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Let’s Go Sailing!
I
did not grow up in a sailing family or even along the water. I do not own a boat or belong to a yacht club. I am not rich, yet I have been an active sailor for 25 years. I am walking proof that you can get into sailing without wealth or family connections or club memberships. You can sail regularly and gain skills without great expense at any age. All you need is a desire to learn, the time to practice, and some tips on where to go. For 15 years at the SpinSheet office, we’ve fielded this question: “How do I get into sailing?” When you create a regional sailing publication, people assume you possess local knowledge about sailing. Of course we do. While we’re busy producing a monthly magazine, what we don’t always have is the time on the phone to explain to new sailors what their many options are. Four years ago, we decided to write down our collective knowledge and penned the first edition of Start Sailing Now. When you have a passion for a pastime, especially if you have participated in it for decades, you forget what it felt like to begin. As we launched the first edition of Start Sailing Now, the tricky part was mentally going back to square one to understand why potential sailors may be hesitant to start so that we could present useful suggestions. After a few years of giving live Start Sailing Now presentations at clubs and boat shows and asking would-be sailors questions, we better understand their concerns and tweak this new sailor
guide every year to better serve them. Among the many things we have learned from potential sailors is that experienced sailors can seem like a mysterious bunch. We have our own peculiar language and picky tastes in footwear and strange habits. We have drummed up stereotypes such as sailors being cheap or snobby or rum-soaked—and yes, some of them are based on truth! Start Sailing Now is our effort to demystify the sport of sailing from the lingo to the proper clothing to how to find free sailing opportunities and friendly clubs. This much we know to be true about most sailors: we prefer to sail with friends. We like to share our knowledge, our passion, and our salty stories with new and experienced sailing friends. Most sailors love nothing more than taking a “newbie” out on the water to show him or her a few things, lighting his or her torch to the flame. All you need to do is place yourself where there are welcoming sailors and follow a few simple tips. Although you can spend thousands of dollars learning to sail, all you need is a bare bones investment to get started. Really. Read on. Welcome to the totally addictive world of sailing!
Molly Winans Editor, SpinSheet spinsheet.com
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start Contents now A New Sailor Guide by
Lets Go Sailing................................................3
PUBLISHER
Mary Iliff Ewenson mary@spinsheet.com
EDITOR Molly Winans molly@spinsheet.com ART DIRECTOR Cory Deere cory@spinsheet.com
AD SALES Dana Scott dana@spinsheet.com Ken Hadley ken@spinsheet.com Brooke King brooke@spinsheet.com
What’s That Thingie? 22 Terms All Sailors Know...........................5 Some Thoughts on Sailing.........................8 Dress Like a Sailor (Not a Newbie)........ 10 Before You Sign Up, Ask the Right Questions........................... 13 Try Sailing… for Free................................. 16
Businesses or organizations wishing to distribute Start Sailing Now should contact the office.
612 Third Street, Suite 3C, Annapolis, Maryland 21403 (410) 216-9309 • Fax (410) 216-9330 © 2011 SpinSheet Publishing Company
The Secret Life of Sailors.......................... 18 Sailboat Type 101....................................... 20 Ten Sailing-Crazy Spots............................ 22 Cover photo by Dan Phelps
spinsheet.com • startsailingnow.com
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What’s That Thingie?
22 Terms All Sailors Know
U
nless you speak Old English, sailing terms probably sound confusing to you. You are not alone. Even longtime sailors use the not-so-official terms of “thingamabob” and “doo-hickey.” One of the most lovable aspects of sailing is that there is always something to learn. Don’t worry if it takes you time to digest the complex language of sailing; it is an ongoing process. Believe it or not, it’s fun. Learning these basic terms will help you understand what’s going on on any sailboat in the English-speaking world.
Below:
when you go into the cabin, it’s never “downstairs.” It’s always down below.
Boom:
the pole hanging horizontally above the cockpit that could boom into your head if you’re not careful.
Bow:
the front end of the boat, or as sailors refer to it with a grin, “the pointy end.”
Cleat:
classic ones are shaped like anvils, but there are more modern versions with pinching teeth for securing lines on deck and on the dock.
Cockpit:
the area with seats near the steering station or helm.
Come about:
to turn the bow of the boat through the wind. The skipper will say, “Ready about!” The crew responds, “Ready,” and they keep their heads down to avoid the boom. The skipper says, “Helms-alee” or “Hardalee” and turns.
