by Queenie McLean

In celebration of Black History Month, we shine a spotlight on Darren Foster, a remarkable resident of Prince William County, Virginia.

Originally from Detroit and a military veteran, Foster has made the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia) his home for the past 24 years. As a person of color with a deep passion for boating, Foster has created a diverse and inclusive boating community in the area.

Growing up surrounded by water, Foster developed a love for boating at an early age. He was fortunate to have Mr. King, a mentor, take him and others out on his boat, further fueling his passion. When Foster moved to the DMV area and visited Georgetown, DC, he rediscovered his love for the water and purchased his first boat with cash.

Despite having limited knowledge about operating a boat, Foster sought to learn and connect with like-minded individuals. However, he noticed a lack of diversity within existing boating clubs. In response, he started the DMV Boat Owners Club (DMVBOC) on Facebook. As membership grew, Foster was thrilled to see that many of the members shared his background and experiences.

Today, the DMVBOC boasts over 1200 members and continues to grow. Foster’s vision extends beyond the club itself; he aims to establish a boating camp to introduce more people to the joys of boating. Additionally, he offers Boater’s Safety Courses for those interested and is working on creating a First Mates class for individuals looking to assist the captain.

Foster’s dedication to fostering community spirit is evident through the various events he hosts at the Belmont Bay Marina, located at 570 Harbor Side St. Woodbridge, VA 22191. These events are open to all, regardless of boating experience. Foster’s goal is to bring the community together through the shared love of boating.

Darren Foster’s passion for boating and his commitment to inclusivity serve as an inspiration to us all. As we celebrate Black History Month, let us recognize and support individuals like Foster who are making a positive impact in their communities.

To learn more about Darren Foster and his community service initiatives, including the upcoming Boat Show from May 3rd to May 5th in Washington, DC, or if you are interested in sponsoring one of the many events with DMVBOC, please check out the DMVBOC Facebook page.

DMVBOC Upcoming Community Events:

• March 1-3 Road Trip Atlantic City Boat Show
• March 16 Pre-Season Brunch (TBD)
• April 6 DMVBOC Open House/Meet and Greet (Belmont Bay Marina)
• May 3-5 DC Boat Show Exhibitor (National Harbor)
• June 15 Music Event Belmont Bay
• June 29 Family Day (Smallwood State Park)
• July 6 Day Cruise to Colonial Beach