No, we’re not talking about returning to a stuffy classroom. We want you to get out on the water! Chesapeake country is loaded with sailing enthusiasts who enjoy teaching their sport to newcomers. If you’re living or vacationing near the Chesapeake Bay and you haven’t learned to sail, you’re missing an extraordinary opportunity. Sailing can be learned at any stage of life; there’s a style of sailing for just about everyone—with a group or alone, competitively or recreationally, on big boats or small ones.
There are many places to learn to sail, including sailing schools, community sailing programs, charter company learn-to-sail classes, and courses offered by sailing or yacht clubs. Some schools offer day programs, while others have liveaboard opportunities for
students. Some charter companies offer amazing learning vacations. The best way to find the right fit is to read these pages carefully, do some research, and call to ask for specifics and schedule a visit.
Third generation owner-operator Carolyn Norton Schmalenberger of Norton Yacht and Sailing School in Deltaville, VA, says, “Often I have the pleasure of talking with sailing school students after they’ve completed their instruction, and it’s exciting for me to hear the sheer enthusiasm about their newfound sport. The quietness, the elements, and the vastness of the Bay are always part of the conversation. Whether students are young adults or enjoying retirement, it’s gratifying to learn that most can’t wait to get back out on the water and begin a whole new adventure. What they don’t know, but will realize soon enough, is that sailing is really a new lifestyle.”
Delmarva Sailing School student Paul Fink explains how he got started. “As I approached retirement, I searched around for a new challenge,” says Fink. “It had to be something that I knew nothing about and was totally different from what I had done in the past. I found on the Internet Delmarva Sailing School with Captain Mike Brown. I signed up, got my study books in the mail, and showed up for lessons. Learning to sail has been an opportunity to enjoy a new lifestyle and a challenge. I’ve gained skills, knowledge, and camaraderie.”
“Although I had been introduced to sailing by my son, and I had taken a free sailing class on the Potomac River, I was really a novice,” continues Fink. “I didn’t know one end of the boat from the other when I arrived for the Basic 101 course. I couldn’t figure which way to go for tacking or gybing, was a little afraid when the boat tilted, and was the worst in the class. But, wow! After years of running a business, I liked being on the bottom again. I wasn’t in charge. I wasn’t the boss. And most importantly, I wasn’t a natural. Learning to sail was the challenge I was looking for.”
During the next few years, Fink was able to continue taking sailing instruction with Delmarva between work deployments to war zones. “Between each course I slipped a little but was able to regain ground. I retook most, if not all, of the courses, but each time I learned more. However, I determined that I needed more time on the water to build confidence. When I got an opportunity, I took Captain Mike’s seven-day coastal class and his class from Bermuda to St. Thomas. Then I spent the next 30 days sailing in the Virgin Islands under Delmarva instructor Captain Frank. Captain Mike told us it was good to sail with his staff because we would learn different techniques from different instructors, and he was correct.”
“Sailing in the Virgin Islands I had the opportunity to be in charge. The instructor was on the boat, but I was able to be captain for a day. I made the watch schedule, appointed the navigator, and basically took control of the boat. Captain Frank allowed me to make mistakes, but none that were dangerous. Sailing day after day gave me the confidence to feel capable of cruising on the Chesapeake. I know what the different buoys mean and how to find and avoid sandbars.
“As time has passed, I have revised my fantasy of sailing around the world with my wife. Now my dream is daysailing around the Chesapeake Bay and the Virgin Islands with her. Someday, with luck, I will have my own boat, and I’ll be able to share sail time with our war veterans. I know it would help them move forward, as it has helped me,” says Fink.
“The best advice I can give others is to jump into the deep end. I respect Captain Mike and Delmarva Sailing School because he is into safety, and that’s important to me. I also tried another sailing school, but I found that wasn’t up to my standards. You just have to jump in and try. You’ll click with the instructor or not, and they will earn your respect or not. If you’re willing to invest your time and effort, anyone can learn to sail,” concludes Fink.
Continuing Ed
Those of us who already know how to sail realize that the learning never ends. And, really, that’s part of our attraction to the sport. Year after year, experienced sailors fine tune skills such as anchoring, docking, navigation, and teamwork. In addition to courses taught aboard a sailing school’s fleet, most schools have instructors who will come aboard your boat. There’s a lot to be said for learning on the vessel you’ll be handling on your own after the instructor has gone home. Whether it’s start-line strategy, course plotting, or night sailing, continuing education opportunities can help sailors of all levels achieve their goals.
