Mission

Community Sailing New Orleans positively impacts lives by providing accessible educational, recreational, and career development opportunities on Lake Pontchartrain for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities with an emphasis on serving low and moderate income and minority communities in the area by providing access to a community asset that has been historically inaccessible to those large segments of the population.

Vision

Community Sailing New Orleans shall enhance the Greater New Orleans community by utilizing the sport of sailing as a platform to develop independence and self-confidence, improve communication, foster teamwork, as a platform for career development opportunities, and to acquire deep respect of the marine environment.

Values

  • Inclusiveness: We believe that everyone should have access to the waters of Lake Pontchartrain regardless of age, background, or ability.
  • Safety: We actively pursue safety as the highest priority in all activities and programs.
  • Stewardship: We build connections between students, the greater community, and a sustainable natural environment.

  • Experiential Learning: We engage students through inquiry-based learning and dynamic STEM & environmental education.

  • Career Development: We build career development opportunities through its programs.
  • Collaboration: We seek to complement existing resources available in the community and collaborate with local agencies and partners to increase impact.

History

Community Sailing New Orleans was formed in 2010 and received its 501(c)(3) status the following year. A small core group of individuals has worked to ensure a sound, feasible and sustainable plan for building and operating this community sailing center. It began with countless hours of planning, gathering information from other community sailing programs and developing a board of directors drawn from the community-at-large. Community sailing programs from around the country shared their knowledge, expertise, experience, and program and promotional material, along with a large dose of moral support. We began serving the New Orleans community in 2020, and our impact continues to grow. From 2020-2023, we served over 2,400 people.

If you’re interested in any of our programs, email [email protected] or call 504-233-3292.