Holland America Line Donates to Boston Sailing Center, Inspires Local Youth with Behind-the-Scenes Maritime Experience

Holland America Line welcomed students from the Harry McDonough Sailing Center aboard Volendam while the ship was in Boston, on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, for a memorable day of exploration and inspiration. The visit included guided tours, conversations with crew members about maritime careers, lunch on board, and a $5,000 donation to support the Sailing Center’s mission of providing inner-city youth with a safe, fun and accessible environment that fosters positive life skills through sailing.

The day began with students boarding the ship and gathering in the Explorer’s Lounge, joined by Massachusetts Port Authority officials, including Port Director Lauren Gleason and Massport CEO Richard Davey, as well as state Senator Nick Collins and state Representative David Biele.

The ship’s cruise & travel director welcomed the group before the captain spoke about maritime careers and how the skills students are learning today could one day translate into navigating a cruise ship. Holland America Line also presented Massport with a commemorative Delft plate, symbolizing the cruise line’s longstanding partnership with its homeport of Boston.

Gleason and Davey thanked Holland America Line for its continued support and emphasized the importance of their ongoing collaboration. Senator Collins and Representative Biele also praised the contributions of both Massport and Holland America Line to the community and the future of Boston’s waterfront.

Holland America Line then presented the Harry McDonough Sailing Center with a $5,000 donation, which will help the organization continue its work teaching sailing to local youth free of charge. Founded in 1972, the center has been a vital part of the South Boston community for more than 50 years, offering sailing lessons, swimming, kayaking paddleboarding and a sense of community to kids ages eight to 18 during the summer.

Following the remarks, the kids and teens toured the ship, starting with the Bridge, where the captain explained how the crew navigate through diverse weather conditions and global landscapes. He also highlighted how the students’ current sailing skills could evolve into working on a ship.

Next, the group visited the Engine Control Room where the chief engineer described how his team powers the ship, from supporting navigation systems to bringing electricity to all the ship’s restaurants, kitchens and staterooms. Students also explored other areas of the ship, including World Stage, movie theater, library and game room, before enjoying lunch on the Lido Pool Deck. Following lunch, the students debarked the ship with a greater appreciation for how their involvement with the Harry McDonough Sailing Center could lead to a career at sea.