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F i n d y o u r J / B o a t t o d a y
w i t h a n e x p e r i e n c e d
t e a m w h o t r u l y l i v e
‘ T h e L i f e s t y l e ’
T H E U L T I M A T E S A I L B O A T
F O R A N N A P O L I S
F o r t h e s a i l o r s o f
A n n a p o l i s – t h e
‘ s a i l i n g c a p i t a l o f t h e
w o r l d ’ , t h e r e ’ s n o
b e t t e r c h o i c e .
I N T R O D U C I N G :
The all-new J/7
The all-new J/36
The all-new J/40
4 1 0 - 2 8 0 - 2 0 3 8
N o r t h P o i n t Y a c h t S a l e s . c o m
43
The Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show 2025
Come to City Dock Annapolis April 25-27 for the boats and sailing vibe but especially for the cool events within the show gates.
46
Cruising the Rappahannock “Mini Loop”
Virginia’s Rappahannock River can offer you a “mini loop” cruise for any size vessel and any amount of time you can spend.
By Karen Soule presented by Osprey Marine
49
Adult Sailing School Section
Improving your sailing skills at all levels and exciting news from regional schools.
By Staff
55
Sailboat Review: Hanse 410
A roomy, comfortable cruising platform with a modern appearance that sails well.
By Jahn Tihansky
59
Offshore Series Part 1: Experiential Learning in the Ocean
Delivering a Swan 48 from Bermuda to Huntington, NY, with Captain Tania Aebi. Yes, the solo circumnavigator who wrote the book!
By Captain Cheryl Duvall presented by Us spars
77
Spring Forward Into Racing!
How To Be a Great Crew Member, Events for Racers at the Spring Sailboat Show, Bacardi Cup Invitational, Charleston Race Week, Nassau Cup, and more.
presented by MOUnt Gay rUM
Will Keyworth took this month’s cover shot on the first Annapolis Yacht Club Wednesday Night Race in April 2024 of Bruce Irvin’s Corby 40 Time Machine team. See our calendar for the racing schedule on page 28.
# Photo by Wayne E. Chinnock/ Courtesy Tides Inn
# Photo by Tom Sliter/ DC Sail
# Photo by Cheryl Duvall
There's a New Kind of Boat in Town!
Some of the best racers in the country are sailing model yachts. Racing these “toy” boats has a lot to offer, not least of which is a big boat-load of FUN! No towing, no calling around for crew, no capsizing, and almost no wasted set-up time.
Ever wanted to skipper a 12 Meter? Several model yacht classes are scaled versions of the 12M. There are over 30 model yacht classes sanctioned by the American Model Yachting Association (AMYA). Looking for a boat to build from scratch, or for one that comes ready to race out of the box, or for one that looks just like the Laser you loved to sail, there is something that fits your needs.
Tune up your strategies and tactics off-season, with 10 races with starts, roundings, gates, finishes, shifts… all in one morning at your local club.
Let us get you connected to your local club, or help you start one. Visit theamya.org/AdSpinSheet.asp or scan the QR Code.
American Model Yachting Association
National Governing Body for Model Yachting
612 Third Street, Suite 3C, Annapolis, MD 21403 (410) 216-9309 spinsheet.com
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Mary Iliff Ewenson, mary@spinsheet.com
A SSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Chris Charbonneau, chris@spinsheet.com
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Molly Winans, molly@spinsheet.com
SENIOR EDITORS
Beth Crabtree, beth@spinsheet.com
Kaylie Jasinski, kaylie@spinsheet.com
COPY EDITOR
Lucy Iliff, lucy@spinsheet.com
FOUNDING EDITOR
Dave Gendell
ADVERTISING SALES
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Brooke King, brooke@spinsheet.com
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Beatrice M. Mackenzie, beatrice@spinsheet.com
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kim Couranz, Chelsea Co, Captain Cheryl Duvall, Tom Guay
John Herlig, Eva Hill, Pamela Tenner Kellett, Craig Ligibel, Gwen Mayes, Lin McCarthy, Steven Toole, Cindy Wallach, Ed Weglein (Historian )
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Walter Cooper, Ben Cushwa, Mark Hergan, Will Keyworth, Ted Morgan, Al Schreitmueller, Cindy Wallach
DISTRIBUTION
Martin and Betty Casey, Gregory and Dorothy Greenwell, Dave Harlock, Ron and Colleen Ogden
SpinSheet is a monthly magazine for and about Chesapeake Bay sailors. Reproduction of any part of this publication is strictly prohibited without prior consent of the officers of SpinSheet Publishing Company. SpinSheet Publishing Company accepts no responsibility for discrepancies in advertisements.
SpinSheet is available by first class subscription for $45 per year, and back issues are available for $4 each. Mail payment to SpinSheet Subscriptions, 612 Third Street, Suite 3C Annapolis, MD, 21403.
SpinSheet is distributed free of charge at more than 800 establishments along the shores Chesapeake Bay. Businesses or organizations wishing to distribute SpinSheet should contact the SpinSheet office at (410) 216-9309 or beatrice@spinsheet.com.
Member Of:
If you’re wondering how to spend more time in the land of lobsters and quahogs (and who doesn’t?) you might want to consider entering some of the following events:
June 13-15
New York Yacht Club’s 171st Annual Regatta
June 22-27
Storm Trysail Club’s Block Island Race Week
July 6
Marblehead To Halifax Ocean Race Start august 8-10
Safe Harbor Race Weekend in Narragansett Bay
“What to expect” Seminars
Presented by
Join us as marine industry and offshore racing experts bring you the latest information on gear, boat prep, safety, and best practices!
april tBD
• Safety Equipment for Vessel & Crew
• Medical Aid at Sea & Offshore First Aid Kit
May tBD
• Navigation & Routing
June 4
• A2N Weather Briefing with Seatactics
SpringTime at SpinSheet
By Molly Winans
One daffodil. An osprey’s evening cry. Cherry blossoms against a blue sky. These signs of spring creep up on us. Suddenly, it hops from 55 to 75 degrees. We’re sneezing, and the boatyards buzz with hull sanders, boat launching, and excitement. Welcome to April on the Bay.
As usual, because we just wrapped up our April issue, I think it’s April, yet it’s mid-March as I write. I always think the weather should be a month ahead of real time. My colleague Eric must feel the same way, as he just walked past me wearing shorts and sandals even though an hour ago my car thermometer gauged 51 degrees. I just checked the water temperature, and it’s only 46 degrees— brrr! If you are one of those sailors who equates April with flip flops and shorts, awesome, but please be safe on the water and wear your lifejacket.
In the springtime in SpinSheet department, I want to point out several highlights of our 30th April issue:
Tom Guay, a regular SpinSheet contributor, recently published his novel
“Chesapeake Bound” (see page 18). You may call him a “Renaissance man.” You may call him a fiddler, writer, or conservationist; you may also call him a novelist. Funny story—his editor asked me to write a back cover quote for the book, which I read and was happy to promote. She edited my blurb. The nerve! Kidding. No, really, she’s a pro who improved my blurb. For inquiring minds, the line she cut was: “He had me at bar brawl.”
Deltaville sailor Karen Soule penned this month’s See the Bay column, “Cruising the Rappahannock ‘Mini Loop.’” In addition to loving the name of her boat, the Outbound 46 Soulemate, I’ve always enjoyed Karen’s writing and am thrilled to have her contribute features two months in a row. I hope she will write more for SpinSheet in the future.
Back when he was the head coach of the US Naval Academy’s Varsity Offshore Sailing Team, I looked forward to Jahn Tihansky’s regatta reports, as so few racers have the inclination to recap a racing event, and well. Now
that Jahn has entered into his next career phase as a freelance sailing coach, marine consultant, and instructor, I was excited that he made time in his schedule to write a couple of boat reviews for us, as he knows sailboats. Find his first review on the Hanse 410 on page 55.
Dedicated SpinSheet readers may be familiar with the name Jeff Halpern. He’s contributed many SpinSheet articles over the years, mostly about shorthanded sailing, boat setup, and racing events. This month he shares a hilarious take on “boaga,” aka boat yoga, which most sailboat owners do without even knowing it (page 57).
Sailboat racers who aim to attract more and better racing invitations should check out the solid tips on page 79 in “How To Be a Great Crew Member.” Perhaps we should have a daysailing or cruising crew tip list, too? Anyone? Send your ideas to editor@spinsheet.com.
See you at the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show (details on page 43) and the SpinSheet Crew Party April 27 at Eastport Yacht Club from 4-6 p.m. All are welcome!
Why I Love SpinSheet
You, Molly Winans, take line honors here. You are a selfless leader; that is apparent by your humility, humor, and most telling—the people you have around you.
Whether you are spinning a phrase to encourage your sailing audience to get afloat, or diplomatically declaring which town is the sailing capital of the world, you never disappoint. Your most recent entry about folks with homes on the water not seeming as crazy as we “Bay-hemians” once again unpacks thoughts we’ve all had.
Good golly, Miss Molly. You make this free magazine happen every month! Yes, we know you have a fabulous crew. Yeah of course you do—we all attract people with similar values when we exemplify them in our work. So, we are grateful for your leadership.
Unlike many who covet SpinSheet to see race results or to see if they made a cover or race photo, I savor the editor’s page where I get to catch up with my pal Molly. Your Chesapeake Classic (March issue, page 102) about the artistry of Joe Krolak made me think either of those renderings you shared would be awesome T-shirt backs with a SpinSheet logo on the front pocket. I’d buy one in a minute. “Sailing karate?!” That’s hilarious! Thank you, Molly. Month after blessed month you and your team keep our sailing community wired.
Anthony Tomassetti
No one knows how to make an editor’s morning like you do, Anthony! Thank you for being one of our most faithful fans. ~M.W.
Old Sailing Friends Reunite
In 1977 Tom Price and I taught sailing in the Inner Harbor for a program initiated by Mayor William Donald Schaefer and run by Ed Kane. We gave classroom instruction followed by a week on the water for each class.
David Ellerbee was 12 years old, eager to learn, and took to sailing quickly. In 1990 he joined the crew of the Pride of Baltimore for almost a year, crossing the Atlantic.
Now, some 48 years later, we reunited over lunch in Bowleys Quarters. Sharing many sailing stories and catching up about our families made for a heartwarming day on a cold day in January. We vowed to meet again when the weather is warmer when we can sit outside by the water.
This was David’s comment on our Facebook post: “Thank you, dear friend. You and Tom were instrumental in my development as an adult, and as a sailor. I’ve been blessed. Love you both.”
Mary Lees Gunther
SpinSheet reached out to David, who said, “I was one of the very few African American youths in the harbor involved with sailing. I was teased in my neighborhood. I would come home after school and after hanging out around boats at the harbor, wearing docksiders and foul weather gear. My neighbors thought, ‘what is this kid wearing!?’ They called me harbor boy. It was something that I enjoyed. I just kept doing what I liked to do.
“My first interest in sailing was watching old Eroll Flynn movies and sea stories—the swashbucklers were exciting! I dreamed of that. This was before I was involved with harbor boating. I would just sit there and watch boats going in and out… I was the first official student in the harbor program. I was there for the next couple of years and started teaching at one point…
“Years later, I had a 32-foot sailboat… I now live on a motoryacht in Essex. I do miss sailing! That’s where my passion is. It was great to have lunch with my old friends, and I hope to see them more often.”
Send your questions, comments and stories to editor@spinsheet.com
Annapolis Sailor Pens Novel “Chesapeake Bound”
You may know him as one of the Eastport Oyster Boys, a SpinSheet contributor, colonial tour guide, or community volunteer on the Severn River. Tom Guay now adds “novelist” to that list as his new book “Chesapeake Bound” (McBooks Press) recently hit the bookstores. Below he shares insights on his work:
What inspired your novel?
Tom: The story is about immigrants, my hero in particular, searching for a sense of belonging in the New World after feeling abandoned in the Old. Add in my love of sailing, wooden ships, and music; the 18th century was a good fit. You have to take a sailing voyage to get from there to here, so adventure is always in the wind.
Plus, I was hosting tours of the Charles Carroll House in Annapolis, which was home to Charles Carroll of Carrolton, one of four of Maryland’s signers of the Declaration of Independence. That led to a deep dive into his family’s history in Ireland and England’s horrid treatment of the Irish Catholics.
All this led to the idea of writing about the indentured servant experience, which is how many or even most of our ancestors arrived on these shores.
What kind of research did you do?
I visited libraries, state archives, and historical societies, constantly taking notes to get a sense of what life was like in 1763-1770. Of course, I’m always reading novels, biographies, nonfiction, diaries, travel narratives, and I study paintings, maps, charts, and drawings from the era to get a realistic view into the18th century world.
So, there’s a fiddle player in the story. Any resemblance to a certain Eastport Oyster Boy we know?
I drew on my experience as a ‘musicioner’ and fiddler with the O’Boys. I gave my hero, Michael, abilities way beyond my own to have a bit of fun. Performing as a musicioner has given me access to social and political events that I would not ordinarily have attended. So, I pondered how my hero could weave his way into the homes of colonial aristocrats like Carroll, William Paca, or George Washington to share political, business, and social intel and create opportunities for adventure.
Tell us about your writing process. It took forever... getting started was and still is the hardest part. I have to thank my wife, Karen, for dropping me off at St. John’s College where I’d write in the McDowell Hall coffee shop. Later, I shared office space at the Annapolis Green HQ on Maryland Avenue. My writing days were usually for four- or five-hour sessions. That’s a good day’s writing. Somedays, I’d only get a few hundred words down, other days a few thousand words or even a couple
of chapters. I had an overall story arc planned out, but once you get to work writing, the Muses would start whispering ideas in my ear. I follow their clues and find ways to make them fit into the story. At times, I’d have to put the writing aside, put on my research hat to study up on ideas, and return to writing.
How do SpinSheet readers find your book?
Visit a local bookstore: Old Fox Books in Annapolis, Park Books in Severna Park, The Bookplate in Chestertown, BrowseAboutBooks in Rehoboth, and Bethany Beach Books in Bethany Beach. It’s also available from Barnes & Nobel stores. As I’m a debut novelist, it’s best to call ahead so that stores can stock the book. It’s also available online. Find book signings, author talks, and more at thomasguay.com.
# Tom Guay. Photo by Karen Guay.
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Team SpinSheet Gear Test!
Our intrepid sales rep, Eric Richardson, recently had the opportunity to try some cool new gear from Mustang Survival: the redesigned Meris waterproof jacket and matching salopette, and the inflatable Atlas 190 DLX and Elite 190 lifejackets.
We put the foul weather gear to the test on a cold and gusty February day while racing aboard Richardson’s Schock 35 in the Annapolis Yacht Club’s Sunday Frostbite series. Although the temperature was in the mid 40s, it felt colder due to cloud cover and winds from the north-northwest blowing 15-plus knots and gusting to 30-plus.
The jacket and salopettes, designed for offshore and coastal sailing, promised superior protection against wind and driving water, without compromising comfort, mobility, or durability. While we did not experience any rain that day, Richardson reported that the gear was indeed quite comfortable and did not restrict mobility. Moreover, he was pleasantly surprised by how lightweight, warm, and windproof it was compared to his own older and well-worn foulies. Before racing got underway, he noted the fleece-lined hand pockets of the jacket and additional pockets in both pieces for storing small tools. He also pointed out
that the interior wrist cuffs kept cold air from travelling up the sleeves.
While underway, Richardson wore the ergonomically designed Atlas 190 inflatable lifejacket. As promised by the manufacturer, its contoured shape sat off his neck and the adjustable sides made for a secure and comfortable fit.
A few weeks later Richardson and I took the lifejackets to an indoor pool to see firsthand what would happen when they were submersed in water. We were curious about the bladder lobes designed for face-up positioning, baffle barriers to dissipate waves, integrated pillow for head stability, built-in spray hood, and water activated light (Atlas 190 only), but mostly we wanted to see the hydrostatic inflation technology (which requires water pressure, not simply moisture, for activation) in action.
Richardson jumped into the pool, first with the Atlas model, next with the Elite. Both times inflation action caused the bladders to fill with such force that it was startling, and with the Elite 190, there was a loud “pop” noise. The light on the Atlas began flashing immediately, and with a little coaching from me on the pool deck, he was able to quickly find the spray hood and pull it over his head. On both vests, he easily found
the whistle and gave it a blow. We were impressed by the large bladders’ buoyancy that kept his head well above the waterline and is designed to keep one’s face out of the water. However, it should be noted that our pool was only four and-a-half feet deep, so he had to pull his legs up to get the full effect.
Overall, we were quite impressed with all the products, and it was awesome to try out firsthand such terrific pieces of gear. The Meris jacket retails for $699.99 and the salopettes for $649.99. The Atlas 190 sells for $369.99, and the Elite 190 runs $299.99. Learn more at mustangsurvival.com. ~B.C.
# We tested the gear in February. It proved to be comfortable, lightweight, warm, and windproof.
# The PFD’s contoured shape sits off the neck.
# Eric reaches for the integrated spray hood from behind his head while wearing the inflated Atlas 190. Note the whistle and water-activated light.
Two Athletes, One Cheap Hobie, and a 300-Mile Adventure Race
When two racing sailors and endurance athletes, Dailey Tipton and Bill Vickers, met at Eastport Yacht Club in the fall of 2024 to discuss possibly doing the Everglades Challenge as a team the next spring, their boat budget forecasts were off by $10K. They ultimately chose the $2300 Hobie Tiger over a $12K F-18 catamaran.
The WaterTribe Everglades Challenge is an unsupported (no safety boats, no support team), expedition-style adventure race for kayaks, canoes, and small boats from Tampa Bay to Key Largo. The distance is roughly 300 nautical miles depending on racers’ course selection with an eight-day time limit.
Tipton says that on race day, “We took the boat to the starting beach and rigged it up with the other 100-plus boats in the event. There were two Nacra 20 Carbon race cats, F-18s, Tornados, many fast boats on the beach, and all the small sail, peddle, paddle vessels that would take up to the full week to get to Key Largo. The ‘walkers by’ on the beach all wanted to chat about the ‘Old Hobie Tiger,’ and it became a game when people asked us questions. Standard answers: “No, never done it.” “Facebook Marketplace.” “(Sailed) about three, maybe four times.” We were completely counted out.”
In the first leg, the TigerFish team sailed hot angles to keep their speed up with their small kite and followed the top boats the best they could. While following the Spawn team (Jahn Tihansky and Jeff Linton) toward the first checkpoint 60 miles down the coast, they ran aground. Then, again as they followed the shoreline.
After getting encouragement at the checkpoint, the team realized that they were “in the hunt.”
Tipton writes, “The breeze picked up to 15-plus knots, and we were flying
downwind. Around 10 p.m. we decided to try to take some breaks after going all day. Bill pulled out the shelter from our required gear and wrapped it around himself to try to stay warm and maybe nap. The waves were getting bigger and about every two minutes, a wave would hit the bottom of the trampoline and explode up like a geyser. Bill was trying to find comfort and he stayed there for an hour or so—it looked miserable.”
After making the “no kite at night” rule, Tipton passed out for an hour, staying clear of the geyser. After being 20 miles offshore, after skillfully picking their way through the mangroves (thanks to Bill’s planning on GPS), at the next checkpoint, after trudging through the mud to check in, the TigerFish team realized that they were in third place.
Tipton says, “I think the race officials were as surprised as we were. We got a Coke at the little store and ran back to the mud.”
After tacking in a tight channel against an onsetting tide, and a 70-mile sail to the third checkpoint (they’d quit counting the groundings by then), encouragement from competitors encountered at the checkpoint, hot coffee, and avoiding gators, the team carried on.
The last leg of the challenge was particularly difficult, with shallows, navigational tool breakdowns, the “Twisty Mile,” and senses on overload… at 1:12 a.m. the TigerFish team landed on the beach and was greeted by family members. Their team placed first in their division and broke a division course record.
Tipton says, “During leg #3 we discussed the race and said, ‘do not think we will do this again.’ We were exhausted, wet, and cold. But like all endurance racers, we have not stopped talking about modifications to the Tiger and gear for next year, ever since we got off the water. We could be a lot faster!”
Bill Vickers (60 years old) and Dailey Tipton (61) both race in the Annapolis Viper 640 fleet. Both are accomplished endurance athletes with racing/sailing resumes that date back to the 1970s. Find the long version of this story at spinsheet.com
# Dailey and Bill before the race.
Spring Festival Roundup
In Annapolis the daffodils are blooming, and sailors are commissioning their boats for the season. It’s time to go outside. Even if you will not be on the water for a few more weeks, we have suggestions for waterfront events to enjoy this month and next.
Maryland Osprey and Nature Festival
If you love birds, wildlife, and nature, this festival is for you and your family. See a live raptor up close, visit vendors on the boardwalk, meet Oscar the Osprey, move through the child-focused nature activity stations, and take part in the lecture series. Proceeds from the festival go to nonprofit organizations interested in protecting and conserving ospreys, bald eagles, other wildlife, and natural areas. Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Town of North Beach, MD. $10 per person/$20 per family. Learn more at marylandosptreyfestival.org.
# Shop for coastal and sea-glass related goods at the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival April 12-13. Photo courtesy of CBMM
Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival
Festival fun for the whole family with more than 90 exhibitors from across the country, selling an array of unique coastal and sea glass-related goods, including jewelry, home décor, art, and more. Live music on two stages, and great food and drinks. At the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, MD. Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are valid for admission on both days. Learn more at cbmm.org
Spring DelMarVa Birding Weekend
Since 1995 the Spring Delmarva Birding Weekend has combined boat trips, paddling treks, and expeditions on foot when migrating birds are arriving and passing through the peninsula for nesting season. The DelMarVa region possesses
an extensive variety of environments, including barrier islands, tidal wetlands, cypress swamps, upland fields and primeval forests. Late April is a great time to explore the shore to tally late-leaving winter species and newly arrived migrants. Last year, 153 species were tallied during the event. April 24-27. Learn more at delmarvabirding.com.
Pirates Invade Yorktown Weekend
Visit the historic Yorktown, VA, waterfront to learn lessons and legends from pirates’ lives in the 17th and 18th centuries at Riverwalk Landing and the Watermen’s Museum. Enjoy live blacksmith demonstrations, explore a pirate encampment, sing along to sea shanties, take part in a town-wide treasure hunt, and witness exciting cannon demonstrations. Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Yorktown Waterfront. Learn more at visityorktown.org
Solomons Maritime Festival
Held at the Calvert Marine Museum, this event includes the Antique Boat and Marine Show featuring exhibits from collectors of antique and classic boats and vintage marine outboard and inboard engines. See Chesapeake Bay retrievers in action and watch model boats skim the waters of the boat basin. Learn how to make a traditional stuffed ham, watch demonstrations on how to make crab cakes, clean soft crabs, and shuck oysters like the pros. Enjoy live music and talk with traditional crafts people as they demonstrate their skills. Free 30-minute cruises on the Wm. B. Tennison. Kids will enjoy toy boat building and more. May 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more at calvertmarinemuseum.org.
Havre de Grace Decoy & Wildlife Art Festival
This premier decoy and wildlife art show, with carving competitions on Saturday, includes the Susquehanna Flats Marine Exhibition (free; Decoy Festival admission is $10). Havre de Grace, MD, is known as The Decoy Capital of the World. This quaint town is situated along the banks of the Susquehanna River, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay. Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at STAR Centre in Havre de Grace, MD. Learn more at decoymuseum.com
Bike Fest on the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail Bike the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail to celebrate Bike Month with the Chesapeake Bicycle/Trails Advisory Committee and Chesapeake Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. Bring your bike and enjoy more than eight miles of paved trails and great familyfriendly bike activities. Parking and restrooms available. Food trucks and music. May 4 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 1246 Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, Chesapeake, VA. Learn more at cityofchesapeake.net.
