Holland America Line hosted students from the Harry McDonough Sailing Center aboard its ship Volendam during a port call in Boston on August 6, 2025. The event aimed to introduce local youth to maritime careers and included a $5,000 donation to support the sailing center’s programs.
The day began with students boarding Volendam and gathering in the Explorer’s Lounge. They were joined by Massachusetts Port Authority officials, including Port Director Lauren Gleason and 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 addressed them about maritime careers. He discussed how skills learned through sailing could be applied to working on a cruise ship. Holland America Line also presented Massport with a commemorative Delft plate to recognize their ongoing partnership with Boston’s homeport.
Gleason and Davey expressed appreciation for Holland America Line’s continued support and spoke about the value of collaboration between organizations. Senator Collins and Representative Biele acknowledged the contributions of both Massport and Holland America Line to the community and Boston’s waterfront development.
Holland America Line then presented a $5,000 donation to the Harry McDonough Sailing Center. The center has served South Boston since 1972, offering free sailing lessons, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and summer activities for children ages eight to eighteen.
After formal remarks, students toured several areas of Volendam. On the Bridge, the captain explained navigation techniques used in different weather conditions around the world and encouraged students to consider future maritime careers. In the Engine Control Room, the chief engineer described powering systems throughout the ship.
Students also visited other facilities onboard such as World Stage, movie theater, library, game room, and had lunch on the Lido Pool Deck before departing. Organizers said they hoped this experience would help participants see pathways from learning to sail locally toward professional opportunities at sea.