Deck: anywhere you can walk around on the exterior of the boat. Gybing:
sometimes spelled jibing (never jiving). This is when the boat turns with the wind at your back. The skipper says, “Prepare to gybe!” The crew says, “Ready,” and stays low to avoid the fast-moving boom. The skipper says, “Gybe ho” and turns.
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Heel:
the boat heels or leans at an angle while sailing. It does not keel over as one might after too much rum.
Helm:
where the skipper steers with a wheel or a sticklike tiller.
Jib:
the smaller triangular sail attached at the bow.
Keel:
the heavy fixed fin on the bottom of the boat. (see heel)
Line:
a rope on a boat is always called a line or a sheet. (see sheets)
Mainsail:
the big sail attached to the mast.
Mast:
the vertical pole on deck or “the stick.”
PFD:
a personal flotation device or lifejacket. If someone asks you to wear one, don’t be offended. Lifejackets are not as goofy looking as they used to be.
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Port:
Sheets:
Spinnaker:
the left side of the boat facing forward. Port and left are both four-letter words. lines attached to the sails to control them. Crew members help with sheets.
Starboard:
the right side of the boat facing forward.
Stern:
the back end of the boat, opposite the pointy end.
Winch:
cylindrical metal hardware—beer- or paint-can sized—on either side of the cockpit where sheets are wrapped clockwise to crank sails in and out.
a parachute-like, triangular sail attached at the bow and used to propel a sailboat with the wind behind it. Sometimes called the kite or chute.
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Some Thoughts on Sailing
T
Is It Easy or Hard To Learn?
hose of us in the business of sailing— whether promoting it in magazines or teaching students how to sail—tend to tell prospective sailors that sailing is easy. Wisconsin sailor Nicholas Hayes, who interviewed thousands of sailors for his book Saving Sailing, disagrees. He claims that sailing is not easy, which is exactly why sailors like it.
He notes how new sailors never know exactly where their first sail may lead them—perhaps into ocean sailing, into a whole new social life, or as an escape from tough times or the daily grind. “You just don’t know until you’ve stepped over. It’s like realizing that reading music or learning a new language are new ways to think. It happens instantly in sailing. There’s this possibility you may see things in life you may not have seen otherwise.” Photo by Al Schreitmueller
“If you ask sailors why they stick with it for 20 years or longer, none of them do so because they’ve conquered it,” says Hayes. “There’s always something else they can learn that keeps them active in it. If you look at why sailors are passionate about sailing, it’s because it holds their interest. It’s the complexity that makes it valuable.”
Hayes is quick to note that even though it’s complex, sailing is within reach and accessible to newcomers. He says, “You can be sailing in a very satisfying way instantly. Immediately, it’s like you’ve stepped into a new universe, which is so foreign and so interesting.”
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The complex nature of the sport and its built-in social benefits constitute sailing being a life pastime rather than a hobby, according to Hayes. He doesn’t have anything against hobbies. “They fill the time and can be quite enjoyable, but you don’t identify with them,” he says. “A life pastime is a way to pack experience into time by learning something new, building memories with family and friends, or going to new places. It opens up horizons.” Hayes says he would be rather disappointed if he didn’t have any friendships that lasted for 20 years. “If I sail for 30 years, I can tell you I will definitely sail with many of the same friends from beginning to end. Sailing can be a bridge between old and young, men and women. It’s social in a hugely improved fashion, rather than social in the Facebook sense. No doubt about it, you will find your best friend in this activity.” To learn more, visit savingsailing.com.
Photo by Sara Proctor
Life Pastime, Lifelong Friends
“If you ask sailors why they stick with it for 20 years or longer, none of them do so because they’ve conquered it,”
Sailing
finally has a home p h oto © Da n i e l F o r s t e r
67- 69 Prince George Street Annapolis, MD 214 01 www.nshof.org4877. 295.3022
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Dress Like a Sailor (Not a Newbie)
Y
ou would be hard-pressed to find a sailor without other outdoor passions such as skiing, cycling, running, kayaking, waterskiing, rafting, camping, or hiking. The outdoorsy types who are attracted to the sport don’t mind the sun, rain, and wind (and more wind). Dressing for success in sailing has nothing to do with fashionable navy-blue striped sweaters— especially if they’re all cotton. The key to dressing well in sailing, as in other outdoor sports, is learning how to remain comfortable, dry, and mobile in the face of the elements. Before you go out and make any investment in new gear, check your closet and assess what you already have to cover you from head to toe. If you already ride your bike on mountain trails, run around the neighborhood, hike in the woods, or hit the slopes from time to time, you may already have the gear necessary to get started. We’re not suggesting you don’t invest in sailing-specific gear; we’re saying that the lack of it should not be a barrier to entry. You might have enough makeshift gear to start right now. Then once you’re hooked on sailing—as we know you will be—you will learn quickly what you need to complete your sailing gear kit.