# Pirates Invade Yorktown will unfold April 25 at Riverwalk Landing and the Watermen’s Museum.
dEsign, Fun, pErFormancE.
The new Grand Soleil 40 has all the credentials to replicate the great success of the GS 44, winner of the last ORC World Championship. The GS 44 won the Worlds in 2021, 2022, 2023, and the 2024 Worlds in Newport. While maintaining the feeling of style, elegance and safety seen throughout the range. A fast and responsive boat that reflects its sporting personality in the performance on the water. Designed by naval architect Matteo Polli, the foremost designer of ORC yachts today. The GS 40 can be set up as the 40 Performance or GS 40 Race.
The hull lines are an evolution of the concepts studied for the GS 44, giving maximum attention to the balance of volume as the heel increases. The bow profile remains very fine to maintain good performance in light airs and ensure a smooth passage through the waves. As on the GS 44, great importance was placed on the aft positioning of the mast, enabling Nauta Design to develop an innovative layout and obtaining a benefit on both performance and comfort.
Bringing EuropEan ExcEllEncE to thE chEsapEakE and BEyond
For sailing enthusiasts in the Mid-Atlantic looking to elevate their on-the-water experience, Grand Soleil offers the perfect balance of speed, sustainability, and style. Whether for ecofriendly day sailing, regatta racing on the Chesapeake Bay, or extended offshore passages to the Caribbean, these yachts are designed to perform.
To learn more about Grand Soleil Yachts or schedule a private viewing, visit www.davidwaltersyachts.com
Photo courtesy of Visit Yorktown/Facebook
Explore the Bay with PBS
Chesapeake lovers can enjoy more than 18 hours of Bay-focused programming during Maryland Public Television’s 21st annual Chesapeake Bay Week, April 20-26.
Most sailors in the Middle Bay are familiar with the restoration of Poplar Island in Talbot County. On Sunday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m., Resurrecting Poplar Island will highlight how the island, reduced to a few wispy bars of sand by the 1990s, has benefitted from an ambitious environmental engineering project that uses dredged material collected from the approach channels to the Baltimore Harbor to restore its island habitat.
Chesapeake Rhythms will premier Tuesday, April 22 at 8 p.m. Captivating visuals and lyrical prose chronicle the comings and goings of creatures like the tundra swan, monarch butterfly, and the American eel. Wednesday, April 23, kayak the length of the James River from the comfort of your home! Back-toback programs will celebrate the tributary’s ecological and cultural importance: Headwaters Down airs at 7 p.m. followed by Headwaters Down: Tidal River at 8 p.m.
Look for even more compelling content available to stream using the free PBS app. Learn more at mpt.org/bayweek.
# Tune to PBS April 23 and kayak the length of the James River. Image courtesy of the James River Association/Facebook
Bay Bridge Boat Show at Safe Harbor Narrows Point
We know sailors are anxious for the upcoming Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show (April 25-27), but if you want to kick off the boat show season early, know that the spring powerboat show has a brandnew location this year. The Bay Bridge Boat Show at Safe Harbor Narrows Point (April 11-13) promises to retain much of what attendees love about the event while also offering more amenities and better parking.
“Whether you’re here for the boats, the education, or the food and entertainment, it’s always a ton of fun,” says Annapolis Boat Shows’ president, Mary Ewenson. “And the beautiful new venue means visitors may board even more exciting new powerboats and shop everything from gear and accessories to electronics, communication equipment, education, clubs, and more.”
Annapolis Boat Shows’ General Manager Sheila Jones says she’s particularly excited about the expanded PropTalk Demo Dock.
“There’s more room to offer handson experiences with the latest boating technologies, as well as added space for entertainment and educational programming,” says Jones. “If you’re a seasoned boater or a first timer, the show will offer something new for everyone to explore.”
Some other new amenities include access to the Cross Island Trail; over 800 parking spaces within a mile of the show; along with eight restaurants, four hotels, and a nature park all within walking distance.
The new venue makes it easier than ever to turn your visit to the Bay Bridge Boat Show into an awesome day trip or a relaxing weekend getaway. Visitors will have great options when it comes to waterfront dining and accommodations. The Cross Island Trail will make it easy to get around Kent Narrows by foot or on a bicycle. Parking will be plentiful with shuttles running between the lot at the Old Outlets off Exit 41 and the show.
Many amenities that guests know and love will also be returning, including: over 250 new and pre-owned powerboats, vendors, the PropTalk Demo Dock, FishTalk Fishing Pavilion, food trucks, a poolside bar, free seminars, BoatUS on-water training, and more.
To purchase tickets, visit annapolisboatshows.com
take care of your boat’s every need and have her ready for the 2024 season.
# This year’s show will feature a new location at Safe Harbor Narrows Point. Courtesy of ABS
Chesapeake Seafood and Oysters Daily
Happy Hour M–Th • Weekend brunch Delicious party platters • Gift cards
April
3
marine Virtual Job Fair
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hosted by Compass Maritime Group. Free for job seekers or register to be an exhibitor.
5
maryland osprey and nature Festival
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the boardwalk in North Beach, MD. If you love birds, wildlife, and nature, or just want to learn more, please come out and be a part of this wonderful Festival for a great cause. It is an event for the entire family and people of all ages.
5
SoS Spring training
Classroom settings covering a boatload of topics for sailors of all levels of experience: sailing terminology, diesel engines, rigging, communications, nav, docking, and more. At Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold, MD, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hosted by Singles on Sailboats.
11-13 Bay Bridge Boat Show at Safe harbor narrows point New location, same great boat show! At Safe Harbor Narrows Point on Kent Island.
12
First landing Wine and arts Festival
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Clement’s Island Museum in Coltons Point, MD. Enjoy wine by the glass or purchase a bottle from St. Mary’s County wineries and craft beverage makers, all while browsing locally crafted items and more on museum grounds. Family-friendly activities, also water taxi rides over to St. Clement’s Island State Park. Event admission is free; various costs for vendor purchases, water taxi rides, museum admission, etc. Rain or shine.
12
Sail & Sell: a maritime market collective
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at: Bacon Sails and Marine Supplies, Chesapeake Light Craft, and Fawcett Boat Supplies. In Annapolis, MD. Visit each location for deals and promos. Flea market and swap meet.
12-13 eastern Shore Sea Glass & coastal arts Festival
At the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, MD. This event highlights nearly 100 exhibitors from across the country, selling an array of unique coastal and sea-glass related goods. Also great food and drinks, live music, and more.
17-18 crusader Yacht Sales Spring Demo Days
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bert Jabin Yacht Yard in Annapolis. Featuring the Excess 14, Jeanneau 350 and 440, and Tartan 365. Call (410) 269-0939 to register or visit crusaderyachts.com
24-27 Spring DelmarVa Birding Weekend
The event celebrates the amazing warblers, shorebirds, waterfowl, and raptors that visit and live here on the peninsula. Since 1995, this event has combined boat trips, paddling treks, and expeditions on foot when migrating birds are arriving and passing through the peninsula for nesting season.
25-27 annapolis Spring Sailboat Show
At City Dock, Annapolis.
26 northern neck Sail and power Squadron Boat Show
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Chesapeake Commons Shopping Center in Kilmarnock, VA. Boats, new and used, arts and crafts, classic cars and boars, flea market, food trucks, silent auction, raffle, and bake sale. Music provided by Brent Small. Organized by America’s Boating Club of the Northern Neck.
TICKETS ON SALE
Chesapeake Calendar presented by
April (cont.)
26-27 pirates invade Yorktown Weekend
Enjoy live blacksmith demonstrations, explore a pirate encampment, sing along to sea shanties, take part in a town-wide treasure hunt, and witness exciting cannon demonstrations. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Yorktown waterfront, VA.
27 S’more party and trivia night on the Beach
6 p.m. s’mores followed by 7 p.m. trivia on the beach at Annapolis Sailing School. Open to all.
27 SpinSheet crew partyannapolis
Find a boat to sail on or find crew for your own boat at the SpinSheet Crew Party. Sailors of all levels including newcomers are welcome to join the fun. 4 to 6 p.m. at Eastport Yacht Club. Free and open to the public. Cash bar.
28 Demystifying racing for the Beginner
Open to all. 2 p.m. at the Annapolis Sailing School.
April Racing
6 ccVr tune-up races
Hosted by CCV Racing, Southern Chesapeake Bay.
9 - Aug 20 little creek Wednesday night racing
Hosted by Broad Bay Sailing Association Little Creek racers.
10 Willoughby thursday night racing Begins
Hosted by Broad Bay Sailing Association Willoughby racers.
12-13 Soling uS championships
Hosted by Severn Sailing Association, Annapolis, MD.
13
ccVr Spring Series 1 Hosted by CCV Racing, Southern Chesapeake Bay.
19
BcYa ice Breaker race Hosted by Baltimore City Yacht Association.
23 - May 28
aYc Wednesday night racing Series 1
Hosted by Annapolis YC.
23 - May 28
BcYa tuesday night racing
Hosted by the Baltimore City Yacht Association.
25-27 taYc Spring invitational and Jack peters Series
Hosted by Tred Avon YC, Oxford, MD.
26
aYc Spring one Design regatta
Hosted by Annapolis YC.
26
rrYc Spring regatta 1 Hosted by Rappahannock River YC, Irvington, VA.
27
ccVr Spring Series 2 Hosted by CCV Racing, Southern Chesapeake Bay.
27
FBYc offshore Spring regatta 1
Hosted by Fishing Bay YC, Deltaville, VA.
28 - May 1
charleston race Week at patriots point Charleston, SC.
May
3
Solomons maritime Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, MD. The event includes the Antique Boat and Marine Show which features exhibits from collectors of antique and classic boats, and vintage marine outboard and inboard engines. Also toy boat building for kids, free 30-minute cruises on the Wm. B. Tennison, local music, Chesapeake Bay retrievers, model boats, and more. Free.
3-4
43rd annual havre de Grace Decoy and Wildlife art Festival
Presented by the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum at the e STAR Centre, 700 Congress Avenue, Havre de Grace, MD.
16 craB Fundraiser concert: Janie meneely and rob van Sante
A lively and folksy line-up of songs about the Chesapeake Bay. Tickets cost $20 general admission for pre-sale (ends three days before the event): $35 on concert day; $50 VIP seating. Bring a lawn chair and cash for drinks. 6-8 p.m. at CRAB Adaptive Boating Center.
20 Blue angels Flight rehearsal
2 p.m. over the Severn River in Annapolis. Part of U.S. Naval Academy Commissioning Week.
21 Blue angels Flight Demonstration
2 p.m. over the Severn River in Annapolis. Part of U.S. Naval Academy Commissioning Week.
24 cmm Waterside music Series
7 p.m. at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, MD. Live music by Jordan Davis.
25 northcoast on-Water experience
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine at Eastern Bay Yachting Center (1804 Crab Alley Drive, Chester, MD). Join Pocket Yacht Co. and reserve your VIP ride aboard the NorthCoast 315HT, 255HT, and 235HT! Experience the thrill firsthand with rides, refreshments, and raffles, plus special weekend pricing on all instock boats. Appointment is required to participate in test rides, so RSVP by May 22nd at: Sales@Pocket-Yacht.com or at pocketyachtco.com
31 campbell’s nautical Flea market
8 a.m. to noon, rain or shine, indoors at Campbell’s Boatyards - Oxford, MD. Unload gear or stock up for the season. Free to the public. To set up a table, please send an email to info@campbellsboatyards.com.
For more details and links to event websites, visit spinsheet.com/calendar
May (cont.) Chesapeake Calendar
31
herrington harbour north marina resort Boater Yard Sale
8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Herrington Harbour North (389 Deale Rd, Tracys Landing, MD). Come find great deals on all things boatingrelated including boats, boating gear, outboards, rigging, sails, and more! Do you have boating gear to sell? Reserve a spot by contacting David at david@herringtonharbour.com or (410) 867-4343. There is no fee to sell, however registration is required.
May Racing
through May 28
aYc Wednesday night racing Series 1 Hosted by Annapolis YC.
through
May 28
BcYa tuesday night racing
Hosted by the Baltimore City Yacht Assocation.
through
May 1
charleston race Week at patriots point Charleston, SC.
2-4
helly hansen Sailing World regatta Series annapolis
Presented by Sailing World, Hosted by Annapolis YC, Annapolis.
3
FBYc offshore Spring regatta 2 Hosted by Fishing Bay YC, Deltaville, VA.
3 typhoon east coast championships
Hosted by the Rappahannock River YC, Irvington, VA.
3-4
mid-atlantic Sunfish regional championship Hosted by Hampton YC.
3-4
Sunfish Worlds Qualifier regatta
Hosted at Hampton Yacht Club in 2025.
4
ccVr Spring Series 3 Hosted by CCV Racing, Southern Chesapeake Bay.
4
FBYc one Design Spring regatta 1
Hosted by Fishing Bay YC, Deltaville, VA.
9 - Aug 29
eYc Beer can races Friday nights. Hosted by Eastport YC.
9 - Sep 26
oxford amateur racing Series “oarS” Hosted by Tred Avon YC, Oxford, MD.
Crew finder
The SpinSheet Crew Finder is a free service that is provided to match skippers looking for crew with crew looking for boats. Create your profile today to be included in the searchable listings or search the listings online.
10
10
aYc Spring race to oxford
Hosted by Annapolis YC.
FBYc one Design Spring regatta 2
Hosted by Fishing Bay YC, Deltaville, VA.
10
opcYc Yankee Station Series 1
Hosted by Old Point Comfort YC, Hampton, VA.
17 5th annual eWe Spirit cup
Hosted by Sailing Club of the Chesapeake and EWE Spirit Foundation.
17 BBSa cape henry cup
Hosted by Broad Bay Sailing Association, Southern Chesapeake Bay.
17 hampton roads hospice one Design regatta #2 of the One Design Series. Hosted by Hampton YC.
17-18
FBYc offshore Spring invitational
Hosted by Fishing Bay YC, Deltaville, VA.
17-18
taYc Spring Start-up
Hosted by Tred Avon YC, Oxford, MD.
20-21 college Sailing Fleet race nationals -
Women’s Semifinals
Hosted at St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
22-23 college Sailing Fleet race nationals -
Women’s Finals
Hosted by St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
23-24 Down the Bay race 75th anniversary
Hosted by Hampton YC and Storm Trysail Chesapeake Station.
24 annapolis to miles river race
Hosted by Miles River YC with assistance by Eastport YC.
26 opcYc Yankee Station Series 2
Hosted by Old Point Comfort YC, Hampton, VA.
27-28 college Sailing open Semifinals
Hosted by St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
29-30 college Sailing open Finals
Hosted by St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
30 - Jun 1
Southern Bay race Week
Includes #2 of One Design Series. Hosted by Hampton YC.
31 - Jun 1
taYc Jim thompson cup regatta
Hosted by Tred Avon YC, Oxford, MD.
MARBLEHEA D HALIFAX OCEAN RACE TO
Lucky in Sailing Meet Michael Brown
As told to Beth Crabtree
Captain Mike Brown started sailing in 2005, when at the age of 50, he purchased a half-interest in a 1981 Catalina Capri sloop on Lake Nockamixon, Quakertown, PA. Brown says, “I am a chemist by training and being a technical sort, I was attracted to the technical side of sailing. Lake Nockamixon, a six-and-a-half mile-long lake near my home, was easy to get to and by purchasing half of an old boat, it did not cost much to get started.” Small beginnings led to offshore sailing and ownership of multiple sailing schools. Here the self-taught sailor shares his story in his own words.
Everything he hoped for and more. When I decided to take up sailing, I thought that the sport would open opportunities for fun and adventure and that I would make new friends along the way. This all turned out to be true and then some.
I don’t know why, but for some reason I have always been lucky in sailing. Doors opened for me more than in any of my other endeavors. As I gained knowledge of how to properly sail, it was not long before others wanted to know what I knew, and this soon allowed me to start teaching sailing on an informal basis as part of Nockamixon Sail Club (NSC).
A self-taught sailor
Although I am a highly credentialed sailor in terms of cruising and even though I operate sailing schools and a charter company, you might find it surprising that most of my early sailing education was selftaught. Even so, I always had specific goals in mind and was not afraid to try different
approaches to learn what worked best. In the beginning I was very cautious not to get myself in too much trouble. I can remember being very fearful when going out on my sailboat in the beginning. What would I do if the wind kicked up? This was a giant motivator for me to learn quickly and correctly.
Teaching reinforces learning
At the time, NSC was expanding its membership from mostly racers to add cruisers. They were so desperate at that time to find a cruising fleet captain that they were even willing to accept a newbie like me! I decided to give it a try, and this benefitted me tremendously.
As an analytical sort, when I would learn something about sailing, I would teach it to the NSC cruising sailors. Knot tying, rules of the road, sail trim, rigging, etc.—each subject was tackled one by one and taught to the club members. I was likely the biggest beneficiary of this training since at that time my knowledge was certainly not
# Fostering use of celestrial navigation is one way Brown gives back to the sailing community.
perfect, but each lesson was a picture in time of what I had learned thus far. The overall effect of doing this over a period of time helped to get me on the road to becoming a competent cruising sailor, and I made many friends along the way. I am proud of my accomplishments, but I firmly believe that gaining skills can be sped up dramatically by taking classes.
Sailing school ownership
The NSC members seemed to like my teaching, and I enjoyed it. I had this crazy thought that maybe I should start a sailing school. I figured I would get maybe four to five students a year, and it would be a hobby business. I had underestimated the interest, however, and the new school, Nockamixon Sailing School (NSS), really took off. I had not understood that the years I spent teaching at NSC had built a reputation; hundreds of cruising sailors knew who I was!
A lot has happened since those early days. I have founded three American Sailing Association (ASA) affiliated sailing schools and became an ASA Instructor Evaluator. I hold a 50 Ton Ocean Master license, and I have written a book on celestial navigation. To give myself
a winter gig, in 2013 I started Virgin Islands Sailing Academy, which ran until 2023, when I was looking to relax more.
I still own my Catalina Capri Superna on Lake Nockamixon (it is used by NSS), and I own a 39-foot Pearson on the upper Chesapeake that is used for sailing classes at Delmarva Sailing School. In addition, I manage another 39-foot Pearson and a 33-foot Hunter that we charter at our charter company, Delmarva Charters. Advice for someone who wants to learn to sail.
No matter how you begin, I recommend setting goals. Some sailors are too timid in terms of their goal setting, and others are too bold. If you are too timid, you may not progress very quickly. Such sailors remain at the same level year after year. Yet do not be too bold or you may find yourself in a situation beyond your abilities.
Goal setting somewhere in the middle is likely best, with some leaning toward being more or less aggressive based on what feels comfortable. Whatever your goals are, they should be measurable and time related, and you should celebrate the attainment of every level of improvement.
If you are serious about becoming a competent cruising sailor, taking sailing classes will speed up your learning and is much safer, especially as you get into more challenging situations on the water. By taking classes, you gain the cumulative experience of many competent sailors all combined into one package.
Who should try sailing?
Sailors are people who like being outdoors and seek not only adventure but also competence. If you like the outdoors and are adventurous and if you are the type who loves to learn, sailing will likely be a good fit for you.
Learn More
Sailing Schools: nockamixonsailingschool.com and delmarvasailingschool.com
New sailors or those returning to sailing may want to seek instruction or coaching at a sailing school or club. Many such organizations exist on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. They offer certifications for beginners, returning sailors hoping to brush up on seamanship skills, cruisers seeking bareboat chartering or navigation experience, and racers wanting to hone their skills. The following is a sampling of schools and clubs that offer sailing instruction on the Chesapeake. For a more complete list of schools offering certifications outside this region, visit US Sailing or American Sailing.
Chesapeake Bay Sailing Schools
• Annapolis Sailing School annapolissailing.com
• Annapolis Naval Sailing Association ansa.org
• Blue Water Sailing School bwss.com
• Captain In You Sailing Schools, Inc. captaininyou.com
• DC Sail dcsail.org
• Gratitude Sailing Institute gratitudesailing.com
• J/World Annapolis jworldannapolis.com
• SailTime sailtime.com/annapolis
• Sail Solomons sailsi.com
• West River Sailing Club learn2sailwrsc.com
# Photo courtesy of Blue Water Sailing School
Stories of the Century
As we roll into sailing season, let’s take some inspiration from our SpinSheet Century Club class of 2024. If you’d like to challenge yourself to log 100 days on the water within the calendar year in 2025, sign up at spinsheet.com/join-spinsheet-century-club. All boaters are welcome!
Matt Sheridan 110 Days in 2024
Why did you challenge yourself to log 100 days on the water?
It started with one of my fellow Century Club members, Maille Lyons. You see, Maille recommends fun things to do that are rewarding at the same time: join a crew for Performance Race Week in St Thomas, USVI; join the crew of the Skipjack Wilma Lee; and finally log my days to 100.
Her words were, “You should do that.” Thanks Maille, as well as her husband Kevin, John Enderle of the racing catamaran Cheshire Cat, the crews on Rainbows learning how to sail, and finally the fine people on Wilma Lee
Name one remarkable thing that happened to you on the water in 2024?
When we had a critical part failure on Cheshire Cat during Governor’s Cup, no one panicked. We just quickly, without debate, executed the commands and suggestions to make the boat safe.
How did your sailing skills improve?
Getting on and off a dock improved that set of skills immensely. Sail trim and a deeper understanding of waves and winds also resulted. This year, 2025, will be dedicated to improving navigation and tactics.
What are the qualities of a great crew member? Can you give an example?
A willingness to listen, learn, and contribute to the team. During the Governor’s Cup race, Clotilde Enel-Rehel, a fantastic sailor, braved wind and waves to help us secure halyards on the boat and thus prevent the mast from coming down. She did it calmly and without drama. Just saw the thing to do and did it.
What do you get out of doing the Century Club?
A strong feeling of comradery with a great group of people, from all walks of life, all skill levels, working to achieve a goal. With it, a great sense of accomplishment. Not just the days, but the experiences, the friendships made on the water.
Nikki Bruno 117 Days in 2024
Why did you challenge yourself to qualify for the Century Club?
I honestly don’t even think of it as a challenge at this point, but more a minimum standard I’ve set for myself! Being on the water has always felt like one of my core purposes in life. I grew up on the water, studied marine science in college, and once I learned how to sail, I’ve gone out every possible chance I can. It’s part spiritual experience, part amazing community. I changed careers to one where I could work from home so I could travel and be on the water more often.
It’s truly a way of life!
Name one remarkable thing that happened to you on the water in 2024.
I did an offshore delivery with an amazing group of women back in the spring. Sailing is a male-dominated world, so the vibe when it’s just women onboard is totally different. The trip took 10 days and was not without its challenges— a rogue fishing line fouling the prop, generator issues, exploding heads, squalls—but we all handled it without any drama whatsoever, much to the chagrin of some men who told me to expect cat fights!
How did your sailing skills improve?
I logged 2700 offshore miles on 50-foot boats: monohulls and catamarans. Most of my sailing is usually inshore dinghy and small keelboat racing. Offshore is a totally different world! I honed my weather sense and prediction skills and tuned up my muscle memory on driving much bigger, much heavier boats than I’m used to.
