Community Sailing Center was the first of its kind in the State of Maine in 1996. We are a true grass roots organization and rely on on donations to continue our important work.

2024 was a record year for MDI Community Sailing with enrollment of junior and adult sailors at an all-time high. 220 young sailors participated in our junior program where students learned not only how to sail and race, but leadership skills too: decision making , responsibility and teamwork. This coming summer is shaping up to be just as busy and we look forward to getting as many people under a sail as possible.

Community

“Community” has always been the cornerstone of our program and this past season we kept our pledge to ensure that all youngsters across Mount Desert Island had the opportunity to learn to sail.

Our commitment to developing young sailors also extends to the MDI High School Sailing Team. In spring, the MDI High team sails nearly every day after school and competes in regattas up and down the mid-Maine coast. In autumn, we offer after school sailing to both MDI middle and high school students. The MDI High School Sailing Team was the first in the State of Maine in 1988. The team has called the Sailing Center home since its inception.

We ended the 2023 season by hosting six regional teams in the final regatta of the Penobscot Bay Sailing Association. The MDI High School team is now looking forward to racing in 2024 on three additional new 420 Sailboats made possible by donations from our supporters.

“Community” is also a hallmark of our adult sailing program, too. We now offer programs four evenings a week. We also offer access to our sailboat fleet to experienced sailors and their families.

Your Generous Donations Help Us:

  • Keep our boat usage and instruction rates as low as possible

    Being accessible and inclusive allows a broader range of individuals to enjoy being on the water

  • Meet our budget each year

    This is crucial to maintain financial stability and fulfill our mission year after year. Maintaining our boats and facilities is important.

  • Keep our Clark Point Road headquarters in Southwest Harbor Maine

    Keeping our foothold on the harbor and access to docks is critical. Our leased location on the north shore of Southwest Harbor is vitally important

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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