start
Sailing now a FREE New Sailor Guide by
Outfitting Chesapeake
Sailors Since1948
919 Bay Ridge Road Annapolis, MD 21403 410-267-8681
919 Bay Ridge RoadAnnapolis, MD 21403 410-267-8681 Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat 8:30-5, Sun 10-4
Open 7 Days a Week 2
s t a r t s a i l i n g n o w.c o m
w w w. f a w c e t t b o a t . c o m
Seeking New Sailing Friends
I
f someone asked you the same question once or twice a month for more than a decade, and your response remained the same every time, do you think you would eventually write down the answer and make it easier? That’s how we at SpinSheet Magazine decided to create Start Sailing Now. Since our first issue of SpinSheet in September 1995, people have called our Annapolis office to say, “Someone recommended calling you about sailing. How do I get started?” Many of them don’t even know we are a magazine. They think we’re a sailing consultancy—and they’re right. We spend so much time on sailboats and in our office talking to and about sailors that such phone calls from newcomers remind us how much we have to teach. We love helping people get into the sport and lifestyle that have brought us so much joy. Our mission is to reach the potential sailors who keep putting off sailing year after year. We’re not sure why they procrastinate having such fun. Perhaps they delay learning because of the perceived expense. Maybe would-be sailors feel slightly intimidated by the language of sailing or aren’t sure they can get involved without being a club member. What probably stops most of them is the lack of time. We can’t create time in your schedule, but we can give you focused advice so that your time invested exploring sailing will not be wasted. We teach new sailors how to meet welcoming sailors, how to find clubs and skilled teachers, what to wear, what to beware of, and even where to relax and just watch a sailboat race. What you are reading is the third edition of Start Sailing Now, the collective wisdom we’ve compiled for new sailors on the Chesapeake Bay and beyond.
Even though sailors in the movies and magazines always wear white “yachtie” clothes, exuding wealth and glamour, we know the real deal. You don’t have to be rich or fashionable to start sailing. Learning doesn’t require thousands of dollars, fancy gear, a boat, or a yacht club membership; although, you may accumulate some of those items as you progress. Our goal is to show you how to start sailing today with nothing but a bare bones investment and a desire to learn. You can leave your white linen pants at home. Here’s the simple truth about sailing: it is more fun with friends. The fictional, starched-shirt-clad yachting guy in the glossy magazine might not look open to new friendships, but we don’t know any real, live sailors who don’t welcome new sailors on their boats. We’ve all taught new crew how to make their way around a sailboat, how to decipher the lingo, or how to coil a line. The sailors we know willingly share their rain gear or gloves with guests or give knot-tying lessons or tips on steering boats. The SpinSheet staff knows a lot about sailing and a boatload of sailors who are eager to share their expertise. Don’t put off sailing until a more “convenient” year. Let us show you how to realize your sailing dream now. Welcome to the exciting and totally addictive world of sailing!
Molly Winans Editor, SpinSheet spinsheet.com
s t a r t s a i l i n g n o w.c o m
3
PUBLISHER
Mary Iliff Ewenson mary@spinsheet.com EDITOR Molly Winans molly@spinsheet.com
A New Sailor Guide by Seeking New Sailing Friends .............................3 Between the Sheets: 22 Terms All Sailors Should Know ...........................................................5
Contents
start now
Dress Like a Sailor (Not a Supermodel) .........8 Ask the Right Questions, Find the Right Sailing School ...................................................... 11 Connecting to Sailing… for Free .................. 14
PRODUCTION Cory Deere cory@spinsheet.com
The Secret Life of Sailors… ............................ 16
Businesses or organizations wishing to distribute Start Sailing Now should contact the office.