What do you get out of the Century Club?
Part validation and encouragement to log what I do for memory’s sake, part bragging rights and adding another trophy to my wall, part finding my people!
# Sunset cruise on the Wilma Lee.
Photo by Matt Sheridan
# Nikki Bruno
Jordan Hecht 100 Days in 2024
Why have you challenged yourself to log 100 days on the water so many years in a row?
This was my fifth year in the club. I do it because it forces me to say “yes” to opportunities on boats that I might not even get offered otherwise. I don’t have my own boat, and I have a fulltime job, so getting chances to do my hobbies can be hard. Saying I’m doing it ‘for a day on the water’ makes a great excuse.
Did anything remarkable happen to you on the water?
It had been a goal of mine to get to crew on a log canoe for a few years. I know some regular canoe sailors (Casey Firth is the first one that comes to mind). Through them, I started following the Facebook group where a team asked for crew and I obliged. Although the sailing didn’t go great, it was an amazing experience that I hope to improve upon in 2025.
I was accepted and placed third at the first ever International One Design (IOD) Women’s Invitational regatta in Marblehead, MA, with my team of eight badass (and amazing) J/22 sailors. The level of competition was fierce, but we were coached by Tom Price at Gibson Island Yacht Squadron, and our teamwork was unmatched by the other boats. I was so proud of that result; I have displayed the hardware on my desk.
How did your sailing skills improve?
I learned how to cruise! (Kind of.) Racing sailboats and cruising sailboats have totally different skill sets. I learned how to anchor, deploy a swim platform, and dock a large sailboat all for the incomparable Hannah Dickmyer’s bachelorette boat trip.
What are the qualities of a great crew member?
Number one is flexibility for me. Changing the plan and getting a new one happens constantly. Roll with it.
What do you get out of all those days on the water?
A great sunglass tan! And another burgee to add to the collection.
Wade Moler enjoyed a pleasant daysail
Charlotte Harbor in beautiful weather.
# Hannah Dickmyer and Jordan Hecht.
Raptor Rager Revels in North Beach
By Maria Bellos Fisher
The Maryland Osprey Nature Festival (MONF) comes to North Beach, MD, on Saturday, April 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s a familyfriendly event, featuring a close-up view of a live raptor; photo ops with Oscar the Osprey, children’s hands-on nature activities, vendors along the boardwalk, and a lecture series.
The Chesapeake Bay Region hosts the largest nesting population of osprey in the world. At one time there were as many as 10,000 osprey nesting and breeding in the Chesapeake Bay region each year. However, studies show that the current nesting population in this region is at risk and the osprey are in peril due to starvation.
“An osprey is a kind of unique bird of prey that is the only diurnal vertebrate that eats only fish. It’s one of the most widespread birds of prey in the world next to the American falcon, but the osprey’s unique feature is that it requires fish to survive,” said Greg Kearns, park naturalist at the Tucson River Park under the Maryland National Capitol Park and Planning Commission.
Suzanne Shoemaker, executive director of Owl Moon Raptor Center in Montgomery County, MD, explained: “We rehabilitate ospreys. We had more this year than we’ve had ever before, a lot of them. We think it’s due to starvation. I think they were abandoned from their parents because the parents couldn’t provide for them. They
# Photos by Solomons Island Photography
had to provide for themselves, so they had to give up feeding (the young) because there was not enough food due to menhaden overfishing. We believe that’s a big problem for the osprey.”
Commercial fishermen are not allowed to harvest menhaden in Maryland, but at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia waters, they harvest millions of menhaden from huge industrial ships, just as the fish are moving into the Bay.
“We’ve had a loss of food supply over the last few years, and it’s showing in the in the number of starving baby osprey that we receive,” Shoemaker said.
After an incident where abandoned ospreys were destroyed, the MONF was created by the citizens of the MidAtlantic region to celebrate ospreys and to educate the public, agencies, and owners of structures to foster coexistence and conservation awareness throughout the Chesapeake Bay and
its estuaries. For three years, it was held at the Drum Point Club in Lusby. The festival’s popularity outgrew the location, so for the first time, it will move to North Beach.
“It’s a great location in proximity to Annapolis, DC, and Baltimore. The venue and amenities will be much more accessible to so many,” said Sal Icaza, chairperson, “bird of directors.”
Tickets to the MONF cost $10 per person or $20 per family. The festival supports the Owl Moon Raptor Center and other nonprofits committed to protecting ospreys, bald eagles, natural habitats, and local ecosystems.
“We need those resources to spread the word to educate our young minds coming to the festival who will engage in the process, seeing those live raptors, wide-eyed. (They) are going to want to grow up and do something,” said Shoemaker. Visit
Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show
Dates: April 25-27
Times: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Annapolis City Dock; for GPS, enter 1 Dock Street, Annapolis, MD
Tickets: $20 general admission; children aged 15 years and younger enter for free; purchase tickets in advance at annapolisboatshows.com; limited box office onsite.
Parking: Use the parking garages in downtown Annapolis or park on the street for free in Eastport and walk over the Spa Creek bridge or take the water taxi.
What’s New?
New layout
This year’s show will have a slightly different layout. We think you’ll love it. The main entrance will be on Dock Street, across from the building that previously housed Stevens Hardware and more recently Mission Barbeque. The SpinSheet booth will be located right inside the main entrance. Look to your right after you pass through the gate. Team SpinSheet will greet you with the May issue, hot off the presses.
Show program and map
This year SpinSheet is the official media partner of the show, which means that you’ll find the Show Guide and map at the center of our magazine, which will be handed out at the gate and available in the SpinSheet booth (Land Space 1).
Highlights
Boats, boats, boats!
You won’t’ want to miss the dozens of boats on land and in the water. From racing dinghies to cruising catamarans (including an 80-footer!) and monohulls, get up close and personal with new and brokerage sailboats, including family cruisers, daysailers, bluewater sailboats, and cool, new foiling boats.
No Wake Zone
Take a break in the No Wake Zone where show-goers can relax in an outdoor lounge while listening to music by local sailor and musician Sean Owen each afternoon. A tasting area for ages 21+ will have samples of Maryland-made spirits and wine, with bottles available for purchase.
Photo courtesy of Annapolis Boat Shows
Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show
The sailing lifestyle
Beyond the boats and gear (think sailing shoes, foulies, sunglasses, deck hardware) dozens of other types of exhibitors will have representatives ready to help you dive deeper into sailing. Here are a few examples:
• Charters. Vacation bareboat or with a captain. Did you know you can charter a whole boat or just one cabin on a shared charter? Learn about all the possibilities.
• Private captains. Sailboat owners, have you ever considered bringing a private captain aboard your boat to build the skills and confidence to sail farther and faster?
• Inflatables. If you’re looking for a new inflatable dinghy for your cruising boat, you’ll find plenty to choose from and experts to help you find the one that suits your needs.
• Sailing Schools. Maybe you know someone who is curious about sailing. Encourage them to come to the show and find a sailing school that can get them on the water this spring or summer, be it lessons for children, adults (couples or individuals), or a whole family.
# Step aboard boats of all sizes, from dinghies to catamarans and monohulls.
Photo courtesy of Annapolis Boat Shows
Super Seminars
Everglades Challenge
A firsthand account of a 300-mile adventure aboard a beach-launch boat as told by 11-time participant Jahn Tihansky, who will share his experiences and tales through video, pictures, and his own words. Learn how Jahn and partner Jeff Linton prepared, navigated, and persevered. Friday from 3-4 p.m. Free First Sail Workshop
Tell all your friends who are curious about sailing to consider attending the First Sail Workshop, which includes 45 minutes of classroom instruction followed by 90 minutes on the water with an accredited sailing instructor. Four time slots each day of the show, maximum eight students per time slot. The $70 fee includes show entrance. Register in advance at annapolisboatshows.com
Taking Competitive Sailing To the Next Level
Join Oakcliff Saling for two high-energy, entertaining working sessions that cover the ins and outs of taking a competitive sailor to the next level: How to find sponsors, get on the path to the Olympics, organize events, and more. The Saturday session (4-6 p.m.) is designed for sailors, and the Sunday session (9-11 a.m.) is designed for the sailors’ supporter team and event organizers. The $10 attendance fee also gets you into the boat show. Register at oakcliffsailing.org.
Free Daily Seminars
Fifteen great seminars over three days will cover weather basics, sailing with kids, rules of the road, docking for couples, the updated Racing Rules of Sailing, and much more. Find the full calendar at annapolisboatshows.com
Wire Rigging Reimagined
Introducing L S Photon, a revolutionary fiber rigging system designed to easily replace wire rigging. Incredibly strong, durable, and ultra light, it offers all the high performance benefits of fiber rigging while using common wire fittings.
• Up to 85% Lighter than Wire Rigging
• Fully UV and Chafe Resistant
• Corrosion Free
• No Risk of Fatigue - Lasts in Excess of 10 Years
• Uses Exclusive LS Photon Terminal Connections
• Works with Continuous or Discontinuous Rigging Configurations
• Specifically Engineered to Meet Your Boat’s Loads
# Dawn Riley of Oakcliff Sailing will share expert advice for high level racing sailors and their supporters.
# Bring the whole family. Get out and enjoy the spring weather!
Cruising the Rappahannock “Mini Loop”
By Karen Soule
Boaters and long-distance cruisers often dream of doing The Great Loop—that 6000-mile waterway down the Mississippi, across the Gulf, up the East Coast, and back through the Great Lakes. But if you don’t have a year to devote or the right boat, Virginia’s Rappahannock River can offer you a “mini loop” cruise for any size vessel and any amount of time you can spend.
The 97-mile-long Rappahannock separates Virginia’s Northern Neck from the Middle Peninsula. The indigenous Algonquin Indians named the river, which means “river of quick-rising water.” Although the current can sometimes be a bit swift at the river’s mouth, it’s not nearly as formidable as its sister to the north, the Potomac. With great protection from northern winds, numerous small towns, enchanting anchorages, and delightful restaurants, the Rappahannock offers visitors a complete package within a 40-nautical mile round trip.
Deltaville
Start your mini loop in Deltaville, where the Rappahannock and Piankatank Rivers meet. Long billed as the “Boating Capital of the Southern Chesapeake,” Deltaville boasts probably more marinas and marine service companies per capita than any other Chesapeake town.
During the fall migration south, hordes of cruisers anchor in Fishing Bay or Jackson Creek along Deltaville’s southern boundary. From there it’s a good hike up the road to the market, West Marine, or Evolution Sailmakers, the Chesapeake’s largest independent sail loft.
Or, anchor in Jackson Creek after navigating the doglegged but well-marked channel to grab some live music at the Deltaville Tap and Raw Bar. (You may need to swim ashore as there currently is no dinghy dock available for diners.)
Jackson Creek Marina (jacksoncreekmarina.com), the former Deltaville Marina and Boatyard, offers full services to
transients as well as seasonal slipholders. Across the way, the friendly folks at Fishing Bay Yacht Club (FBYC. net) will also be happy to offer cruisers a ride into town. You might even get a lift to the Deltaville Maritime Museum (deltavillemuseum.com), one of the community’s most important cultural centers.
Just a couple of miles down the road from downtown Deltaville, but a good hour or two by boat around Stingray Point and up the Rappahannock, is Broad Creek. With more than a dozen marinas and a wealth of maritime services, Broad Creek has a plethora of slips and support—but it’s not for those who like to anchor out. It also has a shoaling, shallow channel entrance which makes timing the tides necessary for many. Just this past February, emergency funds were allocated for a major, four-month dredging project. It is, however, unlikely to be completed before the summer season kicks off.
The view of Carter Creek from the Tides Inn. Photo by Wayne E. Chinnock/ Courtesy of Tides Inn
Making YOUR BOaT New Again!
The Rappahannock’s Southern Shore
After a day or two around Deltaville, head upriver to Topping, VA, with a destination stop at Merroir Restaurant (rroysters.com).
This is Rappahannock Oyster Company’s home and where its national (and international!) reputation first began. The term “merroir” essentially describes how the waters where oysters grow impacts how the oysters taste. The Rappahannock Oyster Company farms its own bivalves, shipping them all over the country and to their restaurants in Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Charleston, and Richmond. You can choose from several different types:
1 Rochambeaus, harvested from the York River, are a mix of salty and sweet.
2 Old Salts come from Chincoteague, VA, and are, as their name implies, salty.
3 Rappahannocks are raised just down river at the mouth of the Rapp and are sweet due to the influx of fresh water.
You can visit the restaurant by using a limited number of slips available during the day or grabbing a spot at nearby Regent Point Marina, after navigating the entrance channel (regentpointmarina.com).
Your last stop going upriver on your mini loop cruise is Urbanna, home of the huge annual Urbanna Oyster Festival in November. But before and after, Urbanna is a charming small town with numerous shops and restaurants. Anchor inside its protective little harbor or tie up at the
town dock or Urbbys, (urbbymarina.com) a newer, full-service marina complete with gift shop and many amenities. There are multiple restaurants to sample, especially the new Urban Oyster. One delightful stop is the Urbanna Museum, home of the famous John Mitchell map drawn in 1755. Call ahead and the museum will try to give you a docent-led tour (museumsofmiddlesex.com).
Going With the Flow Downstream
Once you’ve had your fill of restaurants and oysters (but can you ever get enough?) cross over the Rapp and start moving back downstream, but not before you explore up the charming Corrotoman River, perhaps the Southern Bay’s most idyllic tributary. Well-protected, scenic, and serene describe it best.
After a few miles, the river divides into right and left forks, both of which can be explored for a day or two. Turn right, and
anchor off a tiny sand spit to walk the dog and marvel at the numerous bald eagles nesting high in the pine trees. Or go left and drop the hook just before the Merry Point cable ferry. There you can enjoy watching the ferryman transport cars and their drivers back and forth, reminiscent of the river’s role during the colonial era as a bustling port for steamships. If you’re now ready for a little more nightlife, Yankee Point Marina is just minutes away. They offer transient slips, the Black Duck restaurant, a ship’s store, pool, and live music during the season (yankeepointmarina. com).
The last stop on your Rappahannock mini loop cruise simply has to include Carter Creek, just a stone’s throw (or maybe two) east of the Corrotoman. Once you’ve traveled the well-marked entrance, you have a choice: Turn right into Yopp’s Creek and anchor among the trees and private, quiet homes. There’s plenty of water,
# Merroir Tasting Room on the Rapp. Photo by Facebook.com/merroir
# Corrotoman River.
# Canoeing on the Rapp.
Making YOUR BOaT New Again!
so the holding is good in almost all kinds of weather.
You can continue up Carter Creek, aiming for the distinctive red roof of the Tides Inn Resort, one of the Bay’s oldest and grandest resorts complete with fine dining, a pool, a golf course, and marina. If you are ready for a little indulgence, take a slip. Spend an hour at the spa, paddle a kayak, or stroll down the new boardwalk along “Dead and Bones Cove.” (Its name remains a mystery.) But be prepared. A slip at the Tides can cost up to $5.50/ft with a $35 resort fee. If you want a night off the boat, rooms can approach $500 a night (tidesinn. com).
Carter Creek is also home to Custom Yacht Services, a small boatyard providing superior workmanship, repair services, and winter storage (customyachtsvc.com).
Just this past year, nearby Rappahannock Yachts sold its boatyard and marina business, so dockage options on the creek are limited. But no worries: anchor out and dinghy in.
It’s finally time to return, traveling under the Norris Bridge and back down the Rappahannock River to Deltaville, less than three hours away. Your mini loop only covered 20 miles of the river, which begins in the Blue Ridge Mountains, passes through several towns, and eventually empties into the Chesapeake.
Perhaps a future exploration could include a canoe trip down the Rappahannock out of Fredericksburg. Check out Virginia Outdoor Center at playva.com. The eagles will still be soaring, but there, the river runs shallow and fresh.
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About the Author: Karen Soule sails her Outbound 46 Soulemate with her husband, David, out of Fishing Bay Yacht Club in Deltaville, VA. She cruises between the Caribbean and New England, but likes the Chesapeake Bay best.
# The view from Deltaville Yachting Center.
Adult S A iling School S 2025
Improving Your Sailing Skills at All Levels
Sailing remains intriguing because there’s always more to learn. That’s why sailing school options on the Chesapeake Bay continue to grow and vary their offerings. A generation or two ago, sailing classes tended toward more traditional “learn-to-sail” programs. Of course, such programs continue to exist and thrive today, but there are so many more choices and ways to hone your skills from boat-share programs and clubs to charter companies with a wide array of learning options.
Among the types of sailors who may seek instruction are:
• Brand new and returning sailors.
• Families who want to learn together.
• Couples who may want to learn together—or separately!
• Day sailors who dream about chartering their own boat.
• Sailors who’d like to learn about coastal navigation.
• Aspiring sailboat racers.
• Friends and family seeking a learning vacation at home or in tropical waters.
• Sailors seeking regular boat access to practice new skills.
• Boat owners who’d like to learn aboard their own vessels.
• Sailing club members who aim to gain more advanced skills.
The list goes on! If you seek to gain new sailing skills, search these pages for schools that sound fitting for you and make a few calls to see which ones resonate with you, your learning style, and your spring and summer schedules.
If you’re a new or returning sailor, also visit startsailingnow. com, where we have compiled pages of resources about questions to ask sailing schools, what to wear, sailing lingo, finding
sailing opportunities, stories of sailors who got hooked as adults (and their advice), and more.
# Photo courtesy of Annapolis Sailing School.
# Photo by J/World Annapolis
What’s new at chesapeake Bay Sailing Schools?
We reached out to regional schools to see what they were excited about this season. Here’s what they had to say:
Sailtime’s new cruising combo
For the first time, SailTime Annapolis will offer “combo classes” on the new Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440. The combo includes ASA 103 and 104 (coastal and bareboat cruising): three days and four overnights. SailTime also offers ASA 101 every weekend on Beneteau First 22s as well as private instruction. Learn more at sailtime.com/location/annapolis
All Are Welcome to the next gathering
The Annapolis Naval Sailing Association (ASNA) sails an O’day 30 and Hunter 31 out of the Hartge Yacht Harbor on the West River. ANSA offers ASA sailing classes, day sails, and racing with the Pirates Cove Racing Club, keeping its little fleet busy on the water for 150 days last year. They just completed their annual winter ASA105 Coastal Navigation class and have posted 2025 sailing classes on the website. ASNA’s next gathering takes place April 12 at 4 p.m. at the Cottage at Hartge’s Yacht Harbor. All are welcome. Please join us! Learn more at ansa.org
little dc Sail is Making Waves in Washington!
DC Sail, the community sailing cen-
ter of the National Maritime Heritage Foundation, offers adult and youth sailing and boating safety programs as well as being the owner-operator of the commercial sailing schooner American Spirit
Both the adult and youth programs (specifically the adult beginner lessons and Kids Set Sail Summer Camp Program) are sold out to capacity for the 2025 sailing season, or very close
# ANSA sailors in action. Photo courtesy ANSA
# New member training at SailTime Annapolis.
Photo courtesy SailTime
to being sold out. DC Sail is “bursting at the seams” and seeks additional paid staff to help manage the incoming students and campers. The following employment opportunities are available for applications: American Spirit relief captains and crew, adult lessons instructors, dock managers, and Kids Set Sail Summer Camp instructors. For the fall 2025 season (September through November) for the vibrant High School Racing Program, DC Sail will also seek supplemental paid coaching staff. Find details at dcsail.org/employment.
Annapolis Sailing School on island time
Annapolis Sailing School organized its first flotilla this winter down in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), filling 32 cabins over two weeks with students, club members,
and a few people new to the school. Everyone got the chance to use their sailing skills in the real world, or at least as real world as you can get on island time. Each boat had a captain to guide and answer questions as well as teach students seeking certifications in the decidedly warmer February Caribbean waters.
The BVI, known for its reliable winds, abundant anchorages, and free flowing rum, provided everything these cruisers could want. Starting in Tortola, the flotilla hopped to five islands over the course of seven days, visiting scenic locations that embody the natural beauty of the islands such as Trellis Bay and the Baths as well as iconic watering holes such as the Bitter End Yacht Club that celebrate the allure of island life. The strong consistent winds and the close proximity of the islands meant a
quick sail was rewarded with a new location to explore.
While this flotilla is new for the school, warm water education is not. In its 66 years of operation the Annapolis Sailing School previously ran satellite locations in Florida and the Caribbean. Those locations may have closed, but the school still has staff with the knowledge and love of the beautiful Caribbean water. The students apparently agree, since as nice as it is to get a piece of paper with your certification on it, there is a whole other level of satisfaction found using your skills to end the day at anchor and watch the sun set over the ocean, umbrella drink in hand. While this was the first flotilla, every indicator is that it won’t be the last.
To learn more, visit annapolissailing.com
# Sailing out of DC Sail. Photo by Tom Sliter
# Photo courtesy Annapolis Sailing School
More offerings on the West River
West River Sailing Club (WRSC) will add to its education offerings this year for all ages. For our juniors, the club recently purchased two 29er dinghies that will be used throughout the summer program and in junior regattas. Additionally, WRSC now offers “Manic Mondays,” a new late-afternoon, high-performance, clinic-style program on the 29er dinghies and other WRSC high-performance classes such as the International 505, high-performance catamarans (A-Class, F18, Nacras), Chesapeake 20s, VX Ones, and more.
For our adult women sailors, the club will offer a women’s only intermediate ILCA class (date TBD). For our parents with return-to-work orders or other scheduling challenges, our junior sailing school now offers before and after extended care. For local Flying Scot sailors, the club will host a Flying-Scot-specific racing clinic prior to the 2025 Flying Scot Atlantic Coast Championships, which WRSC will host as part of its 96th Annual Labor Day Weekend Regatta. Learn more at.westriversc.com
Exciting developments at gratitude
The Gratitude Sailing Institute in Essex, MD, has announced several exciting developments for the 2025 Chesapeake Bay sailing season. They are committed to providing a safe and focused sailing education, and this year they have some fantastic additions.
• Captain Bob Baginski and his second love, the Bavaria 38 Makani, have been added to the instruction team and ocean-ready fleet for advanced classes.
• Gratitude is making way with the new American Sailing 102 Keelboat II class, focused on the unending quest for perfect sail trim.
• More customized women-only class options provide a supportive and empowering environment for women to learn from each other and excel. These classes foster a sense of community and confidence, helping women at the helm become safe, skilled, and self-assured sailors.
• Face-to-face coastal navigation classes: focused sailing preparation using the science of navigation is critical to ensure a safe journey when the GPS goes out. Plus, it’s fun!
• Gratitude’s Corporate Leadership and Team Building Program includes dynamic workshops tailored to organizations of any size, offering unique and engaging instruction to build teamwork and propel leadership using sailing as the catalyst. Learn more at gratitudesailing.com
Sailing in the Bahamas with the Sailing Academy
The Sailing Academy in Tracys Landing, MD, teaches cruising skills in the off season on warmer waters.
The Chesapeake Bay is a great place to learn to sail. Once the basics are mastered, it is time to move on to cruising skills. The confidence to sail for several days, exploring exciting ports and quiet anchorages, is the reason why many start sailing in the first place.
Transferring those skills from the Chesapeake to an area surrounded by reefs with few aids to navigation can be daunting. The opportunity to acquire some training prior to heading off to charter or cruise on a personal yacht can give peace of mind for new cruisers.
