The Mission of Community Sailing New Orleans

The Mission of Community Sailing New Orleans is to transform lives by providing accessible educational and recreational opportunities on Lake Pontchartrain for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.  Patterned after highly sustainable models and best practices adopted from the over 400 successful community sailing programs in other cities, CSNO brings high-impact sailing programs to New Orleans.  CSNO has programming for everyone with a special focus on youth, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and anyone facing economic barriers to sailing.  CSNO's social impact programs are the cornerstone of the Mission and include youth development programs (after school and summer camp), Girls Rock the Boat for young women ages 14-18, STEM and environmental sciences for middle school and high school students, a 3-year Crew to Captain maritime career pathways program, and adaptive sailing for individuals and veterans with physical and/or cognitive disabilities.  .

Jacob came aboard as the first ED of CSNO in March of 2020 after more than a decade of experience in community sailing.  He began his career at College of Charleston Sailing where he worked his way to the Director of Education position.  He came to CSNO from a community sailing program called Sail Nauticus in Norfolk, Virginia, where he managed the learn to sail courses and membership.  He continues to serve as a coach and unified partner for Special Olympics and is an active instructor for Warrior Sailing which serves wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans across the nation.  His efforts and dedication to making sailing an inclusive activity led US Sailing to recognize Jacob with community sailing's highest honor, the Martin A. Luray Award.  Here is some of the media coverage from a recent Warrior Sailing event at CSNO: