2026 Fleet Revitalization Capital Campaign:

PHASE 1: Flying Scot Sails 

Phase 1 began in December 2025. We have partnered with North Sails and are preparing for an order of new Flying Scot mainsails and jibs. Our goal is to raise enough funds to place the order and receive shipment in time for the 2026 season.

North Sails has a high standard of quality and a track record of providing our fleets with top-of-the-line rigging. Given the significant amount of use that our fleet endures, it's important to invest in a product that we know will last for years to come. North Sails has been a generous supporter of DC Sail in the past, and they continue to show their support by offering us highly competitive rates for top-of-the-line quality. Given the vast number of hours our equipment is in service each season, it is key to invest in high quality materials to ensure that our sails last for multiple years and to get the most "bang for our buck".

PHASE 2: Flying Scot Hulls

In Phase 2, we will raise money for the express purpose of replacing Flying Scots. There are multiple options to explore for this phase, ranging from used boats to brand new. With all options considered, the current plan for this phase is to replace boats on a schedule of two per season, sourcing well-maintained used hulls as they become available. The cost of a new Scot would be similar to that of two to three good quality used boats. By sourcing well-maintained hulls, it allows replacement of the whole fleet on a shorter timeline, which is imperative given the age of the current fleet. We'll provide additional details and updates when Phase 2 launches, and in the meantime are focussing our energy on Phase 1 and the immediate need for new sails.

PHASE 3: Flying Junior Sails 

In Phase 3, the focus will be FJ Racing Sails. The last purchase of racing sails for the FJ fleet was in 2017, and we are long overdue for a fresh set. On weekends in the Spring and Fall seasons, our high school program hosts regattas for the Interscholastic Sailing Association, welcoming over 100 sailors from high schools across Maryland to our facilities during each event. Additionally, we have expanded our DC Sail adult racing offerings to include three seasonal regattas – including Cantina Cup – which draws in members and non-members alike to compete on the Anacostia and enjoy long days of friendly sailboat racing. As such, our sails are very "well loved". We are fortunate to have gained an additional few seasons of use out of the '17 set by reserving them exclusively for events, and in part due to Georgetown University's generous donation of practice sails along with their fleet of FJs in 2024. However, those sails are nearing retirement as well, necessitating this phase in the near future.