Besides teaching sailing for over 40 years, Captain Jeff Bowen started cruising with his family in the Bahamas more than 20 years ago. As owner, he has helped to shape the school to be focused on those with similar aspirations. The school has offered off-season flotillas to sailboat club members for quite some time, but this past year they developed a “learn to cruise” opportunity during the winters.
Barb K, a 2025 student, says, “It was an amazing experience, loved every moment!” Now students may take upper-level American Sailing Association classes such as Coastal Cruising (ASA 103) through Advanced Coastal Cruising (ASA 106) in the Bahamas November through April. It is best to get Keelboat Sailing (ASA 101) out of the way prior to arriving in the Bahamas. The Sailing Academy recommends learning the basics on a simple and responsive 20- to 30-foot sailboat and not
# Photo courtesy The Sailing Academy
# Photo courtesy Gratitude Sailing Institute
# Photo courtesy WRSC
a large cruising yacht loaded with all the amenities.
Learning about and using all the equipment aboard one of their 40- to 50-foot cruising yachts is part of the curriculum. Hands-on is better than reading about it in a book, so the assignments during the week involve running the yacht and navigating to new tropical islands. Of course, the captains know all the local hot spots and where to find fresh seafood. If conditions permit, snorkeling breaks can be taken on shallow reefs full of fish, sea turtles, and rays.
Bring the kids! Besides open sign-ups, private family courses are offered where children are welcome. Cruising is a sport the whole family can learn together. For grade school children, the week culminates with a treasure hunt on a secluded island. They will need to use their newly acquired skills to find the buried chest.
It is easy to get “bitten” by the cruising bug on such experiences. By the end of the week, most students are already planning their next sailing adventure. Unfortunately this opportunity is booked solid through spring 2025, so if this sounds like something for you or your family, The Sailing Academy will take reservations for 2026. Learn more at thesailingacademy.com
Exceptional Sailing instruction and More news
J/World Annapolis recognizes and celebrates Tom Bowman, who has been an integral part of the school, an exceptional head sailing instructor and captain. Tom has been a cornerstone of the organization, dedicating years of hard work, expertise, and passion to make J/World Annapolis the outstanding sailing institution it is today. His commitment to fostering a love for sailing, his remarkable teaching skills, and his unwavering leadership on and off
the water have left an indelible mark on the school.
For more than nine years, Tom has mentored countless sailors, guiding them to not only master their craft but also embrace the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that defines the sailing community. His contributions go far beyond the technical aspects; he embodies the values and vision of J World Annapolis, inspiring everyone he meets.
# Sean Rogers # Tom Bowman
J/World Annapolis is excited to welcome the newest member of the team, racing sailor Sean Rogers, who assumes the roles of sailing instructor and fleet maintenance specialist. With a wealth of knowledge and experience participating in numerous prestigious sailing competitions across the USA, Sean’s expertise will significantly enhance the racing programs and ensure that the fleet is maintained to the highest standards, providing students with safe and enjoyable sailing experiences.
The school will also add charter opportunities under its sister company, Chesapeake Boating Club, which will include sunset cruises, fishing excursions, day trips, and raptor-watching experiences in association with Operation Osprey, all designed to cater to your adventurous spirit. The organization will expand its fleet with several new vessels, both power and sail.
J/World and Chesapeake Boating Club will continue its joint venture with Haven Harbour, expanding our cruising program to include a beautiful destination in Rock
learning Sailing Material Quickly
Captain In You ASA Sailing Class Study Guides have been developed over many years while teaching thousands of ASA Sailing Class students at American Sailing School Affiliates, Nockamixon Sailing School, and Delmarva Sailing School. The guides have proven effective in helping students quickly learn the information required to gain ASA certification and cruise safely on their own.
Most sailing schools mail out a textbook when you sign up but do not have study guides to help focus the student on the
most important concepts. By utilizing our ASA Sailing Class Study Guides, the student can focus on the most important topics in order to learn the material quickly and to prepare for the ASA test.
Captain In You students have an average score since 2008 of 99 percent on ASA on-the-water skills and 97 percent in written ASA knowledge testing. The author of the Study Guides, Captain Michael Brown, was selected by ASA for its highest award, “Outstanding Instructor,” in 2009, 2012, 2018, 2020, and 2021 (captaininyou.com).
Hall, complete with stunning beaches and pools as well as dining and accommodations.
The Waterfront Club Room in Eastport serves as a vibrant social hub for maritime enthusiasts, providing a unique venue for gatherings, events, and community engagement centered around our shared passion for the sea.
All are invited to join and experience the thrill and beauty of sailing with J/World Annapolis and the Chesapeake Boating Club. Learn more at jworldannapolis.com
# Captain Mike Brown.
Hanse 410
By Jahn Tihansky
This past October, I had the opportunity to get aboard the new Hanse 410 for a comprehensive look at the boat as well as a test sail.
Germany-based Hanse has been building boats for 35 years (they also build the Dehler and Moody lines). Based on what I have seen from them, I would consider them to be targeting the same buyers as the French-built Beneteau and Jeanneau brands.
While I have spent much of my time sailing aboard performance-oriented designs, I have chartered numerous bareboats between 38 and 54 feet (mostly in the Caribbean), taught cruising courses on the Chesapeake and in New England, and appreciate cruising boats’ features and comforts.
For my evaluation day, I joined Katie Lange of SpinSheet and Keenan Hisinger from local dealer North Point Yacht Sales. We were fortunate to have 12-15 knots of northwesterly wind and smooth water. The three of us easily managed the boat under main and jib.
Cruising comfort a priority
While a surprisingly good performer under sail, the 410 is clearly designed to prioritize cruising comfort with only a few performance-enhancing options being available.
The boat we sailed was equipped with optional in-mast mainsail furling and a non-overlapping self-tacking roller furling jib. The tall aluminum mast has double aft-swept spreaders secured to chainplates outboard at the rail. This sail configuration provided decent performance in the moderate winds we experienced but I’m guessing would leave one uninspired in lighter winds unless a cruising code zero and/or cruising spinnaker were added to the inventory. The boat tracked well and was light on the helm on all points of sail.
The mainsheet system is attached well forward on the boom leading down to fixed blocks on the cabin top, which keeps it well away from guests in the cockpit and allows for a dodger/full cockpit bimini combination. However, you’ll be hard-pressed to do any refined mainsail trimming. I’d be concerned about boom integrity when trimming hard, particularly given the optional powered winches. The selftacking-jib track trims to a relatively short athwartships track, which keeps the side decks clear for walking forward but doesn’t allow for any lead adjustment when sailing off the wind.
The 410’s cockpit configuration is all about comfort and entertaining. The superwide cockpit features large L-shaped seats port and starboard and separate height-
adjustable tables for each side allowing conversion to dual sun lounges. Having eight for cocktails or dinner in the cockpit is totally doable. Aft of the tables are twin steering wheels and the sailing consoles.
All running rigging leads under the deck and back to the helm station consoles where there is a single-powered winch and jammer banks on each side. The design keeps the cockpit neat and clean but provides little room for crew to assist with sail handling or trimming. The wheel/binnacle locations push all but the thinnest drivers back against the helm seats; not a big deal when using the autopilot but a bit awkward during docking and other manual helming operations. There is an option for a second winch on each side to trim an optional larger headsail or spinnaker.
Pleasant surprises
A pleasant surprise was the boat’s cascading block-and-tackle backstay adjustment system. While I’d prefer a simple hydraulic ram tensioner, the block and tackle system had adequate purchase and provided us some control over sail shape, particularly when we wished to depower in the stronger puffs. Score one for the sailors onboard!
# Photos courtesy North Point Yacht Sales
Sailboat Review
Forward on deck is a good-sized anchor locker with below-deck windlass and anchor roller built into the short bowsprit. The locker has plenty of room to stow a second anchor and rode. Aft just behind the wheels you find beam-to-beam cockpit lockers suitable for stowing fenders and other gear. The transom features a large fold-down swim platform, and our test boat even had an optional built-in barbecue and wet bar on the centerline along the stern rail. I’m still lamenting that we couldn’t test-drive those!
The 410’s ultramodern hull shape features a reverse raked bow and forward chines just above the waterline starting at the bow and fading amidships. These provide for a massive forward stateroom, yet narrowish bow sections below the waterline, which along with the long waterline, no doubt contributed to the better-thanexpected speeds we saw. The max beam carries all the way to the stern which allows for the huge cockpit. Aft chines and the wide beam make for good sized aft double cabins on each side. There is a molded-in short bulwark down the entire length of the boat providing good footholding for safely moving about a wet deck when heeled.
Spacious, light interior
Where I feel the boat’s design focus comes to the fore is down below. The topside and cabintop portlights allow plenty of light and aesthetically diffuse the boat’s otherwise tall freeboard profile. The large Lshaped galley is aft to port and sufficiently sized. There is a two-burner stove/oven with reasonable cabinet space along with a freezer and drawers. Additional cabinet space is built into the L section under that counter.
Across from the galley is the aft main head which includes a separate shower stall. Our boat had twin aft double cabins, each with reasonable shelf and hanging locker storage and good headroom.
loa: 41.16’ (12.55M) | Beam: 14.08’ (4.29M)
lWl: 37.91’ (11.55M) | DiSplacement: 21,341LBS (9680 kg)
Forward of the head to starboard in the salon is a standup nav station (and an additional refrigeration box) and a comfortable settee. Across to port, the main dining settee and table allows room for four. There are cabinets and shelf space behind each settee and storage under the salon table. The salon area had six-foot, six-inch headroom throughout.
The forward master stateroom is huge for a 40-footer with an exceptionally large centerline double berth. With the topside-mounted portlights, it was quite attractive and comfortable. This stateroom also offered decent storage in lockers and on shelves and included the optional forward head.
Ten opening deck hatches as well as a few opening portlights on each side should ventilate the interior nicely.
Standard keel is a cast iron fin with L bulb drawing six to 11 feet. A shoal keel is available drawing five to seven feet. The standard auxiliary power, a 39-hp Yanmar diesel with a saildrive, moved the boat comfortably at sevenplus knots. Engine access is average behind the hinged companionway steps. Additional access panels are located in each aft cabin.
If you’re looking for a decent sailing, roomy, and comfortable cruising platform with today’s modern appearance, put the Hanse 410 on your shortlist. #
Area Dealer: North Point Yacht Sales, Annapolis, MD, northpointyachtsales.com.
About the Author: Jahn Tihansky is a freelance sailing coach, instructor, and marine consultant. He served 18 years as director of the U.S. Naval Academy’s Offshore Sailing Team. For the 12 years prior to that, he founded and ran J/World Sailing School in Annapolis. He holds a 100-ton masters USCG license and has logged thousands of miles cruising and racing both inshore and offshore aboard a wide variety of boats. Find him at chesapeakesailingsolutions.com
The Fine ArT oF BoAgA
Story and illustrations by Jeff Halpern
At the most recent Art Between the Creeks Show in Eastport, the conversation among some of us older sailors drifted to staying in shape during the off season. The usual weight training and aerobic exercises were briefly mentioned, but the consensus was that the real challenge came down to maintaining flexibility and balance. Naturally, at that point, the conversation shifted to yoga, with the agreement that yoga was the best of all worlds to maintain flexibility and balance while also helping with strength maintenance.
Under the broad umbrella of the term “yoga,” there are multiple practices with names like Vinyasa, Hatha, Bikram, and Kundalini, with each differentiated by their own specialized ‘poses’ and disciplines. As it turns out, many of us sailors already practice the lesser-known discipline of Boaga (Bō’ģā: literal translation, boat yoga). Here is an introduction to some of the basic Boaga poses.
Some SAluTATion
Most experienced Boaga practitioners start with a few easy stretches that are performed as a flow. Starting with feet firmly on the deck facing the mast, take a deep breath and exhale as you bend from the waist with a flat back. Relaxing the back, hang low enough to reach and release the main halyard shackle where it is stored at the base of the mast. Inhale as you rise up with a flat back, reaching arms strong over the head to hook the main halyard to the head of the mainsail.
one-hAnded
plAnk poSe
Wincher 1
Start by facing athwartships, standing with feet approximately two to three shoulder widths apart and with the aft foot turned 90 degrees to the body and the forward foot facing forward. Proceed to bend your forward knee to 90 to 100 degrees, while straightening the aft leg. Once balanced, reach for the wheel with your aft arm, and stretch the forward arm out to grab and grind the winch on the cabin top. Look out over the forward hand to check the telltales. (Advanced modification: do this pose beating into a chop.)
Lie prone on the cabin sole next to the engine compartment with a wrench in the hand closest to the engine. Keeping your body straight, push up so that your body is roughly level. Taking a deep breath, snake out the arm with the wrench into the engine compartment to loosen the dipstick on the transmission. Don’t forget to breathe. Note: use of obscene language directed toward the designer of the boat and/or the engine manufacturer is traditional in this pose. (Advanced modification: adjust the packing gland while you are there.)
The Fine ArT oF BoAgA
(CONTINUED)
prAyer poSe
This is a restive pose in which you kneel on the deck with thighs folded over calves and arms outstretched into the bilge while praying that you find that tiny, ridiculously expensive, hard-to-come-by, essential part that rolled across the deck into the one small opening into the deepest darkest corner of the bilge.
BolT poSe And deck edge TWiST
In Boaga, some poses are performed with pairs of practitioners. The “bolt pose” is often performed with a partner doing a “deck edge twist.” To begin the bolt pose, crawl forward into the chain locker with your legs hanging out in the vee berth. Slide forward under the anchor locker. Bending at the waist, lift your straight upper body while lifting your legs to counterbalance your upper body. Place a wrench on one of the bolts above your head.
On deck, the partner sits with their legs hanging over the side. They rotate the upper torso to face the fitting being bolted down.
Typically, the person below recites the ancient mantra, “Port, Ooutboard Forward, Poort, Ooooutboooard fooorward.” several times until the person on deck responds in a single deep breath from the back of their throat with the traditional, “Ummmm, Whaaat? Whiiiich oooone?”
After several rounds of the mantra, the deck partner places the screwdriver in the head of the bolt in question and the person in the ‘bolt pose’ tightens the nut. (Repeat by the number of bolts in the fitting and do the other side for body symmetry.)
About the author: Annapolis sailor Jeff Halpern practices boaga on his Farr 11.6 Synergy in between shorthanded racing events on the Chesapeake.
Shove-oFF-in-nAh
At the end of the workout, it is important to reward your body with a brief cool-down pose referred to in Boaga as “Shove-off-in-nah,” in which you crawl into the vee berth. Lying on your back with feet and arms spread and eyes closed, you slow your breathing and tell the world to shove off and leave you alone.
I don’t know about you, but I am feeling better already. (He says tongue firmly implanted in his cheek.)
O FFSHORE S ERIES P ART 1: Experiential Learning in the Ocean
By Captain Cheryl Duvall
When I started cruising 15 years ago, I read countless books about offshore sailing. I stumbled upon “Maiden Voyage” by Tania Aebi, and her story captivated me. At 18, Tania left New York to solocircumnavigate the world on a 26-foot sailboat. That was in May 1985, before GPS, electronic charts, and affordable communications. With no one else onboard for companionship or assistance, Tania successfully returned two and a half years later and wrote her bestselling book.
While I never set ocean-crossing goals for myself, I did dream of sailing to the Caribbean and the Bahamas. So,
I joined Offshore Passagemaking Opportunities (OPO) with the hopes of crewing in exchange for valuable experience.
Offshore crew opportunities
In addition to crew prospects, I learned about OPO’s Swan program, which provides “hands-on offshore crew experience under the watchful eye of a professional skipper on a proven boat.” Captain Aebi was often the skipper. This sounded like offshore learning I could get excited about! I certainly knew the captain was qualified. The reasonably priced program would offer opportunities to navigate, keep watch, prepare meals underway, and push me beyond my comfort zone.
When OPO announced that Captain Aebi would deliver a Swan 48 from Bermuda to Huntington, NY, I eagerly submitted my sailing resume, mentioning my 50-ton captain’s license in addition to other coursework. I was accepted!
Preparing to go offshore
Then, it got real. OPO sent me a 20-page guide that described safety equipment, what to pack, and life onboard. I still had questions concerning berth assignments, number of heads, charging capabilities, and if the boat had AIS. I rented a personal locator beacon to attach to my inflatable PFD. I purchased a 60L Patagonia duffle, perfectly sized even with
# Enjoying decent winds at sea.
# Captain Tania Aebi (back left) with Cheryl and four other crew.
Offshore Series presented by
Z-Spar Masts, Booms, Beams, Rigging
foul weather gear, and carried a daypack for sundries. To facilitate living out of a duffle, I bought organizing cubes for clothing. I opted to wear my Timex digital watch rather than a watch that needed charging.
Before I knew it, I was landing in Bermuda and taking a cab to our boat, Avocation’s, dock. There I met the captain and four other crew and received a firehose of information about boat systems, safety, and passagemaking. However, I was disheartened to learn that we only had one working head for six people and that the AIS wasn’t working. After selecting our berths, we walked to St. George’s and bonded over dinner.
We’re off!
The next morning, we returned to town to provision, thankful that the market delivered. Tania received updated weather reports and chose our route based on Gulf Stream eddies and wind forecasts. I helped her plot the course on paper charts. In the hour before departing, we topped off water tanks, showered, and notified customs we were leaving. The watch schedule began at 6 p.m. Each person was assigned threehour shifts in the cockpit: half at the helm, and the remainder seated nearby to assist if needed.
My first watch began at 1:30 a.m. I was seasick. I’d never gotten seasick. Never! Perhaps it was anxiety or being below in pitching seas. Initially, I refused to take medication due to side effect concerns. I never missed a watch, but when returning below, I had to get horizontal immediately. Using the head was especially challenging. After 24 hours of malaise, I took a Dramamine and within hours I was better.
Settling in
By the second full day at sea, I was back to normal. I could write in my journal, read books, cook on the gimbaled stove, and even eat meals! I got to know the other five boat mates and found them warm and engaging. Each evening, we gathered to watch sunsets together, though we never saw the green flash.
As days progressed, sleeping with a lee cloth while heeling became easier. I also learned to sleep when off watch so that I would be alert when on watch. I woke 30 minutes before my watches to allow time to dress in layers, use the head, refill my water bottle, grab food, and don my PFD.
At the helm, autopilot was not allowed due to battery drain and encouragement to learn how to helm in ocean waves. Depending on wind angle and speed, I sometimes found it challenging to keep on
course without being able to aim at something as I did on the Chesapeake. Despite utter darkness, I looked forward to helming at night, enjoying the peaceful phosphorescence in our wake as it blended into the starry night.
The Gulf Stream
On our fifth day at sea, we entered the Gulf Stream at 5:30 p.m. and exited four and a half hours later. The water was mesmerizingly blue. Dolphins played at our bow, and we saw three whales spouting in the distance. I pinched myself.
But the Gulf Stream was surprisingly tranquil, and we were motoring more than anticipated. We had just emptied the last jerry cans of fuel yet were still two days from Newport. We were also low on potable water.
After the Gulf Stream, we encountered cooler air, bigger seas, and stronger winds. We were glad we had practiced reefing sails during calm spells so we would be prepared to reef in the dark and in rougher seas.
A close encounter
At 10:30 at night the next day, as I arrived for my watch, I saw a ship on the nav station’s radar about nine nautical miles out “at three o’clock” on our beam. It was only a faint glow on the horizon. Twenty minutes later it was six nautical miles out, visible through binoculars, and seemed to be paralleling our course.
I saw red and green lights, far apart, heading straight for us! Our tricolor was
# Gathering together every evening for sunset.
# Cheryl at helm of Avocation on Long Island Sound.
Masts, Booms, Beams, Rigging
on, but we added running lights, illuminated our sails with spreader lights, and turned on the engine to propel us rapidly forward. Tania called on the radio. Eventually the ship responded, stating that they saw us and would pass behind. Gripping the helm, my eyes were trained ahead as Tania and crew attempted to increase speed. We felt their wake! Tania estimated the ship passed our stern by 100 yards in the middle of the vast ocean. Way too close for comfort!
Spirited sail finale
Through the dawn mist on our seventh day, we saw Block Island’s wind farm and shouted “land-ho.” After refueling in Newport and digitally checking into customs, we had a spirited sail down Long Island Sound. We topped nine knots of speed at one point while dodging numerous storms. We had been seven days in the ocean, and the worst weather of the voyage was in Long Island Sound!
Finally, we docked at 3:20 a.m. at Huntington Yacht Club. We slept for a few hours and walked into town for a celebratory breakfast. Before catching my train home, I asked Tania to sign two of her books (one for a friend) and Form 719-S to document my sea
time. She smiled and said, “Of course.” I treasure both autographs.
Sailing with Captain Tania Aebi remains one of the highlights of my life. The lessons I learned during that week of offshore sailing prepared me well for subsequent journeys on my boat and others.
About the author: Captain Cheryl Duvall is a USCG Licensed Master, Inland 100 GRT, and is program director for the Chesapeake Area Professional Captains Association (CAPCA). She recently joined Watermark and enjoys being at the helm of the Miss Anne in Annapolis. She can be reached at cherylduvall@mac.com.
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# Captain Tania Aebi with Cheryl and Anna.
Offshore Rigging Specialists
Glory Days
By Tom Mitri
managing mishaps on the chesapeake teaches a couple about the emotional qualifications for cruising.
It was the perfect day. Not a cloud in the sky. Overflowing sunlight splashed everywhere. Warmed by the sun, the teak cockpit was so dry and musty you could almost taste it. Glory, our Mason 44, was nicely making way, softly hissing with the rhythm of the sea.
A gentle breeze blew through Mary’s long hair, the sun’s rays catching flicks of blonde and copper. Her eyes as blue and warm as the Caribbean sea. She found peace out here. Free from demands. Free from complaints. Free from the stress and the burdens we humans so carelessly cause. It was as though the world was smiling at her, and she was smiling back at the world. God she’s beautiful.
Glory eased up the Delaware Bay to the C&D canal when Mary called out “Hey! Our autopilot isn’t working.”
Wonderful. We anchored in Chesapeake City and set about troubleshooting with the multimeter and checking all the wire connections. The sun slowly slipped out of sight without our admiration. Despite hours of effort, we fell exhausted into bed with the autopilot still not operating.
A high-pressure system continued to dominate the next morning. Everything
appeared polished and glistening, as though the whole world had just gone through a car wash. We walked the pretty promenade, admired lovingly kept homes from as early as the 1700s, and found our way over to the Schaefer House for some fine food and cocktails. The autopilot issue nagged at us, but we assured one other that these were handsteering waters anyway. Besides, our attention was focused on all the wonderful places we planned to visit. Rock Hall was up next.
Golden sunlight sparkled across cool water as the anchor clunked its way to the surface in the morning. Gulls gracefully glided overhead. We motored along in silence, lulled by the engine. Brackish air filled our lungs and, for a moment, all seemed right in the world. Was the Chesapeake always this radiant?
Well, all might be right with the Chesapeake, but all was not right with Glory. From the helm, Mary announced, “Now we’re not getting a readout for true or apparent wind.” Great. Again, we ran through a series of checks, from the transducer to the NMEA 2000 network and all the connections in between.
And again, instead of sipping cocktails and admiring a pink and purple sky, we spent our night in Rock Hall climbing in and out of lockers and not making progress.
We were familiar with the fear and anxiety that is brought on by choppy seas. This was different. Now it was frustration and, admittedly, a bit of self-pity. Why were these things happening to us? Were the forces of the world against us for some reason? Why am I doing this again? Maybe I should just play golf.