Head Like runners, many sailors like to have a visor to protect their eyes and face from sun and rain. A safe bet is an oldfashioned baseball cap. A hat strap with a collar clip is helpful, as more “man overboard” drills are done for runaway hats than for men. Nothing says “newbie” quite like a bad sunburn. Sunblock is a must, even when it’s cloudy. Skiers, snowboarders, waterskiers, and paddlers know that snow and water reflection make the sun twice as powerful. Effective, non-greasy, high-protection sunblock is available at ordinary drug stores. Many sailors wear SPF clothing, which is available at outdoor stores and marine gear stores (also known as chandleries).
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Core As in any outdoor sport performed in temperatures between 50 and 100 degrees, high-tech layers are the answer. A T-shirt, long-sleeved shirt, fleece vest, fleece pull-over, and nylon shorts/pants such as used for hiking and camping would almost complete your sailing gear needs. The outer layer or foul weather gear for sailing isn’t unlike hiking outerwear, except that the retro cheapie poncho, which might be useful on a rainy hike, would be a nuisance in the wind. Make sure you find waterproof outer tops and bottoms that will not flap in the wind, and always assume it will rain. Rain usually brings wind, and wind is a good thing—a wet rear end is not. A cold
and soggy behind could ruin an otherwise terrific sailing day. You may already have a functional Gor-Tex shell, but do find yourself some waterproof bottoms as well. You can buy reasonable, effective foul weather gear for $250 (or more!) new. If you find a crew to sail with, it’s a guarantee they’ll each have some surplus gear to lend or donate. When it comes to lifejackets, your crew will have one onboard for you, but you might want to invest in a more stylish one; lightweight and attractive lifejackets really do exist! The vest styles can be great for keeping you warm and safe.
Fingers Sailing gloves are reasonably priced ($20) and an excellent investment for new sailors. Cycling gloves work, too.
Turn your dreams into reality at Norton's Sailing School What are you waiting for? We offer fully sanctioned sailing classes to both beginners and advanced students. Hands-on instruction ranges from basic sailing to coastal and bareboat cruising to navigation. Our instruction is comprehensive, but relaxed. After all, isn't sailing supposed to be fun?
P.O. Box 100, Deltaville, VA 23043 (804) 776-9211 www.nortonyachts.com s t a r t s a i l i n g n o w.c o m
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Necklaces, dangling earrings, and precious gems can make for difficult or dangerous sailing wear. Leave them in your jewelry box at home. Buy Croakies to keep your expensive sunglasses from going “in the drink.”
Slipping on a wet deck, stubbing your toe on metal hardware, and scuffing up the deck of someone else’s boat are the considerations when you choose sailing footwear. Flip-flops and dark-soled running or hiking shoes make lousy sailing shoes. Chuck Taylor high tops, white-soled tennis shoes, Keens, Tevas, and old-fashioned TopSiders or Sperrys make good nonscuffing sailing shoes. High-tech wicking socks are the best.
Photo by Sara Proctor
Toes
WORLD
CHESAPEAKE BOATING CLUB
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s t a r t s a i l i n g n o w.c o m
213 Eastern Avenue
Before You Sign Up, Ask the Right Questions
W
ithout guidance about how to find a sailing school, many prospective students may start with the least effective method: a Google search. Decisions might then be made based on cost, location, timing, and length of the courses. Let us share other important factors to consider and more targeted methods for sifting through the multiple options of sailing schools on the Bay.
Credentials, Please American Sailing Association (ASA) or U.S. Sailing schools offer internationally recognized certification programs, allowing you flexibility in sail training and chartering locations. Each organization promotes
“Outstanding Schools and Instructors,” right on their websites. Ask yourself how “far” you’d like to go in your sailing. Would you eventually like to buy or charter a boat on your own? If so, choose a school that offers the full gamut of sailing certifications. Don’t select the sailing equivalent of a junior college if you’re after a master’s degree.
