I read somewhere that the U.S. East Coast has two sailing capitals. They are (ta-da!) Newport, Rhode Island and Annapolis, Maryland.
I can’t vouch for Newport but I can tell you that in Annapolis the first sign of spring are not crocuses sprouting in gardens but sailing lesson fliers tacked onto bulletin boards and even telephone polls.
I spotted my favorite flier at a local grocery store. Amid the announcements for spring fairs, farmers markets, bake sales and psychic readings was a flier for sailing lessons for women only. After the usual information – who, where and when – the flier had this assurance printed at the bottom: “No shouting.â€
Don’t you love that? No shouting, indeed.
Here’s a listing of places for sailing lessons in and around Annapolis. Some are members of the American Sailing Association and/or offer ASA certification. Some offer boat charters. I can’t guarantee about the shouting.
Annapolis Sailing School
7001 Bembe Beach Rd., Annapolis, MD. (Port Annapolis Marina)
Founded 1959, the only adult sailing school in the country at the time. 24 courses, from beginner to advanced and cruising, from spring through November. Classes and private instruction.
Operates Kidship for ages 5 to 15, with full- and half-day programs throughout the summer.
Phone: 800-628-9192
Email: info@annapolissailing.com
Web site: www.AnnapolisSailing.com
Bay Bridge Sailing School
621 Zaidee La., Stevensville, MD. (Bay Bridge Marina)
Instruction in basic sailing keelboat, basic coast cruising and more. Day and week classes throughout summer.
Phone: 410-739-432
Email: gordon@baybridgesailingschool.com
Web site: www.baybridgesailingschool.com
Chesapeake Sailing School
7080 Bembe Beach Rd., Annapolis, MD. (Port Annapolis Marina)
Now celebrating its 30th anniversary. 1-day, 3-day and 5-day courses. Beginner to advanced; group and private lessons. Family days, teen programs. Classes run throughout summer into fall.
Phone: 800-966-0032
Email: information@sailingclasses.com
Web site: www.SailingClasses.com
Fair Wind Sailing School
31385 Fromm Dr., Bingham Farms, MI.
Offers sailing instruction in U.S. and British Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Great Lakes and, now, Chesapeake Bay/Annapolis.
Phone: 866-380-SAIL
Email: captdave@fairwindsailing.com
Web site: www.FairWindSailing.com
Her Ladyship
229 Banyan La., Tavernier, FL.
Offers instruction in Bahamas, Florida Keys and Annapolis. For women and couples, including yoga and sail.
Phone: 888-688-6744
Email: jenny@sunshinesailing.com
Web site: www.ladyshipsailing.com
World
213 Eastern Ave., Annapolis, MD.
Bills itself as “The Performance Sailing School,†with instruction for all skill levels on all types of boats. Classes through summer.
Phone: 800-966-2038
Email: carole@jworld.com
Web site: www.jworldannapolis.com
Let’s Go Cruising
222 Severn Ave., Annapolis, MD.
Beginner to advanced. 1-week live on board. 3- to 7-day sailing instruction.. Classes throughout summer into fall.
Phone: 888-995-BOAT
Email: sales@letsgocruising.com
Web site: www.letsgocruising.com
R & R Charters and Sail School
428 Kent Narrows Way North, Grasonville, MD.
Several different options, including women’s only courses.
Phone: 570-690-3645
Email: info@RandRchartersandsailschool.com
Web site: www.randrchartersandsailschool.net
The Sailing Academy, Inc.
411 Deale Rd., Tracy’s Landing, MD (Herrington Harbour North Marina)
Individual and group lessons, group and private. Schedule through summer.
Phone: 410-867-7177
Email: admin@thesailingacademy.com
Web site: www.TheSailingAcademy.com
By Barbara Pash
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