Determined, the next day we raised the main, set the yankee, and softly whispered at four knots into the handsome hamlet of St. Michaels. It was just what we needed. A couple of days of casual strolls among museums, boutiques, delightful dining, and cold beer by the water at Foxy’s. We were back in action. Our luck had turned. Everything was going to go smoothly from here on in. We went to bed that night looking
forward to raising the anchor in the morning and heading for Annapolis, the Sailing Capital of America.
At the helm, Mary guided the gearshift forward. Only forward didn’t happen. “Okay, we’re off,” I repeated from the bow, but soon realized something
wasn’t right. Evidently, a line had wrapped itself around our propeller, preventing it from turning.
No problem. I would do a dive or two, cut it free, and we’d be on our way. Twenty-plus free dives and a thunderous heart rate later, we decided this was not the hill for me to die on. We made a few phone calls and, despite our not being at a dock, a diver kindly agreed to come out to our boat.
The line was cut free. We fired up the diesel. But Mary instantly cast a wary look toward the engine compartment. Our Yanmar reliably ran with a thump and chug, but now it rattled more like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I pulled up the floorboards to discover one of our engine mounts had partially dislodged.
That line must have wrapped so tightly around the prop that it stressed the whole drivetrain. Was this really
happening? What else could be compromised? The stuffing box? The prop? The prop shaft? The cutlass bearing? The prudent thing to do was to have the boat lifted and all of the above removed and thoroughly inspected.
This would change everything. No Annapolis. No Solomons. No Oxford, Cambridge, or Yorktown. For a long time, neither of us said a word. It was as though a tragedy had befallen us, and we experienced the five stages of grief.
At first, we were incredulous and crestfallen. This was our sweeping cruise through the Chesapeake, and it wasn’t going to happen? We tried to convince ourselves it wasn’t so bad; maybe we could continue with our trip. Finally, we came back around to accepting that we should have the boat hauled and inspected. Why do we do this to ourselves. Why?
I slumped in the cockpit, feeling defeated. My eye caught the soaring, effortless flight of a heron. She calmly
came to rest in tall grass along the shoreline where she stood keeping watch, gallant and noble. It seemed such a simple life. At peace with the world. In harmony with all of nature, the wind, the sea, the land.
For a moment I was jealous of her graceful existence. I was tempted to trade places with her. I’m sure she didn’t have all this boat trouble. I wondered if others had such thoughts, or if I was truly some kind of weirdo wanting to switch lives with a heron. Good Lord
Thankfully, after some thought, I decided to pass on the deal with the heron. But I was still wrestling with trying to understand why all this happened to us when Mary said, “Well, at least we ended up learning a lot more about the guts of the drivetrain. And the intricacies of our electronics. And think of it this way, now we’re that much more self-sufficient and better prepared to go offshore to the Caribbean next fall.”
Hmmm. She’s got a good point there. I suppose it didn’t hurt to brush up on the mental and emotional qualifications this whole experience demanded of us as well.
The heron flapped her wings and was soon soaring and sweeping across the sky. Mary was smiling again. She was unfazed by all these troubles. Her eyes sparkled as she talked of our next adventures. She lifted my spirits and carried me off to far away shores. And it dawned on me—she’s the reason. She’s why. She makes it all worthwhile. God she’s beautiful.
A Playground for the Aqua-Inclined in Grenada
In February, a group of nine sailors from Peninsula Sailors, a sailing education center in Baltimore, embarked on a seven-day bareboat charter through NSS Grenada out of St. George’s. Crew member Abe DeFeo answered SpinSheet’s questions:
How did you choose this particular charter boat and location?
Abe: We chose this course area for its stunning natural beauty and great sailing conditions. Due to the size of our crew, we felt it best to charter a catamaran. We booked through NauticEd, a combination sailing education program and charter company. They were incredibly helpful and got us a great price on our Lagoon 42!
Did your charter include a captain, cook, or other crew?
We were completely self-reliant when it came to sailing, provisioning, and cooking.
Who was onboard for the vacation?
We had two boats working as a flotilla for this trip. The crew on my boat was comprised of my partner and a wonderful group of friends (some of these friendships go as far back as kindergarten). There were nine of us in total; let’s just say it’s a good thing we all get along well! Sailing experience within my crew ranged from coastal deliveries to first-time sailors. The other boat in our flotilla had four members. Their crew was captained
by my sailing mentor, Ali Soylu, and included a group of sailors I have learned beside for the past five years.
Can you summarize your trip and favorite anchorages?
Our route extended from St. George’s, Grenada, to the Tobago Cays in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a marine park and turtle sanctuary. Here, we enjoyed several days of spotting turtles on the hour, taking the dinghy to different snorkel spots, and playing spike ball on the beach. We even joined the local boat boys for a lobster BBQ. On the return leg, our flotilla enjoyed a beautifully isolated anchorage in Anse La Roch Bay, on the west side of Carricou.
Was the sailing exciting?
I would describe the conditions as challenging. Wind persisted at 25 knots around the clock. The wind direction had
northerly components, which meant motor-sailing in rough seas on the first half of the trip. These conditions did not agree with some members of the crew. However, the return sail was one of the best days I have had on the water. Sailing broad reach on a cat, flying past beautiful white sand beaches, surrounded by dolphins at eight knots is the stuff of sailors’ dreams. Did I mention the rainbows? There were too many to count!
Tell us about your excursions.
The Tobago Cays are akin to an adult playground. For those of us who were aqua-inclined, there were multiple dingy mooring balls stationed around the park that made snorkel outings incredibly easy. We saw Caribbean reef squid, green sea turtles, flounder, porcupine fish, trumpet fish, needle fish,
Charter Notes
and barracuda. Those who felt like staying dry took a nice hike up the cliffs of Petit Rameau for stunning views of the water below and several spottings of the local iguanas. The northeast end of the island, while touristy, did offer small lunches of fried rice and cold beers, which the crew found quite pleasing. On the way back, just before our home port, we stopped at an underwater snorkel garden. This is a really interesting experience, a little spooky but not to be missed. The craftsmanship of the underwater sculptures is exceptional.
Three highlights on sea or land?
For me, the sail from the Tobago Cays back to Grenada was the highlight. The conditions were perfect for an easy broad reach, and you would be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful location to hoist up your sails. Another was the number of turtles at the Tobago Cays: they were everywhere!
The ultimate highlight was being able to share this experience with some of my closest friends. Since I was in high school, I have dreamed of sailing the Caribbean with this group of friends. I never thought
I would accomplish this dream by the time I was 27 years old! This experience was made possible by the wonderful people at both the Downtown Sailing Center and Peninsula Sailors.
My friends and mentors at these organizations convinced me to give cruising a try and proceeded to provide
me with access to sailboats, training, and mentorship. This opportunity eventually culminated in me gaining my International Sailing License and Credentials (SLC) through the accredited school at Peninsula Sailors. This certification is one of two that is internationally recognized for skippering bareboat charters. If you are interested in skippering your first bareboat charter, I could not recommend a better place to learn and take your exam than Peninsula Sailors.
Did anything surprise you about the trip?
Having so much fun can be tiring; I’ve been sleeping since our flight landed.
Would you do anything differently if you could do it over?
From a logistical perspective, I would consider doing a one-way charter from St. Vincent to Grenada to avoid the upwind leg. This would have given us more time with the sails up, allowing me to more easily share my love of sailing with the crew. I strive to continue the wonderful example that Peninsula Sailors have provided, working to make sailing exciting and accessible to more people in our local communities. #
Learn About Local Sailing Clubs at the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show!
If you’d like to learn more about Chesapeake-based sailing clubs, be sure to stop by the Sailing Clubs Tent (Land Space C 4-5) at the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show April 25-27. Local clubs will have members and literature inside the booth to answer all your questions. These clubs welcome new members, and to join some of the clubs all you need is an interest in sailing—you don’t even need to know how to sail or own a boat!
Attention Chesapeake Bay sailing clubs: share your club news and events in SpinSheet’s Club Notes section by sending a 350word write-up and one or more clear photos of smiling faces or pretty boats to beth@spinsheet.com. Find Club Notes section sponsor, YaZu Yachting, at yazuyachting.com and on Facebook.
Burning Socks on the Bohemia Shoreline
By Susan Theuns
The Compass Boating Club of the Chesapeake has a full calendar of events for this year. We began with our planning meeting in January followed by an ad hoc Sock Burning in March. One of the great things about our boating club is that members can reach out to invite other members to join them in activities or even to just buddy boat on the spur of the moment.
Sean Hollis did just that when he decided that he would like to burn his winter socks a la Annapolis-style this spring. As Sean lives nearly 100 miles from Annapolis, he decided to create his own sock burning event to be held on March 22 at the top of the Bay. He enticed others to join in with an opportunity to share pizza while burning socks on the shore of the Bohemia River. Well, why not? Our club encourages camaraderie and socializing, both on and off the water.
Next up is our first on-water event, aptly named the Get R Done Sail, later this month. Walt Parsons will serve as
cruise director and port captain for this raftup in the Middle Bay for those who have procrastinated in readying their boats for the sailing season.
In May, Donna Pike and Wayne Steeves will co-captain a Spring Fling Mini-Cruise (exact dates and ports pending). Next, in June, co-captains Jay Ankers and Sean Hollis are planning a two weeklong Spring Cruise. Members can participate in a few days, a single port, or the entire cruise, as their schedules allow. Details will be emailed and will also be posted on the CBCC Facebook page (click on the events tab) for details and to sign up.
CBCC is a no-fee club, limited to 50 members, where
like-minded people with a shared love of the water participate as their schedule and preferences allow. If you are interested in joining a boating club that is tailored to you, please send a brief description of your experience, contact information, and expectations to CompassBoatingClub@yahoo.com
We look forward to hearing from you and joining in on the fun!
# Sock burning on the Bohemia River shoreline.
Three “Ancient Mariners” Create Youth Sailors
By Betty Caffo
When Rick Wahl joined expert racer Rick McGregor as crew member for Thursday night races at the Havre de Grace Yacht Club (HDGYC) in 2015, they began to wonder, “why are there no kids out here?” After all, the harbor in Havre de Grace offers protected waters and a large racing area, perfect for introducing youth to the fun of sailing.
Together with John Flanagan, commodore, and Gordon Black, a club board member at the time, the men revisited the notion of a youth sailing program. Support poured in. HDGYC was pivotal to the startup, funding the initial 501c3 application. The J/24 fleet wrote a startup check. Tidewater Marina offered small boat access, and local Friend of Sailing, Bob Brandon, provided a building and grounds for boat storage. Rick McGregor bought the first four boats and brought in a certified instructor for two years.
These main organizers—Rick, Rick, and Gordon—affectionately called the Ancient Mariners by the kids, were energized to keep going, and succeed they did. Rick Wahl, who was interviewed for this article, showed deep affection for the program.
Why were you committed to this idea?
I liked the idea and now the reality of seeing kids do something they’ve never done before. The kids take away sailing skills but even more life lessons. We see increased confidence as sailors and as young people. We keep going because we have so much help. Havre de Grace provides some funds and dock space all summer. BaySail School of Sailing lends us a chase boat and slip, and the Annapolis Yacht Club (AYC) Foundation gives us scholarship money. Volunteer boat builders at the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum Boat Shop bring in damaged boats every winter and repair them.
Has the program continued to grow?
After our start-up season with five kids, we had 55 campers the following year. Our highest number of participants was 174 in one year. These were all one-week camps during the summer. In recent years, we changed to a two-week camp structure to foster greater learning. To date, 609 kids have participated in camp, with one third of them doing more than one session. In terms of class sessions, 952 have been filled.
How do you find qualified instructors?
We have recruited instructors, but our real success was to put in place a Grow-Our-Own Instructor program. A sailor who has completed two camps and is at least 14 years of age can volunteer for Counselor-in-Training the next season. If they are successful with this level, they are eligible to become a paid intern to assist counselors. The following year they can qualify for the US Sailing certification. We pay them well because we want to retain them.
How are funds raised and why are they needed?
Let me answer the second question first. Insurance is $12,000; we pay instructors and a director; and we need some form of advertising to reach potential campers. To help us, HDGYC hosts an annual gumbo cookoff, and a fundraising family picnic also raises needed funds. Of course, we also support our budget through the camp fees.
Any challenges?
I smile, but the reality is this: at the end of each season, we have no kids in the pipeline for the next year. Our outreach is critical, and advertising is expensive. We have found some low tech, less expensive ways to reach youth at area schools and scout meetings.
Are there provisions for kids who don’t have financial resources to participate?
Our website offers an application for scholarships, and we are proud that no kid has been turned away because of the inability to pay for camp. We are grateful that AYC Foundation is so generous to our Upper Bay program.
You keep going. How is that possible?
Seeing these kids grow feeds me. The love and generosity of supporters of our program are quite special. I am a reluctant leader, never having been in management positions, but I am growing in my role as president—with lots of help. Rick McGregor, who now lives in New Orleans full-time maintains his position as vice president, and Gordon Black, who lives out of state continues to be treasurer in this exciting and evolving program. Stay tuned for future successes and, quite possibly, new HDGYC racers! Learn more at hydgyc.org
# The kids take away sailing skills but even more life lessons. Photo by Pat Venturino/Venture Photos
# Rick Whal instructing youth campers. Photo by Pat Venturino/Venture Photos
Members of The Sailing Club are excited and look forward to a new and enjoyable sailing season. We have plans to participate in the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show for the first time in a long time! Look for our burgee at the shared Sailing Clubs Booth.
Our skippers will provide sailing and safety training onland in April and on-water in May. These training events fill up quickly, so be sure to sign up early at thesailingclub.org
The club’s term of office for commodore is two years, and Eleanor Popolizio has served the club well since 2023. As of April 1, the new commodore is Jan Cornelius, who lives outside of Ithaca, NY, and has been sailing with the club
A New Sailing Season!
By Mary Ann Gordon
since 2021. One of the advantages of being a “virtual” club is the ability to utilize and welcome member participation from all over the country. Our monthly board of trustees meetings are held via video conferencing.
in-progress over the last 10 months. Mia McCroskey, a longtime member, skipper, and now our technology officer, led the effort that included help from Joel Mack and Steve Krakauer, as well as various members of the board who served as testers and editors.
The club will debut a new webpage in April. It will have a fresh look with more interactive capability. It has been a work-
Our club’s trip schedule is available on the website. We try to create a balance of short and long trips to satisfy our membership, which is diverse and always looking for new places to explore. The club’s longer trips this year will be a seven-day trip through the North Channel of Lake Huron in August and a week of sailing out of Key West, FL, in late January 2026. Hopefully, we will see you on the water… come sailing with us!
COPPERCOAT
# The Sailing Club members during the Tobago Cays trip.
A Sailing Community in Port Covington
Peninsula Sailors embraces our motto “Sail and Learn Together” as a place to learn sailing skills and improve knowledge for all skill levels. If you want to learn, practice, or sharpen your cruising expertise, you might want to look at our club as an effective, economical sailing club where we are developing a true sailing community in Baltimore.
In addition to our own training programs, we have partnered with online education leader Nautic-Ed to help our sailors advance their skills. Those who are interested can progress from crew to skippers. Lots of on-the-water training is available.
Some of our members have even completed the international Sailing License and Credentials (SLC) which allows individuals to charter sailboats
Tin most locations around the world
One member who completed the SLC courses recently, Abe, just returned from a bareboat charter in Grenada last month. Read his story on page 66.
We have members who travel from Pennsylvania; Frederick, MD; Washington, DC; and all throughout the Chesapeake region to sail with us.
We are looking for more sailors to come join the fun!
Check out sailbp.com or visit us at the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show April 25-27 at the shared Sailing Club Booth.
Better yet, drop by Port Covington Marina to see our four well-maintained cruising sailboats and join us for a sail this spring! Look for our open house events to be posted soon!
Meet Us at the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show
he Hunter Sailing Association Station-1 (HSA-1) held our annual Winter Lunch on March 1 at Pirates Cove Restaurant and Dock Bar in Galesville, MD. We had a delicious buffet arranged by our vice commodore Ed Oliver (Ruff N It) and had 20 sailboats represented. We socialized over recent and planned vacations, discussed upcoming spring boat maintenance, and caught up with our friends. After lunch commodore Celeste Streger
(Blue Heron) reviewed the current plans for the HSA-1 calendar year.
Our next in-person get-together is Saturday, April 5, when HSA-1 will host our own annual sock burning.
Plans are in the works for a club dinner during the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show on April 26.
At the show, please visit the Sailing Clubs Tent (Land Space C 4-5) to meet HSA-1 members in person and learn more about membership and the details of
# Meet our members at the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show!
our plans for the year. Our sailing season really kicks off in May, and we hope to see some new members join us!
If you have a Hunter or Marlow Hunter sailboat in the Chesapeake Bay and are not a member, please check out our club at hsa1.org or email commodore@hsa1. org to learn more about the benefits of membership, which includes access to all club cruises and events, plus a direct connection to a network of Chesapeake Bay Hunter owners. We hope you will join us!
# Peninsula Sailors’ fleet at Port Covington Marina
A Boatload of Benefits
Membership in America’s Boating Club Wilmington (ABCW) comes with many benefits, including valuable discounts on boating products, travel, lodging and more. However, it’s ABCW education that enables better, safer, and more confident boating, as recognized by the most well-known risk assessors of all: insurance companies.
An exclusive ABCW insurance program, featured in our recent Lubber’s Line newsletter, describes how members are considered “preferred risk” boaters by virtue of formal education in boating safety, care, and operation.
Our education commitment is regularly demonstrated. The Basic Boating Course is being held again this spring at the New Castle Sailing Club. Additional courses are offered in two categories: Advanced and Elective. The Advanced
category includes boat handling, marine navigation, offshore, and celestial navigation. The elective category includes engine maintenance, marine electronics, radar, and weather. All are worthwhile for serious boaters.
When we are out cruising as a group, ABCW doesn’t forget about educational opportunities. For example, our Chesapeake Bay June Cruise will include a presentation by the South
River’s Riverkeeper, maritime museum tours in Annapolis and Baltimore, and a Hancock Plantation tour on Bodkin Creek.
In conclusion, America’s Boating Club Wilmington strives to improve boating skills through education and promoting safe boating practices. Members enjoy being together as like-minded mariners. To learn more, visit abc-wilmington.com or contact us at wspsboaters@gmail.com.
# Dinghy tour of Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Rhode River.
Parklawn Sailing Boats Are Splashed
Parklawn Sailing Association (PSA) members have had a busy winter of boat work. We have redone brightwork; replaced standing rigging, mast-top instruments, and transom decals; sanded boat bottoms; painted; and other commissioning tasks. Now PSA’s three boats, two Catalina 34s and a J/32, are in their slips on the West River and available for members to sail.
The boats are reserved for training on April weekends as well as some weekdays in April and May. Our club provides two orientation sails for new members and refreshers for returning members. In addition, club sails, including races, full moon evening sails, and day and overnight sails, are on the calendar. Other than those events, members may reserve the boats for their private use.
If you are interested in joining our club, check out parklawnsailingassociation.org/wp. PSA is a great and very affordable way to go sailing and to meet and sail with like-minded friends, all without the burden of boat ownership.
Junior Safety a t Sea Program
# Sanding Catalina 34 Pisces’s brightwork.
Tartan Symposium in April
March was the beginning of the Chesapeake Bay Tartan Sailing Club’s 2025 season. At the Selby Bay Yacht Club, we held a presentation on First Aid and CPR/AED for boaters, and at the Annapolis Yacht Club we held our club’s annual Ladies Luncheon.
On Saturday, April 5 we will hold the annual Tartan Symposium at the Eastport Yacht Club (EYC), an all-day event with top-notch speakers. Tom Horton will speak about his experiences living on Smith Island with his family. Katie Livie will present on Beacons of the Chesapeake. Matthew Cappucci, a meteorologist for the Washington Post Weather Gang, will offer insights into predicting weather. Annapolis rigger Trevor Harney will speak about the maintenance of sailboat rigging and common failures sailors might face while under sail. Finally, we enjoyed some fantastic photographs of birds, wildlife, and scenic areas on the Bay presented by our vice commodore, Michael Mininsohn.
We greatly appreciate the financial support from Mike Titgemeyer, president of Crusader Yachts and our local Tartan dealer, whose support over the years has enabled us to rent a meeting room at EYC for this event.
Next month we will participate in a multi-club rendezvous on the Wye River May 24-25. In June we’ll cruise to the Southern Bay. For details on events members may log into cbtsc.org.
Seeking Part-Time Delivery Drivers
Looking for a reliable driver to assist with magazine distribution routes in Maryland, three days per month. Compensation is based on the number of stops. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license in good standing, a dependable vehicle, and the ability to lift up to 25 lbs. For more details, please email info@spf-360.com
As specialty yacht insurance and risk advisors, we understand the complexities of yacht ownership and your need for the highest level of protection and risk management. We also offer a full suite of private client insurance solutions to protect your assets and the passions you pursue, on and off the water. Our solutions include coverage for your homes, collector cars, fine art, equine interests, and more.
# Photo by Greg Shields
Quality Cruising Yachts | Deltaville, VA
Heading to Long Island Sound
People have varied reasons for joining a yacht club and right up there with a ready-made group of like-minded friends is the opportunity to learn from others as well as share your own knowledge.
This is certainly the case for Larry and Joan Romano who joined Back Creek Yacht Club (BCYC) in May 2024 after relocating from Connecticut. As they were planning their move, Larry researched Annapolis area yacht clubs hoping to cruise the Chesapeake Bay with a group of new friends. Larry got his first taste of sailing at age 20 and has been hooked ever since, modestly mentioning that they’ve “won lots of races.” The couple bought their current J/40 Covenant in 2016.
The Romanos fit right in with the BCYC crowd, so it was natural when someone suggested Larry lead a flotilla up the Bay and back to his old stomping grounds of Long Island Sound.
Plans got underway in earnest over the winter. Much of the planning has been via a dedicated thread in our WhatsApp group, but Larry also got folks together in the Captain’s Lounge at Port Annapolis for some in-person discussions.
BCYC brings together a mixture of sailors and powerboaters, and the Long Island Sound Rally is no exception. Larry is expecting four sailboats of between 40 and 45 feet and a powerboat that expects to cruise at nine knots. The fleet should manage to stay together throughout the cruise.
The group plans get underway on June 21, with the first leg taking the group to Chesapeake City where they’ll overnight before heading across the C&D Canal and up the Delaware Bay. They will hopscotch up the New Jersey coast before cruising into Liberty Harbor Marina with its views of lower Manhattan and ferry service to New York City sightseeing destinations. The fleet will need an early
start to take advantage of the tide to head north up the East River and out to Long Island Sound from which members can choose to continue on to Block Island Sound or as far as Newport, RI.
Interested in BCYC? Check us out at bakccreekyc.org #WelcomeAboard
Charter With Chesapeake Sailors!
By Janet Gonski
Anchoring under the night stars of the Southern Cross is not a common experience for Chesapeake Bay sailors, but it was a nightly occurrence (for a week or two) for those Singles on Sailboats (SOS) club members who were on a bareboat trip to New Zealand.
Eight boats were chartered for a weeklong trip, and an additional boat’s skipper and crew opted to extend it to a 10-day cruise. While in New Zealand, do as New Zealanders do— and meet a local author of multiple sailing books, Lin Pardey. She and her late husband, Larry Pardey, had circumnavigated both east-ward and west-ward, worked in many marine industries, and had plenty of fodder for their books; Lin shared several of those adventures and stories with some of our SOS skippers and crew.