612 Third Street, Suite 3C, Annapolis, Maryland 21403 (410) 216-9309 • Fax (410) 216-9330
Some Thoughts on Sailing .............................. 18 Sailboat Type 101 ............................................... 20 Ten Sailing-Crazy Spots .................................... 22
© 2010 SpinSheet Publishing Company
spinsheet.com • startsailingnow.com
Great Gear! The latest sailing gear & accessories from North Sails
800-sail-123 ext. 653 www.northsailsgear.com 4
s t a r t s a i l i n g n o w.c o m
Between the Sheets 22 Terms All Sailors Know
U
nless you speak Old English, sailing terms probably sound confusing to you. You are not alone. Even longtime sailors use the not-so-official terms of “thingamabob” and “doo-hickey.” One of the most lovable aspects of sailing is that you’re always learning. Don’t worry if it takes you time to learn the complex language of sailing; it is an ongoing process, and believe it or not, it’s fun. Learning these basic terms will go a long way. Below:
when you go into the cabin, it’s never “downstairs.” It’s always down below.
Boom:
the pole hanging horizontally above the cockpit that could boom into your head if you’re not careful.
Bow:
the front end of the boat, or as sailors refer to it with a grin, “the pointy end.”
Cleat:
classic ones are shaped like anvils, but there are more modern versions with pinching teeth for securing lines on deck and on the dock.
Cockpit:
the area with seats near the steering station or helm.
Come about:
to turn the bow of the boat through the wind. The skipper will say, “Ready about!” The crew responds, “Ready,” and they keep their heads down to avoid the boom. The skipper says, “Helms-alee” or “Hardalee” and turns.
Deck: anywhere you can walk around on the exterior of the boat. Gybing:
sometimes spelled jibing (never jiving). This is when the boat turns with the wind at your back. The skipper says, “Prepare to gybe!” The crew says, “Ready,” and stays low to avoid the fast-moving boom. The skipper says, “Gybe ho” and turns.
s t a r t s a i l i n g n o w.c o m
5
Heel:
the boat heels or leans at an angle while sailing. It does not keel over as one might after too much rum.
Helm:
where the skipper steers with a wheel or a sticklike tiller.
Jib:
the smaller triangular sail attached at the bow.
Line:
a rope on a boat is always called a line or a sheet. (see sheets)
Mainsail:
the big sail attached to the mast.
Mast:
the vertical pole on deck or “the stick.”
PFD:
a personal flotation device or lifejacket. If someone asks you to wear one, don’t be offended. Lifejackets are not as goofy looking as they used to be.
Keel: the heavy fixed fin on the bottom of the boat. (see heel)
it really to compare is is it really fair tofair compare awards awards with other you’ve with other rumsrums whenwhen you’ve been been winningthem them 300 years? winning forfor overover 300 years?
“the aprés sailing hangout for Annapolis’ competitive sailing set.” — Sailing World
Photo: Lindsay Foster
amazing raw Bar...
oysters, clams, crawfish, shrimp, mussels, snow crabs and oyster shooters Wednesday AYC wed night race films Week days Breakfast & coffee –7:30 am Weekend Brunch Best in town–8 am Fourth St & Severn Ave Eastport–Annapolis 410.216.6206 www.boatyardbarandgrill.com
the rum rum that invented rum rum the that invented
Coastal living “A favorite place to overhear briny tales and enjoy good grub, too”
2009 Mount Gay Distilleries Ltd., Mount Gay® Barbados Rum, 43% Alc./Vol., Imported by Rémy Cointreau USA, Inc., New York, NY. Eclipse Design® . BE CONFIDENT. DRINK RESPONSIBLY. © 2009©Mount Gay Distilleries Ltd., Mount Gay® Barbados Rum, 43% Alc./Vol., Imported by Rémy Cointreau USA, Inc., New York, NY. Eclipse Design® . BE CONFIDENT. DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
6
s t a r t s a i l i n g n o w.c o m
Port:
Sheets:
Spinnaker:
the left side of the boat facing forward. Port and left are both four-letter words. lines attached to the sails to control them. Crew members help with sheets.
Starboard:
the right side of the boat facing forward.
Stern:
the back end of the boat, opposite the pointy end.
