SISC THRIVES ON MEMBER PARTICIPATION

NOTE:  IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR WAYS TO VOLUNTEER RIGHT NOW, CHECK THE UPDATED POST ON THE HOMEPAGE…

The Saltspring Island Sailing Club was built on and keeps going on volunteerism. Our tradition of self-reliance depends on the active support of member volunteers who give of their skills, knowledge and time, with members hopefully finding their volunteering niche within the organization. Members are rewarded for their efforts through well-run racing, cruising, junior, social and educational programs; with excellent waterfront and on-shore facilities and affordable moorage; and by life-long friendships developing out of their participation.

Have questions or need information? 

• Contact any of the below people for more information
• Click on the blue Committees button way down below to contact any of the Club Committee chairs listed
• Get in touch with our Volunteer Coordinator
• Check the permanent post on the website homepage which lists current volunteering opportunities

If you’re a new member, your Club sponsors can also help familiarize you with volunteering opportunities.  And if you feel that you have something to offer the Club community that is not reflected here, please do have a talk with our Volunteer Coordinator.

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES

Every aspect of Club management and maintenance is accomplished through volunteer labour.  Volunteer work is organized through the Club’s committees. Each member is expected to contribute a minimum of 20 volunteer hours every year.  (Many members do far more than that.)  There are many opportunities for Club members to volunteer according to their skills and abilities, whether they contribute physical labour, trade skills, clerical or administrative support, organizational skills, professional expertise, consulting services, assistance with hospitality and social events, summer Daily Wharfinger duties, or service on the Board. Everyone’s contribution is valued and very much appreciated.  We hope people will find their niche in the volunteer scene at the Club, and that people will volunteer because they have fun doing it and feel a sense of satisfaction in helping to make the Club a success.  We also suggest that members stay “subscribed” to all Club communications in order to remain in the loop about volunteering and other opportunities.

There is a brief summary below of what volunteering in the various areas looks like.  Watch for specific callouts when positions become available in these areas.  You can click on the blue Committees button below to find out what the various committees do and to contact the heads of those committees.

Administration:  there are all kinds of behind the scenes administrative/organizing jobs which you can do in your own time, often coordinatorships or some committee work lasting either all year or just for part of the year.  This area also includes sitting on the Board.  (overseen by various Board members)

Communications:  this involves keeping in touch with members through email blasts and the Crowsnest, storage of documents and records, and website management.  (overseen by the Communications Coordinator)

Cruising:  this involves being involved in planning the cruising year and/or leading a cruise. (overseen by the Fleet Captain Cruising)

Duty Wharfinger:  this is a summer only area from May to September where members spend a day welcoming reciprocal visitors to our Club and arranging moorage for them (and usually have time to mess around in their own boat that day as well!) (overseen by the Wharfinger)

Teaching, Coaching, Educational Seminars:  this is an area for people who would like to share their skills, knowledge and experience with other members, either by direct teaching/coaching or in a seminar/presentation/classroom format. (overseen by various Board members and the Seminar Organizer)

Foreshore and Docks:  this involves jobs taking care of the docks and marina. (overseen by the Rear Commodore)

House and Grounds:  this involves jobs taking care of the Clubhouse and our grounds.  (overseen by the Vice Commodore)

Junior Program:  this involves running our annual summer sailing school and helping to run the Junior race program, which offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. (overseen by the Fleet Captain Dinghy)

Membership:  this involves keeping track of our membership data and interviewing new applicants and guiding them through the application process. (overseen by the Secretary and the Membership Officer)

Moorage:  this involves helping the wharfinger with moorage duties on the docks. (overseen by the Wharfinger)

Racing:  this involves helping to plan and run Club races.  (overseen by the Fleet Captain Racing)

Round SS Race:  all hands are expected on deck to help with our annual invitational race on the long weekend in May. (overseen by the Race Chair).  Click here to go to the 2026 Round SS Volunteer sign up page.

Safety:  this team arranges for vessel and fire extinguisher checks, as well as organizes an annual Safety Day. (overseen by the Rear Commodore)

Social Events:  this team plans and puts on our regular (almost monthly) social events.  (overseen by the Staff Captain)

Technology:  this is the place for folks with technology skills, involved with clubhouse technology such as connectivity and security, as well as website management.  (overseen by the Communications Coordinator)

Volunteers and Nominating:  this team oversees volunteering and the filling of Board and other volunteer positions.  (overseen by the Past Commodore and the Volunteer Coordinator)

Work Parties:  all hands are expected on deck at the twice yearly (spring and fall) work parties to work on and clean up the clubhouse, grounds, and docks.  (overseen by the Vice Commodore, Rear Commodore, and Staff Captain)