Members of the SOS, a social sailing club, are fortunate to have opportunities (usually twice a year) to take bareboat charters internationally and throughout the United States. During 2024 we had skippers and crew in the BVI and Mallorca! This year finds us in New Zealand and, in September, Lake Huron.
With our club’s robust summer cruising schedule of day sails and weekends throughout the midChesapeake Bay, we will have many beautiful bays and rivers to visit where we will raftup.
I am excited to be participating early this summer in our
club’s Chesapeake Bay Domestic Bareboat extended cruise. We will leave from the Annapolis area and spend a week or 10 days sailing to Yorktown, VA, and to Cape Charles before working our way back north. I’ve never sailed that far south, have you? For more information about our club, visit singlesonsailboats.org
# Skippers and crew of the New Zealand bareboat charters with author Lin Pardey and David Haight.
# Larry and Joan will lead a cruise to Long Island Sound this season.
Chesapeake Bay Sailors Travel to Spain for Team USA
Several Chesapeake Bay Junior Sailors were invited by the United States Optimist Dinghy Association (USODA) to be part of the official Team USA delegations at the 35th International Vila De Palamos Optimist Trophy held in Palamos, Spain, and the seventh OptiOrange Valencia Regatta in Valencia, Spain, in February. Sailors qualified among the top sailors at the highly competitive 2024 Optimist Midwinter Championship, hosted by the Southern Yacht Club in New Orleans, LA, November 28-30, 2024. This event is one of three annual qualifiers to select sailors to attend the world’s most competitive international regattas and continental championships.
Annapolis Yacht Club (AYC) race team sailors Charlotte Stites and Samantha “Sammy” Feinstone and Hampton Yacht Club (HYC) sailors Wesley and Tucker Johnson were part of the 15-sailor team that raced in Palamos, where 550 Optis were divided into five starts. Despite the limited wind over the four-day event, all sailors really enjoyed
# Emory McAllister (L) and Grace Crespin (R), out of Annapolis YC, represented Team USA at the OptiOrange event in Valencia, Spain.
# OptiOrange Team USA
meeting new teammates from across the U.S. and throughout the world, participating in the opening ceremonies, and tasting the local food.
AYC race team sailors Grace Crespin and Emory McAllister represented Team USA at the OptiOrange, in which 520 sailors representing 29 countries competed. Sailors faced various conditions over the four-day event,
experiencing light to heavy winds and large swells while sailing in the Mediterranean Sea. They enjoyed exploring Valencia, which has a rich history and is home to the Valencia Cathedral (home to the Holy Grail), their old town, excellent networks of bike/walking trails, and museums. They also enjoyed meeting new teammates and friends and trying the local favorite dish, Paella.
Up Next: More Than 222 Junior Sailors headed to NYCC for USODA Team Trials
Several Bay sailors are preparing to travel to the 2025 Optimist Team Trials (Team Trials) held at Norfolk Yacht and Country Club (NYCC) in Norfolk, VA, April 3-6.
These sailors qualified to compete at Team Trials by placing in the top 25 percent of sailors at one or more qualifying events over the past 12 months. This event is one of three annual USODA qualifiers for the USA International Teams to the world’s most competitive international regattas and continental championships. Sailors from across the country will arrive to compete in this four-day event. Racing will take place in the Lafayette and Elizabeth Rivers, where sailors are expected to experience great breeze on protected waters. NYCC is no stranger to the optimist class, having been a co-host with Old Dominion University for the 2021 Optimist Nationals, and serving as host for the 2022 Optimist Southeast Championship. The club’s large, welcoming facility was completely renovated in 2021, to include the addition of a sailing center.
It’s
Opti head coach at HYC Juan Manuel “Patón” Briones coached Team USA at the OptiOrange event. This was his third time coaching team USA, and as always, he was very excited to transmit all of his experience and knowledge to the young sailors, so that they can develop to their maximum potential.
Time To Enroll Kids in Youth Summer Sailing Programs
While the Chesapeake is home to many topnotch youth sailing programs for youth sailors eager to compete at high levels nationally and internationally, the Bay is also home to many excellent summer programs designed to introduce kids to sailing and help novice youth sailors improve their skills. Over the past many years, we have noted plenty of summer courses that focus on cruising and messing about on paddlecrafts, rather than focusing solely on racing skills.
Summer youth programs that are held at yacht clubs are often open to nonmembers or welcome youths with a reasonably priced special youth membership.
Such programs are filling up fast. If you have a child or grandchild who would enjoy spending time on the water this summer, whether building sailing skills, exploring by boat, or learning basic racing tactics, register them as soon as possible. A good place to start your search for the ideal program for the young sailor in your life is the February issue of SpinSheet, which features an article on kids’ sailing programs. Find it here: spinsheet.com/kids-summersailing-programs-2025
# Hampton Yacht Club sailors Wesley and Tucker Johnson were part of the USA’s 15-sailor team that competed for the International Vila De Palamos Optimist Trophy.
# Annapolis Yacht Club sailors Charlotte Stites (L) and Samantha “Sammy” Feinstone (R) in Palamos, Spain.
Events for Racing Sailors at the Spring Sailboat Show
This year’s Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show, April 25-27, will be “racier” than usual in the event tent. For a full schedule of events and ticket information, visit annapolisspringsailboatshow.com; here are a few highlights for competitive sailors:
Take Your Racing and Racing Events to the Next Level
The Oakcliff Celebration and Collaboration Tour brings competitive sailors, racing event organizers, and funders of all ages and skills in the Chesapeake region together for a high-energy day of collaboration, learning, problem identification and solving, and sharing.
The tour was created to harness the creativity of American sailors and improve as many parts of the sport as possible, from regatta scheduling to refurbishing a fleet to more opportunities for women boat owners and skippers.
If you are a competitive sailor who wants to compete at a high level— Olympics, world championships, major ocean races—this working session is for you. If you are a race committee member, club manager, active sailing parent, or racing event chair, this
working session is for you. If you fund events or want to know how others have found sponsors and raised funds, this event is for you.
Oakcliff will facilitate the working session and act as record-keeper, cycling results back to participants.
Join one of the sessions at the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show: Saturday, April 26, 4-6 p.m. and Sunday, April 27, 9-11 a.m. To register visit oakcliffsailing.org and click on Calendar); boat show ticket price included.
A Crazy Adventure Challenge
A firsthand account of the Everglades Challenge as told by 11-time participant Jahn Tihansky. Join Jahn as he shares his experience and tales through video, pictures, and his own words in what promises to be an entertaining and inspiring presentation. He’ll talk about how he and his partner, Jeff Linton (former Rolex Yachtsman of the Year), prepared, navigated, and
persevered to overcome numerous obstacles to not only complete the 300mile course aboard their beach-launch boat but also to win the overall prize three times. Friday, April 25, from 3-4 p.m. Free to show attendees.
Get Started in Sailboat Racing
Join Pete Boland of the Sailfaster Podcast for a dynamic discussion on how beginners can break into sailboat racing with confidence. If you’ve ever been intimidated by sailboat racing, don’t miss this insider look at the fastest ways to get on the water! Friday at 4 p.m. Free to show attendees.
Crew Tips for Newcomers
Ian Morrison, director of Annapolis Sailing School, will teach newcomers the ins and outs of becoming a race boat crew member from how to read the water to where to distribute your weight. Free to show attendees. Check show website for timing.
What’s New in the Racing Rules?
Have you read and digested the new rules?
Join a panel organized by SpinSheet Magazine for a Q&A about the 2025-2028 Racing Rules of Sailing and what has changed. Free to show attendees. Check show website for timing.
Summer Sailing Begin S
Cross the Bridge After the Show for the SpinSheet Crew Party!
Whether or not they’ve been to the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show, racing sailors of all levels are invited to join us for our free SpinSheet Crew Party from 4-6 p.m. at Eastport Yacht Club. Don’t be shy—we’ll all wear nametags! This event is created for sailors to introduce themselves to skippers seeking crew or potential crew members looking for boats to sail on.
For new sailors, we offer a Start Sailing Now tent, where you may ask any of our SpinSheet ambassadors questions about getting into sailing in your area. They’ll have answers and probably introduce you to a few friends.
Several sailing clubs and schools will exhibit materials and also be available to talk about sailing opportunities. We’ll have our “boat board,” which are “masts” filled with displays of different boats and details about how to get in touch with skippers. We recommend bringing your smart phone to take photos of the boat board and also exchange numbers with new sailing connections.
Make sure to park on the street (the lot is for members only). Bring cash for the bar. Sign up in advance at spinsheet.com or sign up at the door. Don’t forget to sign up and/or update your profile on our free Crew Finder at spinsheet.com/crew-finder
# Show up, make new sailing friends. It’s that easy.
Seven Ways To Be a Great Crew Member on a Race Boat
Over the years, we’ve interviewed many top teams who tell us about their wonderful crew members and how well they work together, or how they read each other’s minds. As anyone who’s ever stepped foot on a race boat will tell you, this is uncommon. Such “well-oiled machine” teams don’t happen overnight; it takes years of sailing together, weathering storms, honing skills, and laughing together to become a synchronistic, effective team. When teams reach that level, they feel like family and tend to win more. Wouldn’t you love to be part of a team like that?
There are ways to improve your racing crew skills, hundreds of them, perhaps. We thought we’d start the conversation with two successful Chesapeake sailors’ thoughts on being a better crew member.
1. Be proactive.
Kelly FitzGerald, who is on the J/24 US Class Association executive committee and is the J/24 East Coast Championship regatta chair, says, “Everyone is busy these days, including your skippers, so we could all use a few reminders, especially about the sailing schedule. Reach out to your skippers early this year and see which events they’re considering. Check your schedule and send them your availability before the season even starts. This avoids the Tuesday panicked text you’ll receive to see if you’re available for Wednesday Night Racing the following day!”
2. Be communicative.
FitzGerald says, “Communication is key. Be honest about your sailing skillset and also about areas you’d like to improve. Whether it is a more casual weeknight race or a top-tier event, your skipper needs to put the right people in the right positions for a competitive, safe, and great experience for all.
“If you’re new to the bow, but really want to learn, let your skippers know that at the start of the season, and I bet you’ll find them willing to train you this year. We’ve all been racing with someone who claims to be a Cat 3 superstar,
# Reach out to your skippers now to find out which races they’re considering and send them your availability before the season even starts.
# Kelly at Pat FitzGerald’s Rush Hour at left (#3479) at the J/24 East Coasts. Photos by Will Keyworth
TASTE THE GOOD LIFE
only to find out that it isn’t the case, which can be frustrating for your entire team. Avoid the drama and have the conversations early about your goals for the season.”
Editor’s note: Be communicative on land as well! We at SpinSheet hear skippers lamenting that new crew members don’t answer their emails, texts, or team app messages… not “great crew” behavior. Find out how your skipper communicates with the team and jump onboard.
3. Be helpful.
Have you ever offered to assist on a boat-work day? FitzGerald recommends that you do: “If we’re lucky, racing is about 20 percent racing and 80 percent everything else. From regular maintenance, to upgrades, to prepping for winter storage and everything in between, there’s always a lot of time and effort to get the boat race-ready and in top shape. Offer to help with a boat-work day this spring! Boat work is more fun with more people, and hey, is it even a real Saturday without a trip to the West Marine?”
4. Become versatile.
Known as the editor and commentator of T2PTV, Ashley Love competes in a variety of boats from a Melges 15 to a J/105 and in a wide range of events from weeknight races to team and fleet racing, including her most recent competition in March: Trophé Virginie Hériot, a J/70 women’s regatta hosted by the Yacht Club of Monaco. Love says, “Being experienced in a specific role is great, but I’ve also found being versatile to do many roles on the boat to be an asset. It means you can be a part of a top-level team in multiple ways and configurations.
“On the J/105, Mayhem, owned by Doug and Amy Stryker, I’ve done every role on the boat at some point and switched around so often that I
have no ‘regular job.’ It enables Doug to build the team for events in lots of different ways. If he finds someone that is a phenom at main, I can trim jib or kite or do pit. I love mixing it up. It’s also good for when it is super light air or super heavy and we need to assign roles based on weight to keep our weight in the right place on the boat.”
5. Be generous.
FitzGerald notes, “If you’ve been racing with a team for years and want to help take it to the next level, talk to your skipper about contributing some financially. It could be as small as purchasing an extra winch handle that you know the boat needs or maybe contributing to a new spinnaker for the upcoming North Americans. Many skippers loan their boats to their trusted crew for events they cannot attend, so in this case, pay the entry fees and stock the boat with any supplies you used for the event. If it is a more casual program, buying a round of drinks or dinner for the owner every now and again will still go a long way!”
6. Become part of the program.
Love adds, “I’ve strongly encouraged people coming onto the scene to think about what else they can offer to a team: Have extra bedrooms near the club? Make a mean morning smoothie for crew members the morning of an event? Love taking GoPro videos that can help improve choreography when watched later? Really good at fiberglass work or canvas sewing, or have some extra time to help with the bottom job, get hoisted up the mast, move sails to or from a loft, or help deliver the boat to away events? It takes a lot to run a successful boat program and the expression ‘it takes a village’ is applicable. Be a part of the program, not just the racing, and you’ll become more valuable.”
7. Be prompt and more.
Love concludes, “Always show up with bells on, on time (or even better, early), try your best, learn from your mistakes and try to minimize them, stay positive on the boat, and communicate clearly on and off the water.”
# Ashley Love can perform all of the crew positions on Mayhem, which frees up the skipper to train others.
Photo by Will Keyworth
Photo by Jay Cook
TASTE THE GOOD LIFE
Bay Sailors at the Bacardi Cup
Hundreds of sailors from 20 different countries descended upon Miami March 2-8 for the Bacardi Cup and Invitational Regatta. Several Chesapeake sailors excelled at the much-loved event.
Vir Menon of Hampton Yacht Club (HYC) proved victorious in the 16-boat Viper 640 class on Rolling Thunder. His crew consisted of his father, Aditya (navigator), who taught him to sail when he was six years old, and Christopher Pfrang (spinnaker).
“Conditions for the event were fantastic, a windy day one, a very light day two, and a moderate day three, giving us a little bit of everything. With the changing conditions our team did a good job changing gears throughout the regatta. It was not a set-it-and-forget-it type of event. We were trying to prioritize being dynamic with the ever-changing conditions.”
Noting a memorable on-water moment, Menon says. “We tend to enjoy the breeze, and the second race of the first day, we were called over early and fought our way back through the fleet and managed to round the windward mark in first place.”
Fellow HYC Viper sailor Mark Wheeler and his crew on Vapor Trails placed second six points behind Rolling Thunder. Charlie Brewer (forward) and Rob Gorman (middle) rounded out the Vaper Trails team.
What did Wheeler’s team do well together? “We finished strong with a going away race win in the last race to put us back in second after Mike Deyett had just won the previous two races.”
Of exciting moments on the racecourse, Wheeler notes, “The VX Ones used the Race Sense technology for their starts. The race committee tried using the BOT as the pin end of the line, but it couldn’t handle the high wind and waves on the first race Thursday, so they moved the sensor over to a center console for the remainder of the event. The Vipers had used the Race Sense starting in the last Sarasota event. It gets interesting when a large group of boats turn back quickly after being declared OCS on their Vakaros devices.”
In the J/70 division, Cate Muller-Terhune of Annapolis placed third of 50 on Casting Couch. She sailed with Steve Hunt (tactician), Allan Terhune, and Will Ryan. Paul Green of Severn Sailing Association placed fourth on Progress
Other Chesapeake sailors on the racecourse in Miami included Matthew
# Cate Muller-Terhune placed third in the J/70 class.
Rajacich, Bobby Lippincott, and Shane Zwingelberg in the Star fleet; Kristen Berry on Wicked and Donna and Jason Aulds on Celerity in the J/70 fleet; Paul Murphy on the Billion Oysters Project in the VX One fleet; and Gavin O’Hare on Finale and Lisa and Alex Pline on Old Folks Boogie in the Snipe fleet.
Menon says, “The event is always run very well, with great professionalism from the team both on and off the water. With the growing size of the sport boat fleets, we might need to start finding more launching options; however, the actual racing was spectacular as always. I would strongly recommend the Bacardi Cup to anyone who has not been before. Miami never disappoints, and we look forward to being back next year.”
Learn more at bacardiinvitational.com
# The winning Rolling Thunder team.
# Christopher Pfrang, Aditya Menon, and skipper Vir Menon topped the Viper 640 class at the Bacardi Cup. Photos by Marina Semenova/Bacardi Cup
WhAT The ViPeR fleeT offeRS:
• A group of dedicated sailors that enjoy having fun, sharing their knowledge, and good camaraderie.
• Excellent events in great locations.
• A boat that is easy to trailer behind just about any car.
• Fast enough for a thrill seeker, stable enough for family sailing.
• Fleets in Annapolis and Hampton.
• Local sailmaker and professional sailor support.
TASTE THE GOOD LIFE
Velocity Breaks Course Record in Nassau Cup Ocean Race
In late February, Annapolis sailor
Marty Roesch and his Class 40 Velocity team broke a course record and placed first in ORC 1 at the Nassau Cup Ocean Race, the third event in the SORC Islands in the Stream series the team competed in, starting with the Sailor’s Choice Race in Ft. Lauderdale (November 2024, third place), followed by the Ft. Lauderdale to Key West Race (January 9).
Roesch bought the Class 40 a couple of years ago after the previous French owner had competed in the Route du Rhum Race on the boat, ending in Guadeloupe.
He says, “In 2024 we did the Caribbean 600, got the boat up here, horsed around a bit, and did some races on the Chesapeake: the Governor’s Cup, Fall Cambridge Race, Annapolis to Cambridge Lighthouse Challenge, and the Annapolis Yacht Club Fall Solomons Race. “
For the 200-nautical-mile Nassau Cup in February, James Allsopp, Dave Scott, Carter Miller, Zeke Horowitz, and Telmo Basterra competed as crew on Velocity
“We were super dialed in,” says Roesch. “We’ve been racing together as a group for most of the races this winter. It was a one-tack race, port the whole race! So, it was mostly about sail changes, picking the right sails at the right time, and keeping fresh drivers in the seat. We didn’t have any maneuver hiccups. We got off the line really clean and accelerated quickly. We had tested sail configuration before the race, trying new things in the boat to make it go faster.”
“The breeze was north-northwesterly at 14-15 knots and built to 18-20. It started to clock as we turned south and picked up to 20-24 knots with some pretty decent gusts for downwind leg. Going across the stream was a northerly, with six- to ninefoot foot waves with a few bigger on the beam, but it doesn’t bother you much on the Class 40. It’s not super ‘rolly,’ as the boat has a wide stern section and chines, so tends to dig in, likes to surf. The boat has a little bit of heel, but you don’t get wild heeling moments. The Class 40 is designed for long-distance across the ocean.”
As for onboard mishaps, “There’s always breakage here and there,” says Roesch. Other than a jib lead issue, a snapped outhaul line, and some other minor things, the team didn’t have many issues and enjoyed the “perfect conditions” for their boat.
Roesch would recommend the race to other bluewater racers. He says, “It’s interesting navigationally; you have to be careful going around rocks and pay attention… The post-race activities were rather fun. The Nassau Yacht Club was awesome, a small club but super accommodating. We liked the Bahamian vibe. I would totally recommend it. I got the 40 to do distance racing on the ocean, and the SORC series is the biggest game in town.”
Learn more at sorcsailing.org
# James Allsopp, Zeke Horowitz, Marty Roesch, Carter Miller, Telmo Basterra, and Dave Scott celebrate their win after the Nassau Cup.
# Marty Roesch’s Class 40 Velocity and Peter Gibbons-Neff’s Classe Mini 6.5, both oceanracing machines, at the Navy Fall Cambridge Race 2024. Photo by Will Keyworth
TASTE THE GOOD LIFE
One Great Race and Two Amazing Parties at the Cock Island Race
By Gary Bahena
As the official history of the famed Southern Bay Cock Island Race relates: “The Race to Cock Island was created [in] … 1987 to bring big boat sail racing back to Portsmouth and to showcase and promote the hospitality and history of Olde Towne Portsmouth. From its beginning, the race and events were designed by sailors. Founding chairman, Mo Whitlow met with all the [Cruising Club of Virginia] class champions and notable competitors asking them, ‘What would it take for you to come to Portsmouth for a weekend event and a race starting in the Portsmouth-Norfolk harbor?’ The answer was ‘free rum, free music, and free dockage.’” The race was on!
Thirty-seven years later the Cock Island Race still offers a terrific race and not one but two amazing parties.
The 2024 Cock Island Race will kick off in Historic Olde Towne, Portsmouth, VA, across from Norfolk, with the pre-race check-in and skippers’ brief and party on Friday, June 13. Check-in and live music (with free food and beverages) runs from 4:30-8 p.m. and the mandatory skipper’s briefing starts at 6:30. The free Continental Breakfast on race day, June 14, starts at 7:30 a.m., and the first warning signal sounds at 9 a.m. at the northern end of the Portsmouth Seawall off Tidewater Yacht Marina. The post-race party (did we mention the parties?) runs from 4-9 p.m. with more free food, beverages, live music, and an awards ceremony at 6 p.m.
Find details at cockislandrace.com. Early bird registration runs through March 31, and there is also a $25 refer-a-friend cash rebate. The race welcomes PHRF Classes A, B, C, N (non-spinnaker/single headsail) and CC NS (non-spinnaker/single headsail) together with a Non-PHRF Cruising Class (non-spinnaker/single headsail), a Multi-Hull Class, and a Schooner Class.
The Cock Island Race always has been, and still is, about Southern hospitality. Y’all come down to Portsmouth, and we’ll show you a good time.
TASTE THE GOOD LIFE
Lady Seahawks Fly Together
By Mallory Kwiatkowski (‘08)
While we didn’t win any official awards at the 2021 Governor’s Cup Yacht Race, we were the only boat, out of 75 competing, with an all-women, all St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) alumnae crew. It was a Tuesday night post Baltimore City Yacht Association racing that Jill Palmore (Bradley, ‘09) and I started talking about doing the Governor’s Cup that year. There were questions to answer. For starters, neither of us owned a racing sailboat, but it didn’t feel like an insurmountable challenge to overcome. The seed was planted. We just needed to water it and let it grow.
The weeks progressed as did the conversations around the boat, the crew, the idea. The early planners included Jill, Jill’s sister Sally Szydlowski (Bradley, ‘06), Jenn Calhoun (Chamberlin, ‘09), and me. We pondered, “Wouldn’t it be great to do an all-female crew?” All of us lifelong sailors, having competed in many regattas over the years, agreed that there was just something special, better,
about sailing with all ladies. I’ll leave the gender stereotypes out of the story, but dear reader, draw your own conclusions.
Jill and Sally’s dad had recently purchased a new-to-him racer/cruiser, a J/34 named Whistle Jacket. Would he be willing to let us use the boat for the race and would he be willing to miss out on his new boat’s maiden Gov Cup voyage in support of our all-female endeavor?
Amazingly, he agreed. As is ever the case, dads rarely turn down their daughter’s requests. And so, we got to cross off the first and arguably most important item on our long to-do list: find a boat to race on.