Winch:
cylindrical metal hardware—beer- or paint-can sized—on either side of the cockpit where sheets are wrapped clockwise to crank sails in and out.
a parachute-like, triangular sail attached at the bow and used to propel a sailboat with the wind behind it. Sometimes called the kite or chute.
a transforming experience... Learn to Sail
®
Ou r
26 th Ye ar!
the Womanship Way
THE SAILING SCHOOL FOR WOMEN
sail@womanship.com
800-342-9295
www.womanship.com s t a r t s a i l i n g n o w.c o m
7
Dress Like a Sailor (Not a Supermodel)
Y
ou would be hard-pressed to find a sailor without other outdoor passions such as skiing, cycling, running, kayaking, waterskiing, rafting, camping, or hiking. The outdoorsy types who are attracted to the sport don’t mind the sun, rain, and wind (and more wind). Dressing for success in sailing has nothing to do with fashionable navy-blue striped sweaters— especially if they’re all cotton. The key to dressing well in sailing, as in other outdoor sports, is learning how to remain comfortable, dry, and mobile in the face of the elements. Before you go out and make any investment in new gear, check your closet and assess what you already have to cover you from head to toe. If you already ride your bike on mountain trails, run around the neighborhood, hike in the woods, or hit the slopes from time to time, you may already have the gear necessary to get started. We’re not suggesting you don’t invest in sailing-specific gear; we’re saying that the lack of it should not be a barrier to entry. You might have enough makeshift gear to start right now. Then once you’re hooked on sailing—as we know you will be—you will learn quickly what you need to complete your sailing gear kit.
Head Like runners, many sailors like to have a visor to protect their eyes and face from sun and rain. A safe bet is an oldfashioned baseball cap. A hat strap with a collar clip is helpful, as more “man overboard” drills are done for runaway hats than for men. Nothing says “newbie” quite like a bad sunburn. Sunblock is a must, even when it’s cloudy. Skiers, snowboarders, waterskiers, and paddlers know that snow and water reflection make the sun twice as powerful. Effective, non-greasy, high-protection sunblock is available at ordinary drug stores. Many saiors wear SPF clothing, which is available at outdoor stores and marine gear stores (also known as chandleries).
8
s t a r t s a i l i n g n o w.c o m
Core As in any outdoor sport usually performed in temperatures between 50 and 100 degrees, high-tech layers are the answer. A T-shirt, long-sleeved shirt, fleece vest, fleece pull-over, and nylon shorts/pants such as used for hiking and camping would almost complete your sailing gear kit. The outer layer or foul weather gear for sailing isn’t unlike hiking outerwear, except that the retro cheapie poncho, which might be useful on a rainy hike, would be a nuisance in the wind. Make sure you find waterproof outer tops and bottoms that will not flap in the wind, and always assume it will rain. Rain usually brings wind, and wind is a good thing—a wet rear end is not. A cold
and soggy behind could ruin an otherwise terrific sailing day. You may already have a functional Gor-Tex shell, but do find yourself some waterproof bottoms as well. You can buy reasonable, effective foul weather gear for $250 new. If you find a crew to sail with, it’s a guarantee they’ll each have some surplus gear to lend or donate. When it comes to lifejackets, your crew will have one on board for you, but you might want to invest in a more stylish one; lightweight and attractive lifejackets really do exist! The vest styles can be great for keeping you warm as well as safe.
Fingers Sailing gloves are reasonably priced ($20) and an excellent investment for new sailors. Cycling gloves work, too.
Turn your dreams into reality at Norton's Sailing School What are you waiting for? We offer fully sanctioned sailing classes to both beginners and advanced students. Hands-on instruction ranges from basic sailing to coastal and bareboat cruising to navigation. Our instruction is comprehensive, but relaxed. After all, isn't sailing supposed to be fun?
P.O. Box 100, Deltaville, VA 23043 (804) 776-9211 www.nortonyachts.com s t a r t s a i l i n g n o w.c o m
9
Toes Slipping on a wet deck, stubbing your toe on metal hardware, and scuffing up the deck of someone else’s boat are the considerations when you choose sailing footwear. Flip-flops and dark-soled running or hiking shoes make lousy sailing shoes. Chuck Taylor high tops, white-soled tennis shoes, Keens, Tevas, and old fashioned Top-Siders make good non-scuffing sailing shoes. High-tech wicking socks are the best.
Necklaces, dangling earrings, and precious gems can make for difficult or dangerous sailing wear. Leave them in your jewelry box at home. Buy Croakies to keep your expensive sunglasses from going “in the drink.”
