SpinSheet's first annual Crew Listing Party was held in 1996
Inspired by the crew party thrown in San Francisco for Latitude 38 Magazine, on April 27, 1996, SpinSheet hosted its first annual Crew Listing Party at J/Port on Eastern Avenue in Eastport, which remains the property for J/World Annapolis and Chesapeake Boating Club. Connecting sailing crew to boat owners at the beginning of the season was and has continued to be the purpose of our annual party.
Several changes unfolded over the years. We moved the party to Annapolis Maritime Museum for a couple of years and later partied at Eastport Yacht Club (EYC), where we continue to be welcomed and grateful for the space. The number of guests has tripled from the original 120. The Geckos steel drum band has played at almost all of these events (but are busy this year!).
We dropped the word "listing” about 15 years ago, as it harked back to a different time when what we now call our Crew Finder (spinsheet.com/crew-finder) was an actual print and online list. In 1996, we didn't have the online search capabilities we have today. If you hear a sailor call the party the “Crew Listing Party,” you know they’ve been on the Chesapeake scene for a long time!
Over the years we added parties in Hampton and Solomons, which are much smaller but still great ways to connect with sailors in spring. This year’s southern Crew Parties wrapped up in March, and the Annapolis edition was held on April 27. The parties are free and open to the public and sailors of all levels. See you there in spring 2026!
