Sail Newport, a community sailing center in Newport, RI, has launched a $10 million Campaign for Blue Space to expand public access sailing programs, broaden its marine education programming, and build a new Mid-Park Marine Education and Recreation Center on the waterfront at Fort Adams State Park.

Sail Newport already hosts over 1,000 youth sailors in the summer and tens of thousands of adult sailors each year, although the non-profit organization wants to do more for the community by tripling their educational endowment. The funding will allow Sail Newport to offer more public access programs and free programming to the community. With an opening planned for next summer, the new 8,500 square foot Mid-Park Marine Education and Recreation Center will provide more classrooms, offices, meeting spaces and restrooms open to the public year-round.

Sail Newport is more than halfway to their $10 million goal. With the new building as a platform, the organization anticipates attracting more world-class marine events, which have been proven to be economic engines for Rhode Island. “We are excited about being able to do more to serve our community,” said Sail Newport Executive Director Brad Read.

Visit sailnewport.org to learn more.