After 59 years of operating solely out of Alexandria, VA, the Sailing Club of Washington (SCOW) has expanded its footprint to Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay! On June 22, SCOW held a commissioning party to christen its new cruiser, the Catalina 250 Calypso, now docked at The Marina at Nautilus Point.
What the Sailing Club of Washington offers:
SCOW is an all-volunteer organization originally chartered in 1966, “to provide the membership thereof with the opportunity and instrumentalities to become expert in the art of sailing for their individual and mutual education, benefit, and enjoyment.” Since then, SCOW has thrived, sailing its fleet of Flying Scots and Catalina 250s on the Potomac River.
The club offers its nearly 500 members basic sailing classes, individual use of club boats for members who have become qualified club skippers, and a welcoming space for members to enjoy the fellowship of the sport and recreation of sailing. Membership is open to anyone interested in sailing and willing to help out. SCOW is entirely staffed by volunteers who manage training, skipper certification, boat maintenance, and the many activities that keep SCOW flourishing.
Our members are excited to join the Annapolis sailing community and would like to encourage anyone in the Annapolis area to join. Our club has sailors of all ages and experience, so whether you have never been out on the water or own your own Catalina 250, SCOW is a great place for you. Currently, our basic membership fee is $75 per year which entitles one to participate in club activities in both Alexandria and Annapolis, including Wednesday Night Racing and Thursday Social Sails on the Potomac River, monthly raftups, and more events and socials throughout the year. By far, the greatest benefit of SCOW membership is the lifelong friendships to be made among fellow sailors.
For more information about the Sailing Club of Washington, or to become a member, visit scow.org. We hope to see you on and off the water.
By Lynn Durbin and Olivia Pilson
