During the summertime, the Chesapeake is filled with kids sailing on all types of boats, especially one-designs. Here is a mid-summer update.
Multigenerational Sailing in Penguins
The first ever Sweaty Penguin Invitational was organized by the Penguin Class to have an event that focused on getting kids out on the race course," Gray Shannahan tells Spinsheet. "It was hot without much breeze but there were lots of water guns to keep the fun as the 16 registered dinghies circled the committee boat waiting for the breeze to fill in. The breeze arrived and delivered three great races to which Jonathan Bartlett put on a masterclass of boat speed and tactics with his grandson, Connor. I feel truly blessed to have been able to race with both of my kids (Graham 9 and Elle 7) in the same boat my sisters and I grew up racing with our father in. And on top of that, we were racing against my same friends that I grew up racing against who were out there with their kids. Huge thank you to Tred Avon Yacht Club and the Penguin Class leaders who put together a truly special event."
More Junior Racing
In early July, Annapolis Junior Race Week drew hundreds of young sailors to the Annapolis area for regattas at Annapolis Yacht Club, West River Sailing Club (June 29, in conjunction with the Maryland State Championships), and Severn Sailing Association (for the Sandy MacVickar Junior Regatta). In the following days, the fleet traveled north to Baltimore County Sailing Center and Gibson Island Yacht Squadron, where each club hosted its junior annual regatta. By mid-July, the action had returned to the Middle Bay. The Admiral Bryd Regatta unfolded July 18-19 at Cambridge Yacht Club, and, on the same dates, Fishing Bay Yacht Club (FBYC) hosted its annual One Design Regatta. July’s flurry of regional junior racing wrapped up with the Lewes Yacht Club and Rock Hall Yacht Club Junior Annuals, held July 22 and 23, respectively.
High School Sailors Recognized at US Capitol
US Representative Sarah Elfreth recently invited Severn School (Severna Park, MD) sailors to Washington, DC, to witness the Congresswoman, speaking on the floor of the House of Representatives, recognize the team’s successes, including capturing the 2026 Mallory and Baker trophies. The student athletes also toured the Capitol building while there. “One doesn’t ever expect to be invited to the Capitol to be recognized in the halls of Congress,” said Coach Tom Sitzmann, adding, “It was fulfilling to see the team’s hard work acknowledged and hear their names spoken in that impressive chamber.”
Collegiate News: Sailing Restored at CNU
Following a successful fundraising campaign by The Christopher Newport Sailing Foundation, Christopher Newport University has restored its sailing program, which had been discontinued at the conclusion of the 2025-26 academic year due to program finances and declining participation. University president William G. Kelly states, in part, “Alumni and supporters stepped forward with renewed energy, a sustainable funding model, and a shared commitment to rebuilding the program… Kate Gomes ’08 will serve as interim head coach.”