Learn from the best instructors in the country US SAILING, the national governing body for sailing, accredits only the top sailing schools in the country. Our schools provide the most seasoned instructors, the best equipment, and proven techniques in a fun and safe environment.
Find a US Sailing accredited school near you: call 1-800-USSail-1 or visit www.sailingcertification.com
Accomplished sailors start here.
Two 74’ classic wooden yachts An authentic sailing experience!
• 2 hour public cruises • 4 trips daily- $37 • Private Charters • Team Building • Match Racing Fun every Wed. night plus rum punch Located at the Annapolis Marriott Waterfront Hotel (410) 263-7837 www.schoonerwoodwind.com
10
s t a r t s a i l i n g n o w.c o m
Ask the Right Questions,
Find the Right Sailing School for You
W
ithout guidance about how to find a sailing school, many prospective students may start with the least effective method: a Google search. Decisions might then be made based on cost, location, timing, and length of the courses. Let us share other important factors to consider and more targeted methods for sifting through the multiple options of sailing schools on the Bay.
Credentials, Please American Sailing Association (ASA) or U.S. Sailing schools offer internationally recognized certification programs, allowing you flexibility in sail training and chartering locations. Each organization promotes
“Outstanding Schools and Instructors,” right on their websites. Ask yourself how “far” you’d like to go in your sailing. Would you eventually like to buy or charter a boat on your own? If so, choose a school that offers the full gamut of sailing certifications. Don’t select the sailing equivalent of a junior college if you’re after a master’s degree.
Do the Boats Fit the Course? Does the school have boats appropriate for the level of certification you’re trying to achieve? Many schools start initial training on small, tiller-steered keelboats, allowing you to get a feel for basic sailing skills and building confidence. For more advanced courses, progressively larger and more
Want to Meet Singles Who Have a Passion For Sailing?
Offering Sailboats from 24' - 37' Charters and Rentals available by the half day, full day and multi day Sail Yourself or Captained No Experience Necessary Instructions available
410-956-9729 www.southriverboatrentals.com info@southriverboatrentals.com
Singles on Sailboats (SOS) is an organization of single adults who share a love of sailing. The club has over 700 members and 100 boats ranging in size from 27’ to 50’. For a nominal fee, twenty-five weekend cruises and day sails are offered during the sailing season.
For more information:
410.798.4098 www.singlesonsailboats.org s t a r t s a i l i n g n o w.c o m
11
complex boats should be used. Will the school offer rentals or charters for practicing your newly learned skills on your own? Many schools do; some even have sailing clubs for cost-effective practice while meeting new sailing friends.
Customized for You Many schools offer customized sailing courses, including courses for women, couples, or families. Tailored courses may also focus on specific skills like docking, racing, or even just being a good crewmember. Through most good schools, you may hire an instructor for private instruction on your own boat, if applicable.
Shoreside Resources Dockside resources; availability of meals and lodging; size, type, and condition of boats; and safety and maintenance of boats. These items may be addressed by a personal visit to the school to include a tour of the facility and boats, if not a demonstration sail.
The Peeps Top schools post instructor biographies on their websites and gladly introduce you to the teaching staff when you tour the facility in person. Are the instructors ASA and/or U.S. Sailing certified instructors? Do they have U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s licenses? Are they friendly and good at listening as well as “experts?” Would you enjoy spending a weekend with these instructors?
WORLD
CHESAPEAKE BOATING CLUB
Experience The 12
s t a r t s a i l i n g n o w.c o m
/Port Annapolis
213 Eastern
Better Business Sailing schools are businesses, and if you hope to develop a relationship with one, be sure you’re comfortable with their style. Were your inquiries responded to promptly and courteously? Did the school provide the information you needed to make a good course selection? What sort of flexibility will you have for re-scheduling, in the event of emergencies or foul weather?
contact information, there may be a reason for it. If a school does not have references for you, we recommend not writing the check.
