All Are Welcome to the Free Cal 25 Fleet Sail and Raftup
Looking to level up your sailing skills, experience the thrill of one-design fleet racing, or simply spend a gorgeous day on the water? Join the Cal 25 fleet for its upcoming Cruise & Social. This event is open to all members and guests; no experience required.
The fleet will pair experienced fleet skippers with newer and prospective members for a fast-paced, highly educational day sail. Because the fleet consists of completely identical one-design boats, you will see the immediate, real-time impact of precise sail trim, helm control, and tactical maneuvers.
What You Will Learn (Completely Free!)
- One-Design Boat Handling: Take the helm and learn the subtle art of keeping an identical boat moving at peak performance.
- Tactical Trim Execution: Master jib and mainsheet positioning to maximize boat speed relative to the rest of the fleet
- The 'Rabbit Start' Method: Learn and execute a highly safe, tactical, and stress-free fleet gate start without the typical starting-line crowding.
- Raft-Up Dynamics: Practice line handling, fender placement, and safe anchoring techniques alongside identical sister ships.
Why You Should Sign Up
This event is specifically designed to bring energetic, and aspiring sailors into the Cal 25 community. You don't need to own a boat, and you don't need years of racing experience. Bring your enthusiasm—organizers provide the boats, the skippers, and the top-tier coaching.
Beat the Storms Guarantee: The aggressive morning timeline ensures we log maximum sailing hours and wrap up the social window before the afternoon heat can trigger any summer convective weather. We will have you back at the dock completely safe and dry.
Logistics and Timing
WHEN: Sunday, August 16, 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Departing local docks to Whitehall Bay & back
COST: 100% FREE Coaching & Entry
THE SCHEDULE
9:30 AM - Skippers' Briefing & Crew Match
Meet at the docks, pair up with veteran skippers, and review crew roles.
10:15 AM - The One-Design Run
A clean Rabbit Start and a tactical match over to Whitehall Bay with hands-on crew rotation.
12:00 PM - The Whitehall Raft-Up
Drop hooks, secure the fleet parallel (staggering spreaders), and kick off a 2-hour lunch/swim social.
2:30 PM - Educational Sail Return
Break the raft and enjoy a relaxed, instructional sail back focusing on helm balance and rig tuning.
4:00 PM - Fleet Secure
Tied up safely in slips before any afternoon summer storm cells can develop.
SECURE YOUR CREW POSITION TODAY
Benches and slots fill quickly to maintain safe crew-to-skipper ratios. Contact Dan Buan at [email protected] or call 301-213-4549 to reserve your spot on a boat!
