Annapolis area sailing school needed for teen beginner

[josrulz]

Hi all,
I'm looking for a sailing school recommendation in the Annapolis area for my step-son, who is 14 (will be 15 in a few months). He's a real beginner--we just got our boat this year, and the three of us (my wife, step-son, and I) have been going out on weekends. He's been doing great, and learning things as he goes.

But I know that I didn't really learn to sail until I took classes. And if he's interested, we'd like to offer him the opportunity to take classes too.

I know there are many schools in the Annapolis area, so that's why I ask for a recommendation. When looking online, it seemed as though most classes for beginners were for much younger kids, and most classes for kids the age of my step-son were more advanced. Neither of those would be a good fit.

I would really like this to be a positive and fun experience for him (again, if he wants to go--we're not going to make him do it).

Any recommendations?

Thanks!
-J

[Jeff_H]

Its a little late for this but both Severn Sailing Association and Annapolis Yacht Club have great Jr. Sailing programs. Severn Sailing used to be open to anyone, whether you were a member or not. Other than that, you might look at one of the more adult schools like J-world, Chesapeake Sailing School or Annapolis Sailing School. If you son is a technical type, the J-world school would best suit him. Otherwise, I usually say that I prefer Chesapeake Sailing School over Annapolis Sailing although I understand that Annapolis Sailing School has just redone its program and I'm not sure about that recommendation.
Jeff
Jeff

[WouldaShoulda]

Most boating clubs offer youth sailing opportunities.

If you happen to be going to the beach this summer, the Rehoboth Bay Sailing Association has open/limited memberships.

http://www.rbsa.org/SailingSchool.htm

I'm not so sure about the Annapolis area.

Many could have sold out or filled their slots by now as I understand they are quite popular.

[eryka]

A friend of ours teaches here Maryland School of Sailing; Chesapeake, Caribbean, Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda
He's a very good sailor. If the rest of their staff is at his level, this might be another good school to consider.

[JohnRPollard]

I like Jeff's suggestions above.

Another option: Our kids for many years went to sailing camp at the Chesapeake Bay MAritime Museum (CBMM). They use JY-15s, which is a good platform that can be sailed with mainsail alone or with mainsail and jib as the kids get more advanced.

They have a nice low key program over there, based on a half-day format for 4-5 days. We always made it a family vacation -- where we'd spend the week tied alongside there at the MAritime Museum (they have inexpensive slips for members - -well worth the membership fee). I would do boat projects (this is fun for me) and my wife relaxed while the kids sailed in the camp. Alternatively, you can anchor out in the inner lagoon and save some $$.

They definitely had a mixture of age groups, and they can pair kids up by age and ability.

Another option would be West River Sailing Club, in Galesville Md. We've heard they have a good program too.

[Jeff_H]

I forgot about the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. John is exactly right. That would be a great program for a 14 year old.

Years ago, I volunteered to help with their sailing class. I was staying over at the museum and two of the teachers called in sick. I knew the main instructor and he asked if I would be willing to help out on the water. That weekend they were running a father/son, Mother/Daughter class. It was very well run and all had a blast.

Jeff

[josrulz]

Thanks everyone. I'll check out all these options. I'm going to write/call several schools/clubs, and just see what they say. As mentioned above, they might all be booked, so we'll see.

We meant to get on this sooner, but with the purchase of the boat, bringing it home, etc., the summer just sneaked up on us!

Of course, our son will likely have lots of fun on the boat even if we can't find classes, but sailing really opened up for me once I understood it, and knew terminology etc. He really enjoys being a part of what's going on around him, rather than a passenger. So we'd like to help with with that.

[JohnRPollard]

Originally Posted by josrulz

...Of course, our son will likely have lots of fun on the boat even if we can't find classes, but sailing really opened up for me once I understood it, and knew terminology etc. He really enjoys being a part of what's going on around him, rather than a passenger. So we'd like to help with with that.

One additional thought along those lines: If the camps are all booked this summer, consider investing in a rowing/sailing dinghy that you can tow along behind you. They provide a great opportunity for kids to putter around and learn rowing and sailing while the mothership is anchored up. It's also nice for kids to get off the boat and go explore on their own, and gives them a break form their parents (and vice versa ).