Do Your Homework Ask for former student references. Sailing is an exciting and inspiring sport, and newcomers tend to have strong feelings about how they learned. If a school hesitates to provide happy customers’
by Captain Lisa Batchelor Frailey/Sail Solomons, edited by Molly Winans
Three Helpful Links with Lists of Sailing Schools: American Sailing Association: asa.com U.S. Sailing: ussailing.org Discover Sailing: discoversailing.com
The top sailing school in the country, J/World teaches all course levels. You’ll love learning on J/80s- the boats are fast, fun, and easy-to-sail. Certified instructors make sure all students leave highly skilled, suntanned, and smiling! 410.280.2040, www.JWorldAnnapolis.com
Learn
Experience
An annual membership to Chesapeake Boating Club allows you unlimited sailing to really hone your skills. With our knowledgeable staff on hand to assist, you can use the perfect boat to suit your mood- daysailing, cruising, or racing. 410-280-8692, www.ChesapeakeBoatingClub.com
Difference Today. Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21403
PORT13
s t a r t s a i l i n g n o w.c o m
Connecting to Sailing... for Free
D
uring sailing season, which runs from mid-April to Halloween on the Chesapeake Bay, there are sailboats on the water every day of the week. A great way to start sailing is to make your way to places where sailors hang out, whether real or virtual. From north of Baltimore to Norfolk, sailors compete in weeknight races, many of them visible from land for spectators. After work in Annapolis, it’s a tradition for spectators to line the seawall of the U.S. Naval Academy and the Eastport Bridge where as many as 130 boats of various sizes cross the finish line (right at sunset) for Annapolis Yacht Club’s Wednesday Night Races, every Wednesday
Come catch the wind in our sailing programs: Learn-to-Sail, Advanced, Racing Team, and Private Lessons for Kids and Adults In affiliation with the Rock Hall Yacht Club
www.RHYCSailingSchool.org Chuck Parry, Director 410-778-4560
14
s t a r t s a i l i n g n o w.c o m
Adults, Juniors, Families Join the fun at West River Sailing Club in Galesville, MD Contact Peter Duncan sailfaster@aol.com or 410-431-5480 westriversc.org
LEARN TO SAIL lightweight dinghies: • easy to learn • lessons made fun for any age • unpretentious, relaxed sailing club atmosphere • low cost membership • boats available
all welcome to attend SpinSheet’s “real time” crew listing parties in Annapolis and Hampton in April each year to meet sailors of all levels. A free Start Sailing Now panel discussion and Q&A for beginners starts an hour before the Annapolis party, and then it’s time to mingle.
from May through September. If seeing more than 100 sailboats sail by at sunset doesn’t make you want to get out on the water, we’re not sure sailing is for you! It’s a beautiful sight, and yes, it’s even more spectacular when you’re participating. In every sailing town, there is at least one sailing pub. If pubs suit your fancy, ask a local where “the” sailing pub is. You’ll find it. After sunset on racing night, that’s where you will find sailors who love to talk about sailing. If you’re brave enough to talk to strangers, you will find a few sailors who welcome newcomers as crew.
The SpinSheet Club Directory at spinsheet.com offers 210 listings, and we know there are even more clubs out there. There are clubs for cruising sailors, racing sailors, small boat sailors, beginners, single sailors, and others. Contacting a few clubs will lead to a few invitations to new member parties and crab feasts. Before you know it, you will be invited to sail and join the club.
Spinsheet.com hosts online Crew Listings, where new sailors can register. Interested crew sign on by plugging in their experience (if any) and descriptions of the type of sailing they hope to do—casual daysailing, weekend cruising, or big and small boat racing. Hundreds of skippers and crew of all levels have found crew and boats to sail on through this effective, popular, free service. Registered new sailors are
Once you have an invitation to go sailing with a skipper, make sure to offer to bring lunch or snacks. Wear nonscuffing shoes (see p. 10). Be a courteous guest. Listen more than you talk. Enjoy yourself. And remember, the skipper who invited you needs crew. One good sailing day leads to many more invitations.