Do the Boats Fit the Course? Does the school have boats appropriate for the level of certification you’re trying to achieve? Many schools start initial training on small, tiller-steered keelboats, allowing you to get a feel for basic sailing skills and building confidence. For more advanced courses, progressively larger and more
Learn
The top sailing school in the country, J/World teaches all course levels. You’ll love learning on J/80s- the boats are fast, fun, and easy-to-sail. Certified instructors make sure all students leave highly skilled, suntanned, and smiling! 410.280.2040, www.JWorldAnnapolis.com
Experience
An annual membership to Chesapeake Boating Club allows you unlimited sailing to really hone your skills. With our knowledgeable staff on hand to assist, you can use the perfect boat to suit your mood- daysailing, cruising, or racing.
410-280-8692, www.ChesapeakeBoatingClub.com
Annapolis, MD 21403
s t a r t s a i l i n g n o w.c o m
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complex boats should be used. Will the school offer rentals or charters for practicing your newly learned skills on your own? Many schools do; some even have sailing clubs for cost-effective practice while meeting new sailing friends.
Customized for You Many schools offer customized sailing courses, including courses for women, couples, or families. Tailored courses may also focus on specific skills like docking, racing, or even just being a good crewmember. Through most good schools, you may hire an instructor for private instruction on your own boat, if applicable.
Shoreside Resources Dockside resources; availability of meals and lodging; size, type, and condition of boats; and safety and maintenance of boats. These items may be addressed by a personal visit to the school for a tour of the facility and boats and perhaps a demonstration sail.
The Peeps Top schools post instructor biographies on their websites and gladly introduce you to the teaching staff when you tour the facility in person. Are the instructors ASA and/or U.S. Sailing certified instructors? Do they have U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s licenses? Are they friendly and good at listening as well as “experts?” Would you enjoy spending a weekend with these instructors?
Want to Meet Singles Who Have a Passion For Sailing?
Singles on Sailboats (SOS) is an organization of single adults who share a love of sailing. The club has over 700 members and 100 boats ranging in size from 27’ to 50’. For a nominal fee, twenty-five weekend cruises and day sails are offered during the sailing season.
For more information:
410.798.4098 www.singlesonsailboats.org 14
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Better Business Sailing schools are businesses, and if you hope to develop a relationship with one, be sure you’re comfortable with their style. Were your inquiries responded to promptly and courteously? Did the school provide the information you needed to make a good course selection? What sort of flexibility will you have for re-scheduling, in the event of emergencies or foul weather?
Do Your Homework Ask for former student references. Sailing is an exciting and inspiring sport, and newcomers tend to have strong feelings about how they learned. If a school hesitates to provide happy customers’
contact information, there may be a reason for it. If a school does not have references for you, we recommend not writing the check. by Captain Lisa Batchelor Frailey of Sail Solomons, edited by Molly Winans
Three Helpful Links with Lists of Sailing Schools: American Sailing Association: asa.com U.S. Sailing: ussailing.org Discover Sailing: discoversailing.com
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Try Sailing... for Free
D
uring sailing season, which runs from mid-April to Halloween on the Chesapeake Bay, there are sailboats on the water every day of the week. A great way to start sailing is to make your way to places where sailors hang out, whether real or virtual. From north of Baltimore to Norfolk, sailors compete in weeknight races, many of them visible from land for spectators. After work in Annapolis, it’s a tradition for spectators to line the seawall of the U.S. Naval Academy and the Eastport Bridge where as many as 130 boats of various sizes cross the finish line (right at sunset) for Annapolis Yacht Club’s Wednesday Night Races, every Wednesday Photo by Bob DeYoung
Mariner Sailing School Learn To Sail With Confidence Sailing Lessons Private Charters Bareboat Rentals Yacht Deliveries
Charleston Sailing School 843-364-4123 www.charlestonsailingschool.com 16
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Rentals Flying Scots Sunfish Kayaks Courses Learn to Sail Learn to Cruise Youth Basic Youth Advanced Private
Sailing is Fun
Alexandria, VA
www.saildc.com 703.768.0018
from May through September. If seeing more than 100 sailboats sail by at sunset doesn’t make you want to get out on the water, we’re not sure sailing is for you! It’s a beautiful sight, and yes, it’s even more spectacular when you’re participating.
all welcome to attend SpinSheet’s “real time” crew listing parties in Annapolis and Hampton in April each year to meet sailors of all levels. A free Start Sailing Now panel discussion and Q&A for beginners starts an hour before the party, and then it’s time to mingle.
