OUR MISSION...
Creating lifelong sailors by making the sport of sailing affordable, accessible, and inclusive to Upper Keys and Greater Homestead area youth.
Positively Impacting the Lives of our Youth
At MSYSP we serve the entire Upper Keys community by bringing together young sailors from across the socioeconomic spectrum. Roughly 40% of our sailors come from underserved homes and attend our programs on scholarships. For these children sailing provides a safe, meaningful and rewarding outlet where they make lasting friendships and discover the joys of wind and life on the water.
Patience, determination, problem solving and team work are just a few of the characteristics that make a sailor. Hard lessons learned on the water are put to good use at school and in home life. The sport nurtures their confidence and self-esteem, thereby laying a foundation for future success.
For those children that continue with the sport into their high school years, their racing experience can boost their chances of landing at any one of the 200-plus universities around the country with competitive sailing teams.
With about 40% of our sailors falling under the United Way's demographic category of Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed (ALICE) and serving nearly 300 youth throughout the year, MSYSP is committed to providing a welcoming and vibrant sailing community where all youth can set sail for a brighter future.
As Franklin D. Roosevelt so eloquently once said:
"To reach a port, we must set sail. Sail, not tie at anchor. Sail, not drift."
We Need Your Support This Summer!
While summertime elicits thoughts of family vacations and get aways, it can also burden already struggling families with costly child care options. That's why we're reaching out to friends and the local community for donations to support our MainSail Scholarship program and equipment needs.
Each summer, MSYSP awards about 25 full sailing camp scholarships to local Keys and Homestead/Florida City children whose families have been experiencing financial hardship.
This year, we're excited to partner up with Genesis Hopeful Haven and the Florida Keys Children's Shelter to give children in their foster care programs the opportunity to sail and take part in our summer activities. Based in South Dade, Genesis Hopeful Haven prepares youth to transition from foster care to purpose-driven adulthood. The Monroe County-based Florida Keys Children's Shelter provides solutions for abused, abandoned or neglected children.
Sailing Camp Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsor our sailing camp, long-sleeved performance shirts ($1,000)Sponsor a local sailor ($540/child)Support the purchase of a new 90hp engine for our 17-foot coach & safety boat (all amounts welcome)Support the purchase of 3 - 5 Pelican brand Hi-5 child kayaks ($300 each).
In return for your generous contribution, we'll feature your company logo on our website and clubhouse digital TV board, give you recognition on social media, have the opportunity to meet and greet parents on Family Days, and for donations greater than $2,500, we can place a 12" - 18" sticker of your company logo on our boats or mainsails. Opportunities for outdoor banner placement as well as branded company merchandise also exist.
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Rosa Lamela at 305-747-2600 or send an email to rosa@msysp.org.