Easy Ways to Try Sailing…
• • • •
Annapolis Community Boating offers Free Sails from April through September. annapolisboating.org Baltimore’s Downtown Sailing Center offers open houses with free sails. downtownsailing.org Many of the sailing schools in this guide offer open houses and demonstration sails. Give them a call! Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating
•
•
(CRAB) offers sail free days. crab-sailing.org Clubs such as Singles on Sailboats (singlesonsailboats.org) offer monthly happy hours for meeting new sailing friends. Find 210 more clubs in the SpinSheet Club Directory at spinsheet.com Even with no experience, newcomers may race in Annapolis Harbor on Wednesday nights from April through September on the Woodwind Schooners. schoonerwoodwind.com
s t a r t s a i l i n g n o w.c o m
15
The Secret Life of Sailors
I
t’s hard to know the unspoken rules of any culture. To avoid any clashes, here are a few secrets to help you understand what your new skipper is thinking in various hypothetical sailing situations and how you should react: A skipper asks you to bring lunch. Do not be offended if this happens. It’s a perfectly normal request. Fuel is expensive, as is boat maintenance. Just as you would offer a dinner party host cheese or wine, it is standard for crew to bring their own brown bag or share costs by pitching in for snacks or beverages. And remember, cans and plastic bottles are always better than glass on boats. A skipper asks you to wear a lifejacket. This doesn’t mean he or she questions your swimming abilities; it actually means he is carefully considering your safety. Trust your skipper’s hunches, and put it on. Lifejackets aren’t as silly looking as they used to be, and the vest styles can keep you warm on rough days. A skipper asks you to wear different shoes. Again, no offense. Dark-soled shoes have always been a no-no on boats. Certain shoes
16
s t a r t s a i l i n g n o w.c o m
such as Keens have dark, but nonscuffing soles. (See page 10.) To see if your shoes scuff, you may want to test them first on your linoleum floor at home. A skipper asks you to be quiet. Have you ever tried to perform a tricky parallel parking or lanechanging maneuver with someone yapping in your ear? It’s equally distracting on a boat. When a skipper asks for quiet, respect the request. Leaving and returning to a dock and certain on-the-water maneuvers require concentration. A quiet crew, who are ready to listen and jump into action, keep the tension level down on a boat. Crew members with open ears, open eyes, and open minds who keep their mouths shut get many more sailing offers than chatty ones. A skipper asks you to go down below for awhile. Especially during a gybe (see page 5) or during rough weather, it is smart to have newcomers go down below rather than be on deck unsure of what to do. It is for your safety and that of the other crewmembers. Even if the skipper doesn’t have time to explain why, just listen, and trust his or her hunches.
A skipper yells repeatedly at his or her crew. Despite the tyrant-captain stereotype, this is not cool or acceptable behavior. Yelling is offensive and often the sign of a skipper who lacks confidence, skill, and manners. Reconsider his or her next sailing offer for your own safety and sanity. There are polite, level-headed sailors out there. You don’t need to waste time on rude ones.
A skipper is offensive. Unfortunately, such people show up on land and in boats. We’ve told you a few times here to trust your skipper’s hunches. Make sure to trust your own, too. If you have found your skipper through SpinSheet’s online Crew Listings, and you find him or her to be offensive or dangerous as a skipper, please report it to our offices at info@spinsheet.com. We will be happy to rescind his or her invitation to the dance.
Do it standing up! Do it standing up!
Stand Up Paddle-Explore The New Frontier of Watersports Stand Up Paddle-Explore The New Frontier of Watersports
Fun, Easy, Inexpensive
Windsurfing-The Ultimate Sailing Thrill The Mid-Atlantic’s Premier Boardshop for over 30 years! East of Maui Boardshop, Annapolis MD Located in the Riva Festival 410-573-9463
w m om co p .. c op ho d ss h a rr d oa bo u ii b au ma o ff m a ss tt o ea w .. e ww ww
Experience the ride!
w m om co e .. c ne n ll ii n on u ii o au ma o ff m a ss tt o ea w .. e ww ww
s t a r t s a i l i n g n o w.c o m
17
Some Thoughts on Sailing
T
Is it Easy or Hard To Learn?
hose of us in the business of sailing— whether promoting it in magazines or teaching students how to sail—tend to tell prospective sailors that sailing is easy. Wisconsin sailor Nicholas Hayes, who interviewed thousands of sailors for his book Saving Sailing, disagrees. He claims that sailing is not easy, which is exactly why sailors like it. “If you ask sailors why they stick with it for 20 years or longer, none of them do so because they’ve conquered it,” says Hayes. “There’s always something else they can learn that keeps them active in it. If you look at why sailors are passionate about sailing, it’s because it holds their interest. It’s the complexity that makes it valuable.”