In every sailing town, there is at least one sailing pub. If pubs suit your fancy, ask a local where “the” sailing pub is. You’ll find it. After sunset on racing night, that’s where you will find sailors who love to talk about sailing. If you’re brave enough to talk to strangers, you will find a few sailors who welcome newcomers as crew.
The SpinSheet Club Directory at spinsheet.com offers 210 listings, and we know there are even more clubs out there. There are clubs for cruising sailors, racing sailors, small boat sailors, beginners, single sailors, and others. Contacting a few clubs will lead to a few invitations to new member parties and crab feasts. Before you know it, you will be invited to sail and join the club.
Spinsheet.com hosts free online Crew Listings, where new sailors can register. Interested crew sign on by plugging in their experience (if any) and descriptions of the type of sailing they hope to do—casual daysailing, weekend cruising, or big and small boat racing. Hundreds of skippers and crew of all levels have found crew and boats to sail on through this effective, popular, free service. Registered new sailors are
Easy Ways to Try Sailing…
•
•
Many community sailing programs offer free sailing days to the public. Check out CRAB/ACB in Annapolis, DC Sail in Washington, DC, and Downtown Sailing Center in Baltimore. Most of the sailing schools in this guide offer open houses and demonstration sails. Give them a call!
Once you have an invitation to go sailing with a skipper, make sure to offer to bring lunch or snacks. Wear non-scuffing shoes (see page 12). Be a courteous guest. Listen more than you talk. Enjoy yourself. And remember, the skipper who invited you needs crew. One good sailing day leads to many more invitations.
•
•
Clubs such as Singles on Sailboats (singlesonsailboats.org) and the BaltimoreAnnapolis Sailing Club (mdsailing.com) offer monthly happy hours for meeting new sailing friends. Find 210 more clubs in the SpinSheet Club Directory at spinsheet.com. Even with no experience, newcomers may race in Annapolis Harbor on Wednesday nights from April through September on the Woodwind Schooners. schoonerwoodwind.com
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The Secret Life of Sailors
I
t’s hard to know the unspoken rules of any culture. To avoid any clashes, here are a few secrets to help you understand what your new skipper is thinking in various hypothetical sailing situations and how you should react: A skipper asks you to bring lunch. Do not be offended if this happens. It’s a perfectly normal request. Fuel is expensive, as is boat maintenance. Just as you would offer a dinner party host some cheese or wine, it is standard for crew to bring their own brown bag or share costs by pitching in for snacks or beverages. Remember, recyclable cans and plastic bottles are always better than glass on boats. A skipper asks you to wear a lifejacket. This doesn’t mean he or she questions your swimming abilities; it actually means he is carefully considering your safety. Trust your skipper’s hunches, and put it on. Lifejackets aren’t as silly looking as they used to be, and the vest styles can keep you warm on rough days. A skipper asks you to wear different shoes. Again, no offense. Dark-soled shoes have always been a no-no on boats. Certain shoes
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such as Keens have dark, but nonscuffing soles. (See page 12.) To see if your shoes scuff, you may want to test them first on your linoleum floor at home. A skipper asks you to be quiet. Have you ever tried to perform a tricky parallel parking or lanechanging maneuver with someone yapping in your ear? It’s equally distracting on a boat. When a skipper asks for quiet, respect the request. Leaving and returning to a dock and certain on-the-water maneuvers require concentration. A quiet crew, who are ready to listen and jump into action, keep the tension level down on a boat. Crew members with open ears, open eyes, and open minds who keep their mouths shut get many more sailing offers than chatty ones. A skipper asks you to go down below for awhile. Especially during a gybe (see page 5) or during rough weather, it is smart to have newcomers go down below rather than be on deck unsure of what to do. It is for your safety and that of the other crewmembers. Even if the skipper doesn’t have time to explain why, just listen, and trust his or her hunches.
A skipper yells repeatedly at his or her crew. Despite the tyrant-captain stereotype, this is not cool or acceptable behavior. Yelling is offensive and often the sign of a skipper who lacks confidence, skill, and manners. Reconsider his or her next sailing offer for your own safety and sanity. There are polite, level-headed sailors out there. You don’t need to waste time on rude ones.
CREW Need a Boat?