The next question: did any of us know how to navigate an overnight race? The answer was not necessarily a resounding “yes,” but we weren’t deterred. The other question needing an answer: “Who else would be on our crew?” We made texts and calls, and we rounded out our group with Kathleen Kennedy (‘08) and Sarah Lawrence (Gilmer ‘08). Sarah, without knowing much about the boat, crew, or other logistics, was a quick and decisive, “Oh yes, I need this.” As is the way with SMCM alumni, while not all of us were necessarily close during college, there is a special kinship and solidarity among fellow Seahawks.
Our crew and boat were assembled. There were more details to arrange, acquiring sails, cleaning the boat bottom, boat delivery to Annapolis, dockage, and the list goes on. Among the six of us our sailing experience was impressive
# Lady Seahawks on Whistle Jacket. Photo by SpinSheet
TASTE THE GOOD LIFE
but wrapped in the details of planning the question of, “Do we know what we need to know to actually sail this race?” became secondary until about a week prior when Jill and I got a crash course in Gov Cup navigation, at the bar.
On a gorgeous Friday afternoon, winds around 10 miles per hour, temperature in the 80s, boat provisioned with rosé and a playlist of predominantly Taylor Swift, we set out on the 68-nautical-mile trip from Annapolis to our alma mater. The excitement was palpable. We had champagne conditions with a northerly breeze, ideal for making a downwind trek along the Chesapeake Bay. Eventually, the sun set, and the head lamps emerged, as did the tales and questions akin to being on a boat at 1 a.m. in total darkness, “Do you believe in ghosts? Are aliens real? Let me tell you this crazy story.”
I will never forget the exhilaration of rounding Point Lookout in the wee hours of the morning, dropping our spinnaker and tacking up the St. Mary’s River. When we pulled into the waterfront, readying our lines and looking for a spot to dock, another boat crew was staring at us for a very long time when someone finally said, “Are you guys... all girls?” We confirmed that indeed we were.
Once docked, the dark ‘n’ stormies were prepared, the bag of rosé was slapped, and we watched the sunrise, giddy with our accomplishment and camaraderie. The race remains a highlight of my sailing career. While the stars haven’t aligned for us to make our triumphant return, I’m hopeful the day will come. More than that, I’m hopeful to see more all-women crewed boats compete in predominantly male regattas.
Are you inspired? If you plan to sail a distance race this upcoming season with an all-women crew, please reach out to editor@spinsheet.com. We’d love to hear about it.
www.OakCliffSailing.Org
SpinSheet Will Send Weekly Racing Results
Starting in May
Back by popular demand, the SpinSheet Racing Results
Presented by Mount Gay Rum will return to racers’ email boxes the first Monday in May, following the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series Annapolis May 2-4. If you would like to receive our weekly Chesapeake-focused racing results, click to spinsheet.com and sign up for our emails or update your email preferences by clicking “weekly racing results.”
If you are a race organizer on the Chesapeake or its tributaries who’d like to be sure your club’s results are included, reach out to editor@spinsheet.com
American Magic Sailor (’21) and AC40 Boat Captain (’24) sean o’Halloran, is now a Shore Lead for REGENT Craft, testing the first all-electric seaglider for fast, safe and low cost coastal transportation. REGENT seagliders will skim over water at 180mph. sean went from sailing to foiling to flying. This is an example of America’s Cup technology, not just trickling down to sailing, but making the full transition from water to air. Oakcliff provides a real path to really cool careers.
Sailfaster Podcast: The Art of Match Racing
Sailfaster recently featured two-time Danish match racing champion Marie Klok Crump about her journey into match racing, what it takes to succeed, and how match-racing’s tactical intensity sharpens skills for fleet racing. Hear the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch it on YouTube.
A Tactical Chess Game on Water With Marie Klok Crump
How did your sailing journey begin, and what led you to match racing?
Marie: I was drawn to sailing early but took a long break before re-engaging in high school in Denmark. My dad helped develop match racing centers in Scandinavia, and I saw juniors laughing, having water fights, and enjoying the sport. That was my turning point. Within two years, I was ranked in match racing.
Many sailors think they need a rigid progression—dinghies, keelboats, Olympic pathways—but if you’re eager to learn, willing to put in the time, and open to new experiences, you can become proficient at any stage.
What was it about match racing that appealed to you?
Marie: What captivated me was its intensity and one-on-one nature. Unlike fleet racing, where external factors— wind shifts, current variations, and other boats— dictate your race, match racing is purely about out-manoeuvring one opponent. No hiding behind fortune; you either outthink and out-sail the other boat, or you don’t.
I vividly remember watching the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, one of the most well-broadcast sailing events. Seeing the precision and strategy in those head-tohead battles was a game-changer for me.
What does it take to excel in match racing?
Marie: It’s about decision-making under extreme time pressure. No margin for hesitation—you train for chaos, drilling not just tacks and gybes but also moments where everything is on the edge of unravelling. The best sailors aren’t just fast; they make fewer mistakes and recover instantly.
It’s also about tactical mastery. Unlike a fleet race where you can afford to think long-term, match racing is about winning every moment. The races are short, often 16–20 minutes, so every second counts. Whether setting up for the perfect start, controlling a downwind gybing duel, or executing a flawless dialdown, anticipation and execution under pressure are everything.
How does match racing experience benefit fleet racing?
Marie: The skill set developed in match racing is invaluable in fleet racing, particularly in mark roundings, pre-start positioning, and defending lanes. Match racers thrive in boat-on-boat combat, using positioning and tactical aggression to control their race.
Boat handling is another key advantage. Fleet racers focus on macro strategy—wind patterns, course geometry—but match racing forces you to be instinctively dialed into the boat’s feel. The ability to execute a perfect tack or gybe in a split-second decision translates into better overall race performance.
How do you balance situational awareness with the need for immediate tactical decisions?
Marie: Match racing is a balance between micro and macro decision-making. The skipper is deeply engaged in the duel—fighting for control, executing a lee-bow tack, or protecting the favored side—while the tactician tracks shifts and risk versus reward. The crew must function as a unit, anticipating moves before they happen. It’s why match racing teams focus on fluid, instinctive communication. There’s no time for “ready about” calls; everyone must react instantly, whether adjusting tactics, making a last-second duck, or fighting for a crucial mark rounding.
If you had one piece of advice for sailors looking to sharpen their competitive edge, what would it be?
Marie: Sail every position on the boat. Understanding trimming, hoisting, dousing, and boat balance makes you a better skipper, tactician, or trimmer. It also strengthens teamwork, reducing inefficiencies. Beyond that, never stop learning. The best sailors absorb knowledge from every race, regatta, and debrief. Every experience adds to your knowledge base.
Subscribe to the Sailfaster series, the number one podcast for racing sailors, wherever you find your favorite podcasts.
# Marie at the helm at the J/105 Women’s Regatta with her “4 Teenz” crew. Photo by Will Keyworth
• Fun pursuit-style race with the option of sailing clockwise or counter-clockwise. • Pursuit race awards for PHRF Spin & Non-Spin & any one-design class with 5 or more entries by May 13 • Award for top boat with junior sailors onboard • River course for Harbor 20s & Melges 15s
vans
Stepping Out Shirts Party at horn Point
Fundraising to help an excellent Cause
# Try practicing both starboard and port roundings in different conditions and boat speeds; create as much chaos as you can to push the limits of what’s possible.
Around and Around We Go! Mark-Rounding Practice
By Kim Couranz
We’re all eager to get out on the water, but it can still be pretty darn chilly out there. It’s great to head out for some practice in April, but until things warm up a tad, keeping sailors active during their time on the water is important. Focusing on boat handling is a great way not only to refresh your fundamentals after a winter perhaps spent inside, but to stay warm.
One set of boat-handling skills to practice is mark roundings. When you do something multiple times each race, it’s important to have those maneuvers as smooth and effective as
possible. Packing a lot of action into a short session is a great way to use early-season time. A highly physically active practice session—even as short as an hour—can pay big dividends on the racecourse.
Mark rounding practice can be done in solo sessions or in coached/ group sessions. Solo sessions let you work on how you and your crew move and coordinate in the boat, including working together to minimize rudder movements. First, work on one kind of rounding. Practice weather mark roundings, making sure control lines are adjusted appropriately each time.
That may mean easing some items (cracking the vang, easing the cunningham) before you reach the mark and making other changes (board up, etc.) after. Your exit from the mark is part of this adventure. Whether you have a spinnaker or not, be sure to practice gybe sets or simply gybing quickly around the mark so that you are prepared for when that’s the move to make in a race.
For leeward mark roundings, try pressing your luck. How much time do you need to get the chute and board down, jib back up, and control lines readied for upwind use? Try this in
Photo by Ted Morgan
Small Boat Scene
different conditions (and thus different boat speeds). And if you’re in a class that often sails courses with leeward gates, be sure to practice both starboard and port roundings. Create as much chaos as you can to really push the limits of what’s possible. When you get into a race, you can ease off the panic a bit to ensure a seamlessly smooth rounding. But you’ll know you can do a chaos rounding if you need to!
Once you’re pretty happy with doing discrete windward and leeward mark roundings, link them up: Find two items (such as marks or crab pots) you can use to set up a very short upwind/downwind leg—ideally about 30 seconds of sailing, or just one or two tacks/gybes, apart. Then, roll ‘em! Keep linking these roundings, working on getting your boat fully up to speed by getting your control lines and other settings dialed in, before you get to the next mark.
Add in a friend (or several) and possibly a coach boat, and you can add in lots of fun options to keep your brains and bodies working hard, helping you make
sure your mark roundings happen as if you were on autopilot. The short-course mark roundings drill you did by yourself gets more complex when you add in one or more boats rounding at the same time. A fun one with a coach is to set up leeward gates and have two or more boats sail downwind. When you’re at about five boat-lengths to the marks, the coach hollers out which mark to round. Chaos—of the best sort!
No matter how you choose to practice your mark roundings, keep some evergreen principles and practices in mind:
• How you enter a mark rounding can be important, but how you exit a mark rounding is key. Make sure your mark rounding exit sets you up for how you want to sail the next leg.
• Especially if you are the driver, work on keeping your eyes out of the boat as much as possible. This lets you monitor and react to other boats and the wind conditions. If you have crew, and especially if you have practiced these maneuvers, trust that they are doing their jobs effectively. Watching them do their tasks isn’t going to make them get them done any faster!
• Well before you start rounding the mark, identify where the next mark is. This can help with decisions like whether you need to toss in a gybe set or extend on starboard at the weather mark. If you’re having your initial conversation about this on the offset leg, it’s likely too late make to make optimal decisions.
About the Author: Kim Couranz has earned several national and world titles in Laser Radials (ILCA 6), Snipes, and Lightnings. She has also raced J/22s, J/24s, and Ynglings on an international level.
BRO k ERAGE & CLASSIFIED SECTIONS
B RO k ER S ERVICES
S&J Yachts, Brokers for Fine Yachts With 10 locations from Maine to Florida, S&J Yachts is one of the largest full-service yacht brokerages on the East Coast. Our extensive reach & marketing helps find top buyers quickly. S&J Yachts has established an outstanding reputation for integrity and service! Our experienced team of brokers is committed to serving both buyers and sellers, ensuring fair practices and complete satisfaction with every deal. Whether sail or power, we’ll help you find the perfect fit! 410.639.2777 info@sjyachts.com www.sjyachts.com
Yacht View Brokerage, LLC announces our new 8% commission, which may include complimentary Annapolis dockage (for yachts above 100K and up to 80’ in length) and 10% co-brokerage listing commission! We will successfully market your yacht from her current East Coast location or arrange delivery to our secure dockage for yachts from 30’-80’ (Power/Sail). Located 20 minutes from BWI airport, our listings are easily inspected and demonstrated to prospective buyers. Targeted print advertising & Yachtworld.com MLS internet exposure with wide angle/high resolution photos and video. 30 yrs proven customer service! Call/text Capt. John Kaiser, Jr. @ 443.223.7864. Email your yacht’s details for a full market appraisal to: john@yachtview.com www.yachtview.com
To advertise in the Brokerage and Classified sections, contact beatrice@spinsheet.com
Meet the newest member of the YaZu Yachting Crew! We are delighted to welcome our new broker, Matthew Lambert. Matt is a sailor, so will be concentrating on continuing to grow the sailboat side of the business. He is energetic and enthusiastic, has years of sales experience, years of sailing experience and strongly espouses the relationshipfocused approach to sales that is the core of the YaZu Yachting ethos. “I look forward to building lasting relationships here at YaZu Yachting and growing along with the phenomenal team Jonathan and Ann e have assembled here.” Contact info for Matt: 804.432.9037 or matt@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com
BOAT SHARING
SAIL CLUB ANNAPOLIS 32’ Hunter Vision Sloop, fully equipped. Annual dues $950. Daily rate $100/ day. Contact: 434.808.3512 or garudabuss@gmail.com
33’ Reynolds 1D ‘05 Ready to race catamaran. This boat is typically one of the first to finish in any race. Fastest Elapsed Time Race Record Governors Cup. $20,000 Financing available. No slip fees. Call 443.691.9587 or hyperships@yahoo.com www.sailingworld.com/sailboats/thereynolds-33-ripping-it-up-at-22-knots Shared Sailboats Available Join one of the longest running sailing clubs in the region! Mid-Atlantic Sailing Association shares an O’Day 322 on the Bay and a Catalina 27 on the Potomac. Only a few slots available! Inquire at www.masasailing.org or call Karl at 301.467.9987
2023 Com-Pac Legacy Sport 16.5’ keel-Centerboard Sloop Meticulously maintained, excellent condition. Mast raising/lowering system can be done single handedly/easy transport. Main & Jib w/ hoisting furling system. Selfbailing cockpit, centerboard in keel. Includes mooring lines, anchor, fenders, hoist rigging, Boom Tender Plus, Uniden MHS75 VHF radio, Honda 2.3Hp motor (w/ manuals), Magic Tilt Trailer 1590 lbs. GVW trailer. Chestertown, MD. $15,500. Bill 304.820.4398 or NavyChuck1947@yahoo.com. More info: www.bit.ly/2023ComPac
19’ Nickels Lightning 1987 (Hull #14221) Good condition, clean & well-maintained. Includes 2 suits of sails w/spinnakers; Tac-Tick compass; galvanized Nickels trailer; covers. Dry sailed & always covered. Location: Alexandria, VA. $7,000 OBO. Lindsay Bach, 301.789.6468 or lmbach54@gmail.com
Lovely 1992 Rhodes-19 Centerboard Sloop Lovingly kept, fully equipped, ready to sail! Two mainsails, jib, spinnaker, Lazy Jacks, Mercury 3.5 & 7 hp engines, boat trailer, garage-kept half the year, two cockpit tents, mainsail cover, two pairs full cockpit cushions, built-in pump, dock lines, life preservers, flotation cushions, two anchors, chain & line, boat hook, two paddles & gobs of fun! $12,500 (possible delivery). Contact 540.729.2283 or jdenegre1@gmail.com – for more info, visit www.bit.ly/3SMp66W
1980 Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20 Beta 13, new nav, auto-tiller, great sails (asym), single-handers package, premium teak interior, Awlgrip hull. 5’11” headroom and bluewater worthy. Rappahannock, VA area. $27,500 OBO. Text 540.414.4782
1989 Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20’ 10Hp inboard, enclosed head, New Garman GPS on swing arm and Garman depth in cockpit, New lifelines and running rigging, New drip less seal, two marine batteries. $28,000 For more info/pics: www.bit.ly/Flicka20 Contact plankr26@breezeline.net
1981 Crosby 22’ Catboat Optional bowsprit and furling headsail. New head, sink, galley pump. Inboard diesel. Clean, many extras. Asking $10,000 Potomac River. 704.425.4108
1996 Com-Pac 23 In great shape, wellmaintained and loved. Trailer kept, covered in winter. Quantum sails: Main, genoa, working jib, and rehabilitated small jib (2013). Tohatsu 2-stroke 8Hp outboard, Torqeedo-2.0 outboard, and Torqeedo Power-24 lithium battery. New hull paint and standing rigging (2022). Mast raising system. Many spares, replacement parts, all accessories included to start sailing immediately! Contact 540.368.2116 or theankers@yahoo.com
To find more used boats, visit spinsheet.com
SAIL
SAIL
B RO k ER S ERVICES
2023 Excess 11
Brokerage & Classified
1977 27’ Albin Vega Very good condition. Yanmar 2GMF inboard diesel engine. Near new mainsail, furling genoa and good 108% furling jib; hank on genoa plus assorted hank on headsails in good to very good condition. Schaefer Snapfurl CF-700 roller furler. Professionally maintained and dry-stored every winter for the past 10 years. $9,500 Contact: 703.242.6259 or gasserra@verizon.net
Tartan 27 1965 Keel/centerboard, Yanmar 2 GM, new fuel tank, fuel lines. Racor filter. New head, holding tank. Main, furling jib. Winter cover. Many accessories. $4,000 OBO. Text 410.274.2533 or email baltirobin@gmail.com
(Gabrielle) 1984 J Boats J/29
Excellent racer w/ many trophies! Rolling fuller, B&G ZEUS, 3 spinnakers, 1 of each: #1, #2, #3 jibs, and more. Located in Cambridge, MD. $9,500 Call Branden 443.521.9675 or brandenspearconstruction@gmail.com
1967 Rawson 30 Cutter No coring so no squishy hull or decks. Longtime liveaboard. Needs new fuel tanks and some TLC. Tons of sails. $16,500 Currently West Palm Beach, FL. For more info, email John john@avedelmar.com
Catalina 30 Mark II 1988
Well-equipped for Bay/Coastal Cruising. Wing keel, Universal M25, Extra sails w/ Gennaker, Solar panels 140W ea. Refrigerator, stove, sink, HW heater, Bimini, Dodger, Davits, Anchor Windlass. $19,900 Magothy River, lehazel@aol.com
1967 Allied Seawind 30’ No soft spots, boat pox or delamination. This is a solid boat. Call 410.919.3411 or email olson. roger@comcast.net
(Island Time) 1989 Island Packet 31 Ready to cruise, dinghy and 4Hp outboard included. Moving up to larger IP. $55,000 OBO. Located in Arnold, MD. For more info/pics, visit: www.bit.ly/IslandPacket31 or email SV_Island_Time_IP31@yahoo.com
2007 Columbia 32 Sport Fast yet comfortable Sport Boat w/ full race inventory set up for double handed, full crew, coastal, offshore. Carbon mast, sprit, rudder, custom trailer. Consistent high point winner. $49,500 410.924.3348 or dconlon@bayada.com
1974 Seafarer 34’ Sloop and Dock
Located at Anchorage Marina, Baltimore, MD. $20,000 Please email CovertChannel@yahoo.com or call 240.475.8400. For additional photos and info, please visit: www.bit.ly/42HKQEK
34’ C&C 1982 Ready to go or stay at the dock in Daytona Beach. Bottom and throughhulls done in August 2024. $23,500 For more information, call/ text 954.969.1323
Catalina 36 MkII ‘96 Excellent condition - Solomons, 36Hp Universal Diesel (650 hrs), new roller furling mainsail, new 16 BTU AC/Heat, dinghy, new cushions, extra canvas, many extras and upgrades. $60,000 Text/ Call 571.318.1252
1980 O’Day 37 Center Cockpit Sloop Cruiser/Racer Classic blue water cruiser and award-winning racer. Upgrades include A/C, generator, icebox cold plate, radar, HF/SSB, faired bottom, plus halyards run inside the mast. Price reduced to $35,000 Contact Captain Kinard: RichKinard@usa.net. SEABEE’s Boat Information Book: www.bit.ly/SEABEE
39’ Seafarer Classic Fiberglass Sloop 1966 McCurdy & Rhodes one-off design. Good sails, recent instruments, 50Hp Perkins diesel in great shape. Needs cleanup and minor TLC. $19,000 OBO. Email londonsocialmail@aol.com For more info/photos: www.amaryllisyacht.com
(BULLIT) 2011 Beneteau 40 Meticulously maintained. Many recent upgrades/updates! $167,000 OBO. Text/call 703.626.6786 or email aylucas@yahoo.com. For pics/more info: www.bit.ly/2011Beneteau40
Passage 450 Center Cockpit 2001 The Passage 450 center cockpit is probably the best liveaboard yacht for its size. It has a center-mounted, queen-sized bed in the aft cabin, a shower, and a euro bathtub. There are only 1800 hours on the engine along w/ many electrical and mechanical upgrades. For more info/photos and contact information, please visit: www.hunter450sailboat.com
2018 Lagoon 38’ “Scenic Route” A well-maintained Lagoon 380 w/ four cabins, lithium batteries, a watermaker, and premium upgrades. Perfect for liveaboard or charter! $299,000 BVI Yacht Sales, 443.716.7656, erica@bviyachtsales.com , www.bviyachtsales.com
1978 Westsail 42’ “Sea Rat” Located in St. Mary’s, GA. Offshore-ready cutter w/ low-use rigging and Yanmar engine (700 hours). Watermaker, solar, windvane, AC, and more. Needs paint but offers exceptional value! $79,000 BVI Yacht Sales, 443.716.7656, brian@bviyachtsales.com , www.bviyachtsales.com
To find more used boats, visit spinsheet.com
(Majestic) St. Francis 44 MkII 1999 Catamaran in. St. Augustine, Florida. Reduced to $214,500 For more details and photos, please visit: www.bit.ly/Majestic1999
2018 Catalina 425 “Sinneton” Located in Jolly Harbour, Antigua. Meticulously maintained sloop w/ three cabins, two heads, air conditioning, watermaker, solar, and generator. Doyle in-mast furling mainsail. Ready for liveaboard or extended cruising. $319,000 BVI Yacht Sales, 443.716.7656, devon@bviyachtsales.com , www.bviyachtsales.com
Brokerage & Classified
2021 Neel 43’ “Anegada III” located in the BVI. Lightly used trimaran w/ innovative design, spacious cockpit, and comfortable interior. Blends performance and livability, perfect for cruising. Ready for immediate adventures. $399,000 BVI Yacht Sales, 443.716.7656, chesnee@bviyachtsales.com , www.bviyachtsales.com
2018 Fountaine Pajot 47’ “Electre”
Located in the BVI. 5+1 cabin catamaran recently phased out of charter. Fully operational systems. Spacious layout for 8-10 guests. Great opportunity priced below market for quick sale. $559,000 BVI Yacht Sales, 443.716.7656, chesnee@bviyachtsales.com , www.bviyachtsales.com
1989 Taswell 49’ “Owl and Pussycat” Located in the Eastern Caribbean. Bluewater cruiser by Bill Dixon/Ta Shing. Centerline queen aft, crew and forward cabins, solar, wind generator, Coppercoat bottom, updated sails. $250,000 BVI Yacht Sales, 443.716.7656, ted@bviyachtsales.com, www.bviyachtsales.com
Sailing Catamaran Cruising World’s “Boat of the Year Winner!” Large solar array, Watermaker, Full enclosures for helm + cockpit, Dinghy, Code 0. Location: Brunswick, GA. Price: $670,000 Catamaran Central, 305.587.1311, Bill@CatamaranCentral.com , www.CatamaranCentral.com
(Sogno) 2024 Lagoon 46
Sailing Catamaran Luxurious and clean. Owner’s version, Solar arch, Folding props, Code 0, Square top mainsail, Lithium, Electric winches. Location: Palm Beach, FL. Price: $999,000 Catamaran Central, 305.587.1311, Bill@CatamaranCentral.com , www.CatamaranCentral.com
2022/2023 Excess 11 37’ Two available - Both very well equipped for cruising, Genset, Air, Etc… Competitively priced at $495,000 and $525,000 - Call Dave van den Arend 443.850.4197 or www.CrusaderYachts.com
