Captain Donald Lawson

Captain Donald Lawson is an accomplished leader and advocate for diversity in sailing, currently serving as President and Executive Director of Dark Seas Project since January 2022. As the Owner and Skipper of Donald Lawson Racing Inc since March 2009, Captain Lawson combines passion for the sport with a commitment to inclusivity. Active in promoting diversity, Captain Lawson holds the position of Chairperson of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at US Sailing and participates in the Diversity & Inclusion Committee to introduce sailing to underrepresented communities. Additionally, Captain Lawson serves as a Brand Ambassador for Mustang Survival and T-Mobile, sharing a personal narrative that resonates with a broader audience. Educational qualifications include a 100 Ton Captain License and certifications in sailing and celestial navigation from Annapolis School of Seamanship, along with a background in pre-engineering from Morgan State University. Captain Lawson's dedication to the sport and mission to inspire the next generation of sailors underscores a distinguished career in sailing and community engagement.