A skipper is offensive. Unfortunately, such people show up on land and in boats. We’ve told you a few times here to trust your skipper’s hunches. Make sure to trust your own, too. If you have found your skipper through SpinSheet’s online Crew Listings, and you find him or her to be offensive or dangerous, please report it to our offices at info@ spinsheet.com. We would rather work with competent, mannerly skippers.
Learn from the best instructors in the country US SAILING, the national governing body for sailing, accredits only the top sailing schools in the country. Our schools provide the most seasoned instructors, the best equipment, and proven techniques in a fun and safe
Need Crew?
LISTINGS spinsheet.com
environment.
Find a US Sailing accredited school near you: call 1-800-USSail-1 or visit www.sailingcertification.com
Accomplished sailors start here.
s t a r t s a i l i n g n o w.c o m
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Sailboat Type 101 A
DaysailEr
daysailer is a fun boat to sail alone or with just a few people. With boats that are easy to trailer or strap on the roof of your car, daysailing is a great place to learn the sport, build your skills, become competitive (if you wish), and meet other sailors. Laser: One sail and one (bigger) sailor. Popular worldwide, sailed in the Olympics. Flying Scot: 19-footer can be used as a family boat, a racer, and a fun daysailer. Hobie 16: Beach catamarans or “cats” are increasingly popular on the Bay and a lot of fun for athletic sailors who like to go fast and get wet. Bic or Starboard Sailboards: Not “boats” by the traditional sense of the word, but still a great entry point into sailing!
Photo by Sara Proctor
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D
Day Racer
ay racers, designed for competition, can be typically towed behind SUVs or trucks. Such boats may have small cabins, but they lack substantial overnight amenities. Although day racing can be a physical “ride,” it’s often drier sailing than on smaller daysailers. J/22: Typically sailed by three or four people. A popular Bay-racing keelboat. Colgate 26: Used for instruction at the U.S. Naval Academy and dozens of other venues. J/80: An open and sleek design and a popular racing and instructional boat.
R
Racer/Cruiser
acer/cruisers are versatile boats used for cruising, daysailing, or racing. These boats have overnight accommodations and typically appeal to a wide spectrum of Bay sailors. There are plenty of solid, affordable used boats on the market. See spinsheet.com Buy/ Sell ads. Catalina 27: A popular first-time-buyer boat, moderately sized and priced. Pearson 30: A versatile family cruiser and racer with a roomy interior. Tartan 34: Very popular for its sound construction, moderate price, and pretty look. Beneteau 36.7: Modern racer/cruiser, sleek and stylish, with plenty of room below.
More than 80 used boat reviews and hundreds of used boats for sale are posted at spinsheet.com. More boat listings are on yachtworld.com and boats.com.
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Ten Sailing-Crazy Spots 1
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2
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Havre de Grace, MD: This city at the Bay’s top has a unique and fun vibe with sometimes challenging sailing conditions in the stretch where the Susquehanna River empties into the Chesapeake. Middle River, MD: The creeks and coves are thick with sailboat-packed marinas. Close to the big city and I-95 and featuring a friendly spirit and a real dedication to the sport of sailing.
3
Baltimore, MD: The waterfront renaissance now comes with sailing options in and near the Inner Harbor. A fun destination for cruisers.
4
Rock Hall, MD: Popular with the Pennsylvania and Delaware crowds with easy access to the wide open Bay.
5
Annapolis, MD: America’s Sailing Capital is centrally located and has something for everyone, including big crowds in the summer. October’s U.S. Sailboat Show is a must-see.
6
St. Michaels, MD: A very popular weekend destination with an active and growing sailing scene. The town hosts fun events all year long.
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Alexandria, VA: The Washington Sailing Marina, on the Potomac River in the shadow of Reagan National Airport, offers competitive and recreational sailing options within sight of DC’s monuments. Solomons, MD: Home to a large contingent of sailors associated with the massive military presence along the Patuxent River and an increasing number of folks who have fled the heat of DC for the friendly sailing community. Home of the Calvert Marine Museum.
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Deltaville, VA: The Richmond crowd beelines here for weekend sailing, and it is increasingly a year-round home base for many sailors. Wonderful access to many beautiful stretches of the Bay and its tributaries.
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Hampton, VA: Sailing center of Tidewater Virginia. Southern hospitality meets Chesapeake Country. The Southern Bay Race Week tagline is “Y’all Come On-Let’s Race!” Other Active Sailing Hubs: Chestertown, Galesville, Oxford, Cambridge, and Deep Creek Lake, MD, and Irvington and Cape Charles, VA.
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