Hayes is quick to note that even though it’s complex, sailing is within reach and accessible to newcomers. He says, “You can be sailing in a very satisfying way instantly. Immediately, it’s like you’ve stepped into a new universe, which is so foreign and so interesting.” He notes how new sailors never know exactly where their first sail may lead them— perhaps into ocean sailing, into a whole new social life, or as an escape from tough times or the daily grind. “You just don’t know until you’ve stepped over. It’s like realizing that reading music or learning a new language are new ways to think. It happens instantly in sailing. There’s this possibility you may see things in life you may not have seen otherwise.”
A Serious School for Serious Sailors Offering Basic through Ocean Sailing ASA Certification 101 - 108 Located in Rock Hall, Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay
www.mdschool.com 410-639-7030 18
s t a r t s a i l i n g n o w.c o m
Life Pastime, Lifelong Friends The complex nature of the sport and its built-in social benefits constitute sailing being a life pastime rather than a hobby, according to Hayes. He doesn’t have anything against hobbies. “They fill the time and can be quite enjoyable, but you don’t identify with them,” he says. “A life pastime is a way to pack experience into time by learning something new, building memories with family and friends, or going to new places. It opens up horizons.”
I can tell you I will definitely sail with many of the same friends from beginning to end. Sailing can be a bridge between old and young, men and women. It’s social in a hugely improved fashion, rather than social in the Facebook sense. No doubt about it, you will find your best friend in this activity.” To learn more, visit savingsailing.com.
Hayes says he would be rather disappointed if he didn’t have any friendships that lasted for 20 years. “If I sail for 30 years,
EXPLORE. DREAM. DISCOVER.
- Scholastic Sailing Program - Summer Camps for kids - Dinghy Racing -Kayaks - Fleet Access - Sailboats - Merit Badges - Lessons
No membership fees!
www.bcsailing.org
Pier One Road Stevensville, MD 410 739 4432 Basic Keelboat Basic Coastal Cruising Bareboat Chartering Coastal Navigation
www.baybridgesailingschool.com s t a r t s a i l i n g n o w.c o m
19
Sailboat Type 101 DaysailoR
A
by the traditional sense of the word, but still a great entry point into sailing!
daysailor is a fun boat to sail alone or with just a few people. With boats that Day RaceR are easy to trailer or strap on the roof of your ay racers, designed for competition, car, daysailing is a great place to learn the can be typically towed behind SUVs sport, build your skills, become competitive or trucks. Such boats may have small (if you choose to), and meet other sailors. cabins, but they lack substantial overnight Laser: One sail and one (bigger) sailor. amenities. Although day racing can be a Popular worldwide, sailed in the Olympics. physical “ride,” it’s often drier sailing than on Flying Scot: 19-footer can be used as a smaller daysailors. family boat, a racer, and a fun daysailor.
D
Hobie 16: beach catamrans or “cats” are increasingly popular on the Bay and a lot of fun for athletic sailors who like to go fast and get wet. Bic or Starboard Sailboards: not “boats”
Mariner Sailing School Rentals Flying Scots Sunfish Kayaks
Sailing is Fun
Courses Learn to Sail Learn to Cruise Youth Basic Youth Advanced Private
www.saildc.com 703.768.0018 20
s t a r t s a i l i n g n o w.c o m
J/22: Typically sailed by three or four people. A popular Bay-racing keelboat. Colgate 26: Used for instruction at the U.S. Naval Academy and dozens of other venues. J/80: An open and sleek design, which is a popular racing and instructional boat.
Chesapeake Sailors in the know
read
Now available online at:
SpinSheet.com or pick up a free copy of SpinSheet at one of our 750 distribution spots all along the Bay and beyond.
