Ever wanted to know what dinghy sailing is really like? Looking for a boat for your family or your junior sailor to hone their skills on? Hoping to scream while flying a hull on something hot? Yearning for camaraderie with others who love the water and love testing their mettle in small crafts that capsize and then laughing about it over a cold beer afterwards? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Severn Sailing Association’s (SSA) upcoming Demo Day Sunday, April 19 is calling your name.
SSA will host its second annual Demo Day from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on the grounds of its club at 311 First Street in Eastport. At 2 p.m., sailors are invited to a Start Sailing Now Q&A with SpinSheet associate editor Beth Crabtree, who will moderate a discussion with experienced sailors about getting into the sport this spring.
Known for small boat, one-design racing, SSA offers Demo Day as an opportunity for anyone interested in sailing to get to know what goes on at the club and what it’s like to sail small sailboats. Demo Day will feature more than 20 boats from every SSA fleet and a few non-SSA fleets as well. Fleet members stand ready to answer questions about each type of sailboat and the fleets that sail them and to take folks out for a sail. Boats include Solings, Snipes, J/70s, J/22s, 505s, Lightnings, Thistles, Stars, Lasers, and Vanguard 15s. Unlike at a boat show or an open house, there are no sales tactics or pressure. The day combines sailing new boats with a lot of fun and camaraderie.
“SSA Demo Day is for everyone in Annapolis,” said Gretchen Esbensen, the event coordinator. “It’s a special day where people of all ages can get together and sail every type of boat at SSA in a relaxed atmosphere.”
When you first arrive, volunteers will check you in and share information about the boats and fleets at SSA. Sailboats will already be rigged and ready to sail. Those new to sailing may sail with an experienced fleet member, while those with more experience may be able to sail on their own. Demo sails last about 30 minutes each, leaving ample time for folks to try out several boats. Volunteers will also run the SSA safety boat to offer assistance to any sailors who need it.
Representatives from SSA’s Junior Program will also be available to answer questions and help parents and youth learn more about junior sailing. To add to the fun, Real Food will offer food and drinks for sale at the event. It all adds up to a light-hearted, easily accessible way to go sailing.
“Demo Day is a good opportunity for people to try out lots of boats. It’s great for families to see what kind of boat feels right for them,” said Nan Walker, SSA’s office manager.
Esbensen encourages attendees to come dressed for the weather and prepared to sail in athletic clothes in which you can possibly get wet. Temperatures over the water will be cooler than those over land since the water takes longer to warm up in the spring than the air does. Sailing shoes or close-toed shoes such as running shoes with light-colored soles will protect feet. Some kind of cap, sunglasses, and sunblock will protect faces. While you may wish to bring your own life-jacket, SSA will have life-jackets available.
Last year, more than 150 people attended Demo Day. Eighty demo sails took place while 40-plus volunteers made it all happen. SSA hopes to bring even more people into the world of sailing at this year’s Demo Day.
Be sure to register for the event here!
