Ah, the launching of a new sailing season. There’s nothing quite like it. Whether you’ve had the same boat for 30 years or if you’re looking for your first dinghy, springtime is the best time for kicking tires and seeing what’s new on the market. For all the open houses listed below, we recommend registering in advance just to make sure you can get on the boat you want. Contact info is below.
First up on April 7, the Baltimore City Yacht Association (BCYA) is hosting its Season Kickoff Party with a rules refresher course and tactics seminar presented by North Sails expert Dave Clinnin. The party takes place at Little Havana and is open to new captains and crew members as well as anyone else interested in sailing in Baltimore.
Next up, we have Baltimore’s Downtown Sailing Center and their Spring Open House April 11. Between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. you can try out sailing for free, learn about membership classes, check out summer day camp, and even talk to folks about the incredibly popular social league. The open houses happen monthly, so you can catch them again May 9 at the same time.
Severn Sailing Association’s (SSA) Spring Demo Day event happens April 19. More than 10 fleets will be represented, offering you a day to get out on the water (for free) and meet great people who make fast sailing a priority. SpinSheet will host a Start Sailing Now panel in the Clubhouse, so come on by and try something new. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., SSA, 311 First St. Annapolis. See page 32 and severnsailing.org for more.
For beginning sailors, Beneteau America and the American Sailing Association will offer a sailing workshop using the Beneteau 22 at the Spring Sailboat Show the weekend of April 24-26. The workshop is two hours long, including 30 minutes of sailing basics and 90 minutes of on-the-water instruction. The workshop is only $35 and is open to anyone eight years old and over. For more info, visit annapolisboatshows.com/Annapolis-spring-sailboat-show.
Happening the same weekend, Pleasure Cove Marina in Pasadena, MD, is hosting its annual Spring Fling and Marine Vendor Meet and Greet. From 9 a.m until 5 p.m. you can shop the sales in their brand new ship’s store, enjoy refreshments, talk to vendors, and hang out in one of the middle Bay’s most happening areas.
Down on the other end of the Bay, Sail Nauticus is having its Spring Open House April 25 at 1 p.m. You can learn about memberships, go for a sail with one of the Sail Nauticus skippers, and learn more about getting sailing within the fleet.
Finally, if you’re ready to bite the bullet and buy a new boat, or if you just want to dream a little, Deltaville Dealer Days unfolds May 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with hundreds of new and brokerage boats on display. Annapolis Yacht Sales, S&J Yachts, Norton Yachts, and Chesapeake Yacht Sales will be bringing in Beneteaus, Island Packets, Catalinas, Jeanneaus, Lagoons, and more (including a whole host of gorgeous power boats. Come on. It doesn’t hurt to look). Don’t forget to register for great cash prizes.
