The Dorchester Skipjack Committee owns the skipjack Nathan of Dorchester, a U.S. Coast Guard certified passenger carrying vessel located in Cambridge, Maryland. This is a dynamic, all volunteer organization which has maintained and sailed the Nathan for over 29 years. The Nathan shares maritime history of the Chesapeake Bay along with oyster ecology with over 1,200 passengers a year. Visitors of all ages, from all over the world, spend up to two hours sailing on the beautiful Choptank River on the youngest of the skipjack in the fleet.
Volunteers interested in becoming sail crew receive extensive training with experienced red shirt crew on the Nathan. Much of it is one-on-one training. No prior sailing experience is necessary. Crew also receives CPR/BLS and boaters safety certifications. The process can be fun as new skills develop and lifetime friendships.
Maybe being a sail crew is not for you but individuals can learn to be docents and share the history of our maritime community. Others may help with reservations and greet visitors before their trip. Many others help with behind the scene activities in maintenance, marketing, fundraising, and technology management.
The secret to a great organization is GREAT volunteers! If you are looking for a way to become involved in a great organization, become part of the Dorchester Skipjack Committee. It is a diverse, friendly group of people and it might just be for YOU!!!
Plan to attend one of our upcoming virtual or in-person volunteer sessions. Virtual via Zoom on Thursday, February 23 at 6:00pm. In person sessions are on Saturday, March 18 at 9:00 am at the Dorchester County Historical Society or Wednesday, March 22 at 6:00pm at the Easton Firehouse. Please register by email [email protected] or call 410-228-7141.
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