Community Sailing

Accreditation

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Community Sailing Center Accreditation Program

The mission of the Community Sailing Committee is to promote and support community sailing in the United States. We recognize diversity as essential to achieving our mission. For the Committee, diversity refers to the differences of culture, ethnicity, race, gender, age, beliefs, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, family status, physical ability, appearance, and ideas. We are committed to achieving greater diversity throughout the sport and fostering an environment that is more inclusive. To help us achieve our mission, we seek to identify organizations that provide the highest quality of education and support access to sailing for all. These are organizations that align with the standards set forth by US Sailing and offer safety, fun, and learning through their programming. Under the direction of the Committee, US Sailing provides accreditation and resources to support the growth of Community Sailing.

Accredited Community Sailing Centers are expected to promote this mission in their operations and efforts, and intentionally assisting the Community Sailing Committee in furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the sport of sailing. An Accredited Community Sailing Center differentiates itself from a sailing school in that it not only aims to provide high quality sailing education and safety standards, but also aims to increase the diversity of the population that has access to sailing education and the sport itself.

Programs of all types (year-round or seasonal, youth or adult, etc.) are eligible to apply for Community Sailing Center Accreditation, provided they meet the specific guidelines set forth by the Community Sailing Center Accreditation Program Guidelines. Sailing programs affiliated with yacht clubs, but are open to the public and have a 501(c)3 status are also welcome to apply.

Timelines

New Accredited Community Sailing Center Application Timeline
        • Application Open All Year Round!
        • Committee Review Process: November 1 – January 31
        • Status Update to Center: February 1
Accredited Community Sailing Center Annual Renewal Timeline
        • Organization & Accreditation Invoice Due: March 15
        • Guidelines Attestation Due: March 15
        • SafeSport Reporting Data Due: December 31

Benefits of Accreditation

      • Complimentary upgrade to Pro Membership ($560+ value), which includes:
            • $100 off one Registration to the Sailing Leadership Forum/National Sailing Programs Symposium
            • 2x Complimentary US Sailing Individual Memberships
            • MVP Program - $10 off Memberships for Individuals Affiliated with your Organization; $10 credit to the Organization for each membership purchased by an Affiliated Individual
      • All Organization Member Benefits (found here).
      • 50% annual discount on a Small Boat Level 2, Small Boat Level 3 Coach or Head Instructor, or Reach Educator Course.
      • Listed on Where to Sail and Accredited Community Sailing Programs maps on US Sailing Website.
      • National recognition as a top center in the country in safety and teaching standards, quality of staff and instruction, professionalism, and public access.
      • Participation in extensive network of mentors in the sport.
      • Use of the distinction to attract donors, win grants, and increase participation in their programs.
      • Inclusion in network of Accredited Centers, which invites you to participate in the governing process that molds, shapes, and improves the quality and reach of US Sailing programs by being involved in the Community Sailing Committee.
      • Centers receive a Community Sailing Center burgee (or like promotional item), as well as the use of the formal logo and promotional materials packet.
      • Direct access to US Sailing Staff for support.

Community Sailing Center Accreditation Program Guidelines - to learn more about the requirements to become an Accredited Community Sailing Center click the button below.

Community Sailing Center Accreditation Program Guidelines

 

Apply Online Today -  to apply click the button below.

Community Sailing Center Accreditation Application

The Community Sailing Center Accreditation Application will be open all year round.

The Community Sailing Committee and US Sailing Staff will review applications and process accreditation ONCE a year, with an application cut off November 1st.

To be considered for the coming year, please apply by November 1st!

 

Not sure if you're ready for Accreditation?

Fill out this short form to request US Sailing Accreditation Information for all four US Sailing Accreditations offerings - Community Sailing Center, Adaptive Sailing Center, Powerboat School, and Keelboat School.

Please email communitysailing@ussailing.org with any questions and if you need with the application process.