Our Place on the Waves: BIPOC Evening Sailing on Bellingham Bay
Our history is tied to the water.
Historically, Black people used canoes, worked as sailors (“blackjacks”), and navigated waterways, though they faced significant barriers in, and exclusion from, recreational water sports later on.
While many stories have been erased, the truth is that Black and brown people have deep roots as master sailors. In the early 19th century, one out of every five American seamen was Black. For many, the ocean wasn’t just a workplace, it was a path to freedom. Frederick Douglass famously escaped slavery disguised as a sailor, and the first six autobiographies written by Black people in English were penned by seamen. From Crispus Attucks to the nameless mariners who navigated by the stars, we’ve been outchea on the waves.
The Magic of the Blue Mind
There’s a reason poets, musicians, and dreamers are drawn to the sea. Sailing offers a unique mix of absolute freedom and profound silence. It’s a reset for the mind that pulls us away from the noise of modern life and tucks us into the rhythmic motion of the water.
We’re leaning into Blue Mind theory, which shows that being on the water triggers a meditative, calming effect on the brain. When you’re out there, the sight of the horizon and the sound of the hull cutting through the waves naturally lower stress and cortisol. It’s not just travel; it’s medicine.
What to Expect
We’ve partnered with the Community Boating Center Bellingham to get our community out on the water. You don’t need to be an expert to join us. You don’t need any experience at all! Whether we’re lucky enough to see seals playing in our bow wave or feeling salt spray on our skin, this is about connecting with the natural world and each other.
Quick Details:
- Date: June 20, 2026
- Time: 6-8pm
- Location: Bellingham Bay (Fairhaven)
- Cost: $30 per person
- Capacity: Small groups (4 people max)
- Ages: 10+ (Ages 10-16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian)
Know Before You Go
- Safety & Gear: We’ll provide your Personal Flotation Device (PFD). We’ll also email a list of clothing recommendations to keep you comfortable on the water once you’ve booked.
- Accessibility: Participants need to be able to get in and out of a dinghy and transfer between the dinghy and the sailboat. If you’ve got specific accessibility questions, the folks at info@boatingcenter.org are happy to help.
If you can’t participate, but still want to support us, you can always donate to The Bronze Chapter.