Who we are:

The Universal Sailing Club was formed in 2001 by black sailors on the Chesapeake Bay, primarily from the Baltimore, Annapolis and Washington, D.C., areas.

The idea was the brainchild of Marcus Asante, who conceived the club as a way for African Americans to learn and share the sailing arts in an environment conducive to our culture and outlook. Asante became the first commodore of the club. Together with fellow sailor Michael Campbell, they have continued to guide the club as it grows. They have helped keep it grounded in the history and heritage from which it began. It was the understanding of what came before that galvanized early members of the club as they developed an organizational expression for the growing interest by blacks in the sport of sailing.

From its origins, the club has grown to include member sailors from outside the Chesapeake Bay, and it welcomes the interest of all sailors in the mission and activities of the club.

Activities:

The club organizes on-the-water sailing activities, including regattas, raft-ups and cruising getaways. Its members have participated in sailing charter events as captains and crew along the Atlantic coast, in the Caribbean, the Pacific, Europe and elsewhere. They have carried the club burgee to far-flung locales, including the Seychelles Islands and the Mediterranean.

The club has collaborated with other black boating clubs, and it has offered support to major bay sailing events, including the Annapolis Maritime Festival and the Volvo Around-the-World Race.

Club members participated in the opening in Baltimore of the Frederick Douglass/Isaac Meyers Maritime Park, which is a living museum and a tribute to the Chesapeake black sailing tradition.

The club believes that education and water safety are vital to enjoyment on the water. Its members have participated in classes leading to certification in various boating skills, including the Coast Guard captain’s license.

The club is an affiliate member of the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing Association. News coverage on the club has appeared in various media including, among others, The Sun, Washington Post, Baltimore City Paper, Community Times, Spin Sheet, and the Black Outdoorsman, which is an online periodical.

Club members possess a variety of experiences, skill sets and professional qualifications. Members include certified sailing instructors, semi-professional crew, and the club has conducted a summer sailing day camp for young people. 



                                       Club Roster:

USC Boat Captains:                                      USC Crew:
                                                                        
Marcus Asante                                              Nadir Abdulhaqq  
"Soukous"                                                    Dete Aldrich
                                                                     Eric Aubrey   
Michael Campbell                                        Darin Brown  
"Healer"                                                       Gwen Geddie  
                                                                     Reginald Gresham                              
Arthur Fuller                                                 Joan Jackson   
"Black Jacks"                                               Howard Kea
                                                                     Claude Knowles  
Gary Dixon                                                   Donald Lawson   
"Papillion"                                                    Deatra Lopez 
                                                                     Ollie Matson
Bill Gaulman                                                 Sharon Robinson  
"Dara II"                                                        Stacey Reddick  
                                                                      Baxter Smith
Ron Harris                                                     Ave Talbott  
"Endless Summer"                                        Crystal Tucker                         
                                                                     Jayne Turner                               
Larry Lewis                                                   

Anne Morrison
"Tardis"

Brian Morrison
"Rekofa"

Majorie Pearsall
"Whoa Baby"

Lemart Presley
"Jameel"

Bill & Frankie Smith

Ernie & Richelle Talbert
"Amistad"

Antonio Thomas
"Salvation"



Like what you see? Why not join us?

You will be joining members with diverse interests and backgrounds. Your membership helps to continue our efforts to develop able and safe sailors, and helps to support the many activities sponsored by the club. Membership dues are $30 per year. You do not need to be a boat owner to join.

Membership Application

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Date:_________________________ Year ___________________

Name:______________________________________________________________

Address:____________________________________________________________

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Telephone - Home: ____________________Cell: __________________________

Email: ______________________________________________________________

 

VESSEL INFORMATION

Year: __________________ Make/Model:____________________________________

Rig: ________________________ Hull No: ______________

Name of Boat: _______________________________

Year Purchased:______________

Home Port: __________________________

Boat Location: ________________________________________________

Favorite Local Sailing Location: _________________________________________________

 

  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Sailing courses and certifications:

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Sailing/Cruising/Racing experience and/or plans:

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Interests and areas of expertise for the betterment of the club:

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How did you hear about the club?

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Please print and fill out this form. Send it with your $30 dues to the address below, with the check payable Universal Sailing Club.

Nadir Abdulhaqq

Universal Sailing Club

8787 Branch Ave., Suite 39

Clinton, MD 20735

To make USC membership payments online, go to www.paypal.com and send electronic payment to usc_org@yahoo.com. If you do not have an account, you will need to register with PayPal to process the payment.