R
RaceR/cRuiseR
acer/cruisers are versatile boats, which can be used for cruising, daysailing, or racing. These boats have overnight accommodations and typically appeal to a wide spectrum of Bay sailors. There are plenty of solid, affordable used boats on the market. It’s a buyers market! Catalina 27: A very popular first-timebuyer boat, moderately sized and priced. Pearson 30: A versatile family cruiser and racer with a roomy interior. Tartan 34: Very popular for its sound construction, moderate price, and pretty look. Beneteau 36.7: Modern racer/cruiser, sleek and stylish, with plenty of room below.
More than 80 used boat reviews and hundreds of used boats for sale are posted at spinsheet.com. Other popular sources of information are yachtworld.com and boats.com.
SAILING SCHOOL
&
YACHT CHARTERS
∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙
Fast Track Courses, Novice to Advanced Flexible schedules to fit your lifestyle Women-only courses available Yacht Charters – boats 22-47’ Chesapeake Bay & Caribbean Courses
For a superb sailing experience, Sail Solomons with Lisa & Andy!
Outstanding School 2008 & 2009 Outstanding Instructors 2007 & 2009
410-326-4917 www.sailsi.com info@sailsi.com Solomons, MD s t a r t s a i l i n g n o w.c o m
21
Ten Sailing-Crazy Spots 1
7
2
8
Havre de Grace, MD: City at the top of the Bay has a unique and fun vibe with sometimes challenging sailing conditions in the stretch where the Susquehanna River empties into the Chesapeake. Middle River, MD: The creeks and coves are thick with sailboat-packed marinas. Close to the big city and I-95 and featuring a friendly spirit and a real dedication to the sport of sailing.
3
Baltimore, MD: The waterfront renaissance now comes with sailing options in and near the Inner Harbor. A fun destination for cruisers.
4
Rock Hall, MD: Popular with the Pennsylvania and Delaware crowds with easy access to the wide open Bay.
5
Annapolis, MD: America’s Sailing Capital is centrally located and has something for everyone, including big crowds in the summer. October’s U.S. Sailboat Show is a must-see.
6
St. Michaels, MD: A very popular overnight destination with an active and growing sailing scene. Home to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
22
s t a r t s a i l i n g n o w.c o m
Alexandria, VA: The Washington Sailing Marina, on the Potomac River in the shadow of Reagan National Airport, offers competitive and recreational sailing options within sight of DC’s monuments. Solomons, MD: Home to a large contingent of sailors associated with the massive military presence along the Patuxent River and an increasing number of folks who have fled the heat of DC for the friendly sailing community. Home of the Calvert Marine Museum. Deltaville, VA: The Richmond crowd beelines here for weekend sailing, and it is increasingly a year-round home base for many sailors. Wonderful access to many beautiful stretches of the Bay and its tributaries.
9
10
Hampton, VA: Sailing center of Tidewater Virginia. Southern hospitality meets Chesapeake Country. The Southern Bay Race Week tagline is “Y’all Come On-Let’s Race!” Other Great Sailing Centers on the Bay: Chestertown, MD; Galesville, MD; Oxford, MD; Cambridge, MD; Irvington, VA; Cape Charles, VA.
Want to Try Sailing? We’ve got you covered.
Join us for one of the Downtown Sailing Center’s Free Sail Day and Open House days and give sailing a try! We can answer all your questions about our sailing lessons and membership opportunities. No experience or reservations are necessary - and these days are absolutely free to the public. Just come see what we’re all about and experience sailing on Baltimore’s beautiful and historic Inner Harbor first-hand! April 18: May 8: June 13: July 24: Aug 8: Sept 4:
Noon to 3 p.m. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Noon - 3 p.m. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Noon to 3 p.m. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where Sailing is for Everyone. Downtown Sailing Center at the Baltimore Museum of Industry 1425 Key Highway, Suite 110, Baltimore, MD 21230 410-727-0722 • www.downtownsailing.org
vIrgIn Islands Bahamas chesaPeake Bay l ake erIe lake st. claIr BareBoat InstructIon BegInnIng-advanced classes lIve-aBoard lessons offshore Packages
www.fairwindsailing.com
866-380-SAIL