How can you make a difference in the DC Sail community?
Become one of our valued Member Volunteers.

Please Note: DC Sail Volunteers participating in on-the-water programs are required to be paid Basic, Super, Admiral, or Lifetime Level Members.

• Volunteer Instructors

• Crew aboard American Spirit

• Events & Marketing

• Boat Maintenance

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.

Required qualifications for Volunteer Instructors:

• Relevant sailing experience

• Successful completion of the NASBLA approved District of Columbia Boating Safety Certification

• Ability to swim 75 yards while fully clothed

• Ability to exhibit appropriate interpersonal skills

• Participate in DC Sail training sessions

• 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!

• US Sailing Small Boat Sailing

• US Sailing Safe Powerboat Handling Certification

• Current CPR and First Aid Certifications

Volunteer Crew Aboard "American Spirit"

Update: 2017 Volunteer Crew Training - Potential training date to be scheduled in May.

DC Sail's schooner, the "American Spirit", conducts ticketed and private cruises on weekends and weekdays throughout the April - October sailing season.  As Volunteer Crew, 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 of the season OR observe at least two cruises as a paid passenger.

Volunteer Crew positions require solid sailing skills/knowledge and paid membership with DC Sail at the Basic, Instructor, Super, Lifetime, or Admiral levels.

Please contact the DC Sail Business office for more information about getting involved with the American Spirit Schooner. Phone: 202.547.1250.

Events and Marketing 

• Setting up booths to advertise at local festivals

• Guerrilla Marketing: print out DC Sail flyers and post them where you work, eat, play, live!

• Provide "Shore Support" with merchandise sales, raffle ticket sales, check in area, etc., during our Annual Fundraising Event: Cantina Cup Regatta -Date TBD. Volunteer registration will be posted in early summer.

Once you learn the ropes around DC Sail maintenance needs, you can come down to the dock to assist during our hosted maintenance sessions.  These organized maintenance sessions are scheduled throughout the year.  Please see calendar links below for any upcoming Boat Maintenance Sessions.