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Sailing Schools Abound in Annapolis
 | | Womanship | | 'Nobody yells' at Womanship. |
I fell in love with sailing at Girl Scout camp on Saranac Lake. A klutz at team sports, I had finally found an outdoor activity that came naturally (and without bruises and jeers). Between going away to college, marrying, starting a career and raising a family, I had little opportunity to sail for many years.
In the early '80s on a whim, my husband and I signed up for a weekend course in Annapolis. You could say we went overboard for sailing. Two months later we bought an aged 24-foot sloop. The following year we took delivery of a new boat, large enough for overnights with our daughter and son who, unfortunately, did not share our enthusiasm.
The marriage and the boat are ancient history. The kids have families and interests of their own. But one thing hasn't changed. I still love to sail. Boatless for eight years, I've been known to barter brownies, brewskis and bright work for a chance to spend time on the water.
Then three years ago I had the good fortune to meet someone who not only shares my passion, but owns a boat—the kind with a mast and a boom and those big white dacron things that catch the air.
I am one happy sailer!
And it all began with a weekend sailing course in Annapolis.
You don't have to be in the market for a boat ... or a First Mate ... to enjoy a sailing course. There is much to learn and to appreciate about boat handling, weather, navigation, safety, knots and emergencies. Even if you never again venture out on the Bay.
Annapolis, oft cited as the "Sailing Capital of the United States," has many nationally (and internationally) recognized schools, all with satellite programs in other boating meccas throughout the country and, in some instances, world. Here are three of the oldest and best known.
Annapolis Sailing School
 | | Womanship | | Teachers await students in the classroom. |
Teaching people to sail since 1959, the Annapolis Sailing School approach is unique. Students spend classroom time learning theory then reinforce what they've learned on the water with licensed instructors. From personal experience I can tell you, the approach works. Basic courses are usually on the school's fleet of 24-foot Rainbows. Midsize boats are also available for family cruising and sailing. Those interested in bareboat chartering can sign up for 3-and 5-day prep courses. KidShip offers youngsters from 5 to 15 the basics on 12-foot and 14-foot boats in 2-day, 5-day, and half-day (Li'l Sail) classes. Week-long learn-to-race courses are available at the beginner and intermediate levels. No snob when it comes to stinkpots, the school also offers instruction in powerboat handling.
601 6th St., Annapolis. 800-638-9192. www.annapolissailing.com.
Chesapeake Sailing School
Sign up for a 2-day weekend course in the basics on a Tanzer 22 or take an intermediate level course for 2 or 3 days or longer and learn more about sail trim, docking, weather and anchoring. Founded in 1980, CSS offers instruction in piloting, safety procedures, rules of the road and ASA (American Sailing Association) certification. Coastal cruising courses and bareboat charter planning (tide tables, maintenance, more sophisticated weather prognosticating) are on 30- to 47-foot boats. Kids on Boats offers instruction in 3- and 5-day programs during the summer for kids 7 and older. Private lessons and family courses are also available, as well as specialized instruction such as the 1-day classes in Celestial Navigation.
7074 Bembe Beach Rd., Annapolis. 410-269-1594; 800-966-0032. www.sailingclasses.com.
Womanship
Suzanne Pogell launched Womanship in 1984 to share with other women her love of sailing and the empowerment that accompanies taking control of a boat and, by extension, your life. A single mother when she moved to Annapolis, Pogell noticed that female captains and boat owners were few and far between, and most yacht clubs did not admit women.
But that was then. Besides the anchor school in Annapolis, Womanship offers some 400 courses at all levels at 16 locations throughout the world (Vancouver, Greece and New Zealand among them). Womanship boasts more than 35,000 graduates.
All instruction is on the water, in 2-day, 3-day, 5-day and 7-day (live aboard) courses. The curriculum imposes no limitations on its students whose personal progress is encouraged.
Womanship's mantra is "Nobody Yells." Any woman who has been intimidated by a Capt. Bligh will understand.
410-267-6661 or 800-342-9295. www.womanship.com.
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