1999 Tartan 3800 38’ Standing rigging replaced 2018, Garmin plotters & radar, davits, 2022 Achilles w/ Yamaha 4-stroke, much more! Beautiful Classic in superb condition. $135,000 Call Dave van den Arend 443.850.4197 or www.CrusaderYachts.com
2014 Catalina 385 Super clean boat! Heat & air, thruster, autopilot, plotter/ radar, in mast furling & lots more. This won’t last long! Asking $225,000 Call Dave van den Arend 443.850.4197 or www.CrusaderYachts.com
Tartan 365 36’ Hull #8 - Boat of Year WINNER! Tartan 365 is proven coastal cruiser w/ an open layout and contemporary maple interior. New boat! Epoxy Hull, Carbon Rig, CCR Sailplan. Model year Clearance priced at $475,000 - over 550k to replace today. Trades considered. Call Mike Titgemeyer 410.703.7986 or www.CrusaderYachts.com
2005 Pacific Seacraft 40 40’ Crealock design - quality build! One of the last 5 built - Air Con, Diesel heat, Newer standing and Running Rigging, Solar & Wind Generator. Extensive equipment - Ready for coastal or offshore cruise! Asking $269,000 Call Rod Rowan 703.813.0460 or www.CrusaderYachts.com
2015 Tartan 4000 40’ Leisure Furl boom, Reversing electric winches w/ push button controls, under 175 hours! Immaculate - step aboard and go! This won’t last long! $410,000 Call Dave van den Arend 443.850.4197 or www.CrusaderYachts.com
1998 Hunter 410 Rare 3 cabin, 2 head w/ new sails in 2022, Xantrex 1500 watt inverter, A/C in salon, chartplotter, autopilot, solar and more. Asking $109,000 Call Denise Hanna 410.991.8236 or www.CrusaderYachts.com
2019 Catalina 425 43’ Lightly used; Extensive custom/cruising upgrades. Private staterooms/heads. Furling, selftacking; AC/heat; Gen; Watermaker; Thruster; Code-0; Dink; Raft. Much more… Asking $495,000 Call Rod Rowan 703.813.0460 or www.CrusaderYachts.com
2018 Tartan 4300 43’ “Bella” offers traditional styling coupled w/ a hull and rig designed to deliver optimal cruising performance. All in a very easy to sail yacht. Asking $485,000 Call Bill O’Malley 410.703.9058 or www.CrusaderYachts.com
To find more sailboat listings and boat reviews, visit spinsheet.com
7350 Edgewood Rd., Annapolis, MD 21403
Bert Jabin Yacht Yard
2024
2022 Dufour 430 Loaded 3 cabin/2 head Dufour with A/C, generator, bow thruster, Chartplotter, Radar, ST jib and classic main, full canvas. Asking $339,000 Call Denise Hanna 410.991.8236 or www.CrusaderYachts.com
2025 Excess 14 45’ NEW Excess 14 Hull # 68 just arrived! Amazing opportunity on new boat w/ boat show incentives still included. Call today for a closer look - We take trades! Crusader Yacht Sales 410.269.0939 or www.CrusaderYachts.com
2019 Royal Cape Catamaran 530 Superb build quality and offshore capability is just the beginning of this luxury equipped catamaran. Limited time opportunity, contact immediately for showing! Asking $925,000 Call Gordon Bennett 410.739.4432 or www.CrusaderYachts.com
409 Chester Avenue, Suite A Annapolis, MD 21403 1.855.266.5676 | info@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net
To find more sailboat listings and boat reviews, visit spinsheet.com
Brokerage & Classified
7330 Edgewood Road, Suite 1
Annapolis, MD 21403
2021 J Boats J/88 Rare opportunity to own a well prepared turn key race winning package - this boat is set up to go win some races. Contact Jack McGuire at 401.290.7066 or Jack@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com
2022 J Boats J/9 The perfect daysailer for friends and family on the most comfortable J/Boats cockpit ever. Call today for more on this lightly used, well cared for J/9! Contact Jack McGuire at 401.290.7066 or Jack@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com
2023 C.W. Hood 32 Daysailer Now is your chanced to own one of these sought after boats. Spring is the around the corner, and you could be sailing on this very lightly used stunner. Contact David Malkin at 443.790.2786 or David@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com
2023 Hanse 348 This is your chance to own a brand new Hanse at an amazing price. Enjoy technical innovations and quality in every detail. Contact Ken Comerford at 410.280.2038 or Ken@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com
2019 Hanse 388 Custom order w/ a deep draft Keel (6’9”), B&G electronics packaged, self-tacking jib and a German main sheeting system making her a dream to sail. Contact Jack McGuire at 401.290.7066 or Jack@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com
2002 X-Yachts Model X-412 Performance cruiser designed w/ a large wheel, self-tailing winches, a clean, uncluttered deck layout, and Navtec hydraulic backstay for optimal racing or cruising. Contact David Cox at 410.310.3476 or DavidCox@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com
2016 Hanse 415 All boat systems have been serviced, recently detailed and ready to sail. New bottom paint, engine service sail cleaning and many mechanical upgrades. Contact Chris Beardsley at 804.885.4090 or Chris@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com
2019 Hanse 418 This yacht sets new standards, whether easy sailing or relaxing in port, this yacht will amaze you w/ excellent handling, and elegant furnishing options. Call today! Contact Bob Oberg at 410.320.3385 or Bob@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com
1980 Alden 44 Massive interior w/ an open style that provides a walk through galley and head, plus ample sleeping for six. Refreshed interior cushions and book cases through out elevate the experience of any cruise. Contact Mike Coe at 410.387.8859 or Mike@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com
2019 Hanse 458 Don’t let this exceptionally well equipped and cared for boat slip through your fingers. Easy to handle w/ performance that is a cut above. Contact David Malkin at 443.790.2786 or David@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com
2017 Hanse 588 Extremely well optioned and customized for extended cruising w/ ease. Maintenance is up to date and ready for the next adventure. Contact Chris Beardsley at 804.885.4090 or Chris@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com
2019 Hanse 588 This 588 has many upgrades, is well-maintained, and equipped w/ affixed GRP bimini top which is unique in her class. Contact Jack McGuire at 401.290.7066 or Jack@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com
Brokers for Fine Yachts Brokers for Fine Yachts Annapolis, MD 410-571-3605 Rock Hall, MD 410-639-2777 Deltaville, VA 804-776-0604 Charleston, SC 843-872-8080 Palmetto, FL 941-212-6121
www.SJYACHTS.com
Island Packet Yachts 27’-52’ List your Island Packet w/ the Experts! S&J Yachts is the World leader in selling IPs. No team knows these boats better! We have buyers looking now for these excellent cruising yachts. Call S&J Yachts now for a free market evaluation. 410.639.2777, www.sjyachts.com
2005 Caliber 35 LRCSE Discover the rare elegance of the Caliber 35 LRC SE, one of only two ever built! Modern electricals, lavish cabin, upgraded sails, AIS. Ideal for cruising, liveaboard. Spacious, efficient, unique. $129,000 S&J Yachts, 410.639.2777, www.sjyachts.com
37’ Catalina 375 2009 Bright interior, bow thruster, full cockpit enclosure, convertible game table, queen berth, and easy-handling furling rig. Includes dinghy, davits, and more. Excellent condition, ready to sail! $169,000 S&J Yachts, 410.639.2777, www.sjyachts.com
1998 Hunter 410 Luxurious 2cabin/2head, spacious salon/galley, robust Yanmar diesel, 6K generator, integrated water maker, & exceptional seaworthiness. New rigging & sailsExplore coastal waters or venture to distant shores. $135,000 S&J Yachts, 410.639.2777, www.sjyachts.com
2023 Bavaria C42 DEMO BOAT – BIG SAVINGS $79,000 - European Yacht of the Year Winner! Fully commissioned and ready for your Spring enjoyment. Modern hull shape provides increased stability, performance & space below deck. 3 cabin/2 head w/ attractive mahogany interior. ICW rig, furling mainsail, B&G electronics, Autopilot, Bow thruster, A/C & more… $429,499 S&J Yachts, 410.639.2777, www.sjyachts.com
42’ 2024 Southerly 420 New Listing –Just completed the ’24 ARC. Solid blue water cruiser w/ variable draft swing keel: draws 2’ 9” w/ keel up & 8’ 11” down. 2cabin/2head layout, bow/stern thrusters, in-mast furling main & more! $840,000 S&J Yachts, 843.872.8080, www.sjyachts.com
Island Packet 420 2000 Immaculate cruiser professionally maintained w/ tremendous accommodations, storage and tankage. Features bow thruster, new paint, AC units, electric winches, dinghy, davits, & in-mast furling. Ready to sail & impress. $275,000 Contact S&J Yachts, 410.639.2777, www.sjyachts.com
43’ Shannon 43 1988 Available now, this classic, beautifully built blue water passage maker has had many important upgrades over the last few years. $165,000 S&J Yachts, 410.639.2777, www.sjyachts.com
Broadblue 435 2010 Ocean-certified 43’ catamaran, ideal for bluewater cruising. Features twin 40Hp diesels, cutter rig, 776 sq. ft. sail area for impressive light-wind performance. Spacious, well-built w/ watertight bulkheads and EU Category A certification. Rare U.S. opportunity. $395,000 S&J Yachts, 410.639.2777, www.sjyachts.com
Bavaria Cruiser 46 2016 Spacious 46’ award-winning cruiser w/ 3 cabins, convertible to 4. Features include water maker, 6kW generator, wind generator, AC/heat, & Garmin electronics. European Yacht of the Year 2015. Easy handling for luxury cruising. $209,000 S&J Yachts, 410.639.2777, www.sjyachts.com
47’ 2002 Beneteau 473 New Listing! Well-kept 3cabin/3head ICW friendly cruising yacht. Recent updates include sails, house batteries, bottom paint, hull paint, & bow thruster. $175,000 S&J Yachts, 843.872.8080, www.sjyachts.com
Cutter Well-equipped for cruising, hardtop bimini w/ solar panels, plus new: 16,000 BTU A/C, lithium battery bank, electrical panels, inverter/charger, and Quantum sail pack. $114,900
Contact Dave at 443.294.5433 drobertson@veteranyachtsales.com www.veteranyachtsales.com
Anne & Jon Hutchings 17218 General Puller Hwy, Deltaville, VA Anne: 804-567-0092 | Jon: 804-567-0093 www.yazuyachting.com
38’ Alajuela 38 2016 “Narnia” 1 Cabin, 1 head, Low engine hours, Monitor windvane steering, Wind generator, Dive tank compressor, Like new sails and rigging. Beautiful boat! $148,400 Topping, VA. Call Jon Hutchings 804.567.0093 or jon@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com
38’ Bristol 38.8 1986 Solar, Bottom Stripped and Epoxy Coated, New Mast, Boom, Rigging (2021), New Mainsail (2024), Air conditioning/Heat, Watermaker, Life Raft, Garmin / B&G Instruments. $73,000 Bahamas until April. Call Jon Hutchings 804.567.0093 or jon@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com
38’ Maine Cat 2018 OceanVolt 48V Electric Motors w/ Lithium Batteries; Feathering Props; Sail Drives; Fisher Panda 6KW Generator; 790W solar; dagger boards; 2 bunk 1 head, galley, dinette. $389,000 Deltaville, VA. Call Jon Hutchings 804.567.0093 or jon@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com
Read boat reviews online at spinsheet.com
39’ Beneteau 393 2001 “Heron” 2-cabin, 2-head, Solar, Lithium, Induction cooktop, Inverter, B&G Chartplotter (2021), Windvane, New through hulls (2021), KiwiProp, Diesel Heater, 220V/12V Electrical. $109,000 Deltaville, VA. Call Anne Hutchings 804.567.0092 or anne@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com
42’ X Yacht X-412 2001 Stylish performer for racing, weekending or longer cruising, 2 cabin 1 head, Workshop, Rod rigging, Yanmar w/ saildrive, FP genset, Good sails, Stackpack. $136,000 Hampton, VA. Contact Matt Lambert 804.432.9037 or matt@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com
45’ Island Packet 445 2007 Center cockpit. Roller-furling cutter rig. 2 cabin, 2 head. (2) Separate showers. Generator (353 hrs). Yanmar diesel (1028 hrs). (3) Electric winches. Windlass. Tons of interior space w/ ample headroom. $355,000 Deltaville, VA. Contact Matt Lambert 804.432.9037 or matt@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com
MAR k ETPLACE & CLASSIFIED SECTIONS
For Sale: Sextant - Wincher - A/C 1) Davis Mark 25 sextant, hardly used, w/ box and artificial horizon, $350 – 2) W-wincher, lightly used, still in break-in period, $1,500 – 3) CruiseAir portable AC, $150 - Call Richard: 443.618.6469
ART
Seaside Treasures Shop for nautical decor, beach decor, and more for your lake cottage or beach home! A family run business since 2001. Use coupon “SPINSHEET10” for 10% off! ContactUs@SeasideTreasures.com www.SeasideTreasures.com
BOO k S
CRUISE THE BAHAMAS? NO BOAT, NO PROBLEM! Find out how first in “Cruising by MailBoat; History, Culture, and Adventure in the Bahama Islands.” See www.FredBramanWrites.com for ordering and details.
CREW
Offshore Passage Opportunities Your Offshore Sailing Network. Celebrating thirty years helping sailors sail offshore for free. Learn by doing. Gain Quality Sea Time! Call 800.4.PASSAGe (800.472.7724). Keep the Dream Alive for the Price of a Good Winch Handle! Since 1993. admin@sailopo.com www.sailopo.com
DELIVERIES
Endurance Yacht Delivery Local and long distance. Twenty-five years of experience with clean insurance approved resume. Power and sail. Please call Captain Simon Edwards 410.212.9579 or email stredwards@gmail.com www.enduranceyachtdelivery.com
EQUIPMENT
Dock Hand/Dock Staff FT & PT April-October. $15 hourly pay plus tips $$ to tie-up boats located at a busy dock bar location in Annapolis. Boating knowledge is a plus. 410.263.1981 Download application at www.schoonerwoodwind.com/employment
Get Paid to Sail! The Woodwind schooners are hiring crew/deckhands. Some sailing knowledge is necessary. Fun people and guests - avg. $27/hour, and lots of great sea time. FT & PT. 410.263.1981. Download application at www.schoonerwoodwind.com/employment
Join Our Team! Beasley Marine is seeking Painters and Laminators. The positions require experience in preparing boats for painting and/or composite repairs. On-sight training available. For more info or to apply, please email BeasleyMarine@gmail.com
Marine Mechanic Port Annapolis Marina is hiring experienced marine diesel mechanics. Must have a strong work ethic, require minimum supervision and be able to be part of a team. Knowledge of outboards and outdrives is a plus. Our benefit package includes paid holidays, vacation/PTO, health insurance, 401K, profit sharing and incentive bonuses. Send resume to richard@portannapolis.com, www.portannapolis.com
Seeking Part-Time Delivery Drivers Looking for a reliable driver to assist with magazine distribution routes in Maryland, three days per month. Compensation is based on the number of stops. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license in good standing, a dependable vehicle, and the ability to lift up to 25 lbs. For more details, please email i info@spf-360.com
Yacht Sales - Curtis Stokes and Associates, Inc. is hiring new salespeople for our Chesapeake area operation. Candidates must be honest, ethical and have boating experience. This is a commission only position. Contact Curtis Stokes at 410.919.4900 or curtis@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net
Brokerage/ Classified Order Form
a career in
Boating
Appointed
Staff Promotions
Nominations Open
Haven Harbour Marina Resorts managing director Charlie Petosa was recently appointed to the Marine Trades Association of Maryland (MTAM) board of directors. Charlie will serve his term by helping guide the future of the advocacy organization—particularly in matters of workforce development. “Throughout my professional career, some of my most rewarding and impactful work has been through the boards I’ve served on,” said Charlie. “Joining the MTAM board at this time will set the stage for more of this fulfilling work in the future.” MTAM is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the recreational marine industry and the preservation of waterways on which its member businesses rely. Since its founding in 1975, the organization has come to comprise nearly 400 marinerelated entities, with a board of directors representative of all aspects of the industry and geographic areas of the state. Charlie has previously and proudly served on the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum board of governors, as well as the United States Superyacht Association board of directors, amongst other distinguished organizations. Haven Harbour Marina and Haven Harbour South are proud MTAM members. Learn more about the organization and what they do at mtam.org.
Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (VAAAC) announces several staff promotions within the organization. Celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2025, the non-profit organization has experienced exponential growth in its mission and scope of work in support of the tourism industry in the region. The VAAAC board of directors recognized the tremendous growth under Kristen Pironis’s leadership and the vast opportunities that lie ahead. As a result, Pironis has been promoted from executive director to chief executive officer. She joined VAAAC as executive director in 2021, and during her tenure, the board, stakeholders, and staff completed a comprehensive strategic plan, and the VAAAC Foundation was established. Known for her strategic thinking and bold leadership philosophy, Pironis has assumed a pivotal role at a critical time for promoting Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, focusing on transforming lives through travel. Upon joining the organization, she brought a fresh vision to enhance the mission and operational execution, which is supported by three core values: inclusivity, stewardship, and audacity. Through the strategic planning process, four guided priorities were established: to cultivate and lead a diverse and inclusive hospitality and tourism community, to collaborate with partners across the destination, to drive prosperity and sustainability, and to strengthen organizational capacity. Additional staff members received promotions and recognition of their work, including: Shannon Harcum—promoted to chief operating officer of VAAAC and executive director of VAAAC Foundation, Dan Cook—promoted to senior director of marketing and brand management, Susan Hill—promoted to director of finance. VAAAC.org
The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) announced nominations are now open for the 2025 Outstanding Technician Awards. A highlight of International Marine Service Technician Week, set for April 21-25, the event celebrates marine technicians and their essential role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and enjoyment of boating. Now in its fourth year, the Outstanding Technician Awards recognize service professionals who stand out in customer service, technical training, and industry involvement. ABYC will honor 10 outstanding technicians with a $100 Visa gift card, a technician prize pack, and recognition on ABYC’s social media platforms. The “New Achiever” category will recognize newcomers to the industry who demonstrate exceptional skill and potential. “We encourage businesses and boaters to take a moment to recognize their favorite marine technicians,” said Shannon Aronson, ABYC’s senior director of marketing and communications. “Submitting a nomination is a great way to show appreciation for their dedication and expertise.” Nominations are open now and will be accepted through March 31 at abycinc.org/outstandingtech2025. The winners will be announced on Thursday, April 24, during the weeklong celebration of marine technicians.
Boating
Spring Events
Crusader Yacht Sales will host two events this spring in Annapolis: an Open House and Demo Days. The Crusader Yacht Sales Spring Open House will feature nearly 20 of the hottest power and sail models on the market today. Join them at the Bert Jabin Yacht Yard in Annapolis on Saturday, March 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for this exciting boat show-style event with the entire team there to answer all your boating questions. There has never been a better time to buy a new boat thanks to special incentives. For more information, please call (410) 269-0930 or visit crusaderyachts.com. The Crusader Yacht Sales Spring Demo Days will be held April 17-18 at Bert Jabin Yacht Yard in Annapolis and will feature the Excess 14, Jeanneau 350 and 440, and the Tartan 365. Call (410) 269-0939 or complete registration at crusaderyachts.com
Welcome to the Team
Catamaran Central announces its expansion into the Mid-Atlantic and Chesapeake regions with the addition of yacht broker, Bill Regan. Catamaran Central is a boutique brokerage firm specializing in all things catamaran from assisting buyers and sellers to helping clients book the charter vacation of their dreams. Bill brings over a dozen years of brokerage and catamaran sales experience to the table, including working for one of the top production builders in the world. After taking a sabbatical last year to go sailing from Florida to the Chesapeake with his family aboard their boat, Bill is excited to be back in yacht sales with Catamaran Central: “I was really glad to land with Wiley Sharp and Co. They are hyper focused on great cruising catamarans, building relationships, and evangelizing the cruising lifestyle. Catamaran Central does a tremendous job marketing and is really at the forefront of content creation when it comes to how a yacht brokerage should present their listings. I’m looking forward to taking my career to the next level here.” You can reach Bill at bill@catamarancentral.com or (305) 587-1311 (cell/WhatsApp). catamarancentral.com
Exclusive Dealer
Kufner Yachts USA announces that Veteran Yacht Sales is their exclusive dealer in the Mid-Atlantic region. This will expand Kufner’s presence in the U.S. market, bringing their innovative and high-performance sailing yachts to a broader audience of sailing enthusiasts. Kufner Yachts USA and Veteran Yacht Sales will feature the flagship Kufner 54 at the upcoming Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show, April 25-27 where visitors will have the opportunity to experience the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship, comfort, and cutting-edge design aboard. “We are thrilled to welcome Veteran Yacht Sales to the Kufner Yachts USA family,” said Todd Gasior, president of Kufner Yachts USA. “Their expertise in the yacht sales industry and deep understanding of new construction make them the perfect partner to represent Kufner Yachts. We are confident that their customer-focused approach will resonate with discerning sailors looking for performance and luxury.” Rick St. Cyr, founder of Veteran Yacht Sales, adds: “We are honored to be named the exclusive dealer for the Mid-Atlantic and introducing these remarkable yachts to our clients. Anyone exploring purchasing a sailboat in the 45- to 54-foot range will discover standout features, customizable layouts, and a competitive price point, which makes Kufner Yachts well worth considering.” To schedule a personalized showing at the Annapolis Spring Boat Show, please contact Veteran Yacht Sales at (443) 512-2960. kufneryachtsusa.com; veteranyachtsales.com
SpinSheet Crew Listing Party 1996
Inspired by the crew party thrown in San Francisco for Latitude 38 Magazine, on April 27, 1996, SpinSheet hosted its first annual Crew Listing Party at J/Port on Eastern Avenue in Eastport, which remains the property for J/World Annapolis and Chesapeake Boating Club. Connecting sailing crew to boat owners at the beginning of the season was and has continued to be the purpose of our annual party.
Several changes unfolded over the years. We moved the party to Annapolis Maritime Museum for a couple of years and later partied at Eastport Yacht Club
(EYC), where we continue to be welcomed and grateful for the space. The number of guests has tripled from the original 120. The Geckos steel drum band has played at almost all of these events (but are busy this year!).
We dropped the word “listing” about 15 years ago, as it harked back to a different time when what we now call our Crew Finder (spinsheet.com/ crew-finder) was an actual print and online list. In 1996, we didn't have the online search capabilities we have today. If you hear a sailor call the party the “Crew Listing Party,” you know
they’ve been on the Chesapeake scene for a long time!
Over the years we added parties in Hampton and Solomons, which are much smaller but still great ways to connect with sailors in spring. This year’s southern Crew Parties wrapped up in March.
Sailors looking for boats to sail on and skippers looking for crew should head to EYC on Sunday, April 27 from 4-6 p.m. for our 30th annual SpinSheet Crew Party. It’s free and open to the public and sailors of all levels (as long as they don’t park in the EYC members-only lot). See you there!
PERFORMANCE FOR ALL
BECAUSE BETTER PERFORMANCE TRANSFORMS EVERY DAY ON THE WATER. Offshore campaign or weeknight warrior, at Quantum Sails, the same world-class designers and advanced technology behind our Grand Prix victories power all of our sails. Call your local loft to upgrade your sails.
