Education

Navigate in open waters without a GPS with the ‘EZ Sextant’ app. The phone’s camera is used to take sightings of the sun, moon, Venus, or Mars. The sighting results are automatically plotted on your device as running fixes, no sextant skills required. You can also use your sextant and take advantage of the built-in almanac and plotting tools. Mike will demonstrate the app and cover some celestial navigation and GPS basics.

Is racing to Bermuda on your Bucket List?  Come visit with past A2B Racers Beth Berry, skipper of KYRIE and Albert Bossar, Skipper of ALLEGIANT.  These experienced offshore Captains are ready to share their experiences and answer all questions on this unique race to Bermuda—the only international race which departs from the Chesapeake Bay!

In addition, both skippers offer a unique perspective as they were both part of the Organizing Authority for the 2024 Annapolis Bermuda Ocean Race.  Whether a trip to Bermuda is a long time Bucket List item, or a new idea,  please join for this exciting and engaging presentation.

One of the simplest knots to learn is the bowline and it is one of the knots few boat operators do correctly and for the right purpose.  Learn from the Carey’s about some simple knot tying as well as which knot can be used in an emergency for the safety of the boat and crew.  Short segments of line will be provided to practice with during the seminar which is a great seminar for all members of the family.

Do you look at the sailboats finishing in front of the Eastport Bridge and think, “I wish I was out there, but I don’t know the first thing about racing?”  Join lifelong racer and Annapolis Sailing School director Ian Morrison as he walks you through a typical sailboat race.  He will then discuss what makes a good crew: how to read the water, where your weight needs to be and the importance of a positive attitude.

Almost 200 years ago, the Erie Canal opened the doors of inland America to the ocean. That door remains open providing an easy journey to and from the ocean for cruisers. Adventure awaits cruisers on the Great Loop or out the St. Lawrence on the Down East Circle Route. Between the ocean and Lake Ontario are 30 locks separating the sweet water cruising of inland America and the ocean. The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River are worthy grounds for the diehard cruiser to explore. This course will focus on the gateway to sweet water cruising and include planning for the trip, preparing the boat for the canal, locking, and resources along the way.

For many cruisers sailing to the Caribbean and visiting exotic islands,is a lifelong dream.  The Salty Dawg Sailing Association, a not-for-profit educational organization, provides cruisers with the skills and support to prepare for and complete a blue water passage.

The primary rally runs from Hampton VA or Newport RI to Antigua with nearly 100 boats heading south each season.

Learn more about why Antigua, our primary destination, is called the “sailing capital of the Caribbean” and what it is like to make landfall in Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Bob Osborn, President of SDSA, Rally Director and port officer for Antigua,  will detail the support available to help you prepare for a safe and fun passage, including our free mentoring program and dozens of webinars each season that are available to all members.  He will also share what it is like to cruise the islands of the Eastern Caribbean.

Salty Dawg has over 1,100 family members and a free monthly newsletter that reaches over 8,000.   Dues are low and rally fees nominal.

This class is for all sailors looking to bring people out on the water for their first time. The class will begin with how to introduce the boat/sailing to the new crew and progress to some drills/activities used by instructors.

Join women members of Annapolis Sailing School and let them answer your many questions about joining a racing boat as crew.  They will help you with the questions you should ask the captain before joining the team, the best practices to be a great crew member, and maybe starting your own all-female team in the area.  Bring your questions and they will provide their racing experience while answering!

Captain Gillette recently published her book Around the World in 800 Days – the Voyage of a Lifetime.  The book describes her circumnavigation from 2017-2019 aboard Liberte’, a 46’ Beneteau Oceanis.  Captain Gillette and her husband, David, sailed 28,767 nautical miles in 791 days while exploring four continents and 23 island territories. This presentation will focus on everyday life on board and describe the fun and sheer joy such a voyage provides to those willing to untie the lines from the home dock.  The presentation will also describe the challenges presented by weather, crew, illness, and mechanical breakdowns.

Are you looking to reel in a fresh catch every time you set sail or drop anchor? Join Nina, a seasoned sailor with over 15,000 nautical miles under her belt and seven years of sailing from the US to the South Pacific. From a novice to a passionate fisherwoman, Nina continues to hone the art of fishing while cruising. In this engaging seminar, Capt. Nina will:

– Share her top educational resources for fishing newbies
– Offer practical tips on outfitting your boat for fishing success, tailored to your budget and boat type
– Provide strategies for both short-handed crews and those seeking a relaxing pastime.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a true expert and enhance your sailing adventures with the joy and reward of fishing.  Click here to explore Nina’s fishing blogs on S/V Enjoy and get a taste of what’s in store! (https://www.enjoysailing.us/category/passaging-blogs/fishing). 

When operating a boat, do you know what it means at night when you see a vessel with white, red, or green lights?  Do you know which boat has the right of way when overtaking or passing across a channel? If you are unsure and want guidance from experts, then join the Carey’s of Morse Alph Expeditions for short overview of the Rules of the Road.  This is a great introduction for anyone who operates a boat either in the Chesapeake Bay or anywhere in the US.

Are you throwing a spider web of line to the dock hand while you are coming into the fuel dock?  Are you correctly tying off your boat when docked?  Have you heard of the term ‘springline’ and do you know when to use it? Practice with the Carey’s on how to correctly throw a line, cleat the line and then safely use lines to depart the dock as well.