Sail Salem

We had a meeting at O’Neills on last Wednesday night. The purpose of the meeting is to network informally with people that want to support or learn about Sail Salem. As a result of the meeting, we have a significant lead on a couple of shipping containers that can be used for storage. We also had someone volunteer to provide us with photographs of kids sailing to assist in marketing. Finally, one person who was there indicated that he was the kind of individual that would donate $5,000. While he didn’t say he would, we are hoping that he will.

The web site is updated. You may download the business plan for yourself or to share with someone else. You must go to the about us section in order to download the document. Soon, a one page summary will be available on the web site as well that you can give to a potential donor.

More good news, I spoke with Vanguard sales representative. We have raised enough money to purchase 10 Optis. For those that do not know, the Optimist Dinghy is designed for sailors weighing 50 to 120 lbs and has become the world standard for introductory junior trainers. Optimist sailors learn the essential steering and sail-trimming skills necessary to continue in the sport of sailing. Its flat, stable hull provides an unintimidating introduction to sailing; and, as young sailors progress, they can graduate to the Optimist racing circuit, if they so desire. With a simple rig and a light, durable hull, Vanguard Optimists have become the #1 choice of junior sailors. But we still need more help in raising money and equipment.

We are looking at purchasing a 13’ whaler as a chase boat. We are looking for leads for other small chase boats -13 to 15 foot range. If you have a lead, please let one of us know. Of course, we need to re-power boats with older engines out of reliability concerns. Hawthorne Cove Marina has agreed to sell us a new engines at their cost. It should be noted that Salem Mooring Service is assisting us with moorings. Harvey Rigging is willing to help us in our rigging needs.

In order for this community boating program to succeed, we need help from the community at large. We need money. It can come in the form of a donation, sponsorship or a membership. For those donating money, we can show our thanks by placing a name on a boat and/or a sail. For example, CSL donated $5,000, which is sufficient to purchase to Optis. We will name two of the boats after that company and place CSL’s logo on the boat. Please spread the word.

Finally, if you can donate any of the following items, please let us know: life jackets, housing for sailing instructors, VHF Radios, cell phones for the sailing instructors during the summer, air horns, construction trailer.

Membership

The best way you can support Sail Salem is to become a member.  Memberships for 2008 are now available.  You can register online with a credit card on paypal, or you can send a check to:

Sail Salem, Inc.
9 Witchcraft Road
Salem, Massachusetts 01970

Donate

If you would like to donate, you can make a donation online