NASF Inside Navy Sailing--Feb '26
From the Waterfront
Even in the coldest days of winter, Navy Sailing continues to move forward. This month we reflect on the legacy of a beloved member of our community, while also sharing early-season milestones, on-the-water practice, and the people working behind the scenes to support Navy Sailing. We're grateful to have you with us as part of the Navy Sailing community.
In Memoriam: Daniel "Dan" Maltby Rugg III '70
The Navy Sailing community recently lost one of its true legends with the passing of Daniel "Dan" Maltby Rugg III '70 on February 6, 2026. A two-time All-American sailor, distinguished Naval officer, mentor, and teacher, Dan's legacy lives on in the generations of Midshipmen he coached, guided, and inspired throughout his lifetime.
Dan's connection to Navy Sailing began as a Midshipman at the United States Naval Academy, where he became the first two-time All-American sailor in program history, earning honors in both the 1969 and 1970 seasons. Following graduation and commissioning, he served his country with distinction, including combat service aboard the USS Higbee during the Vietnam War, where he received the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V" for Valor. After leaving active duty, he continued his service in the Naval Reserve for more than 20 years, ultimately retiring at the rank of Captain.
After a professional sailing career, Dan returned to Annapolis in 1989 as Sailing Master of the Command & Seamanship Training Squadron. Over more than two decades, he helped shape the offshore experience for two generations of Midshipmen, teaching seamanship, navigation, leadership, and teamwork through hands-on experience at sea.
Jonathan Wright, Vanderstar Chair for USNA Sailing and a longtime friend and competitor of Dan's, reflected on his lasting influence:
"Dan was a passionate, extremely accomplished sailor both offshore and around the buoys. For more than 40 years, he made numerous contributions to Navy Sailing that are historic and may never be equaled. I have sailed with and against Dan for many years and have the highest respect for his integrity, sportsmanship, and seamanship. He held himself to the highest standards, which he passed on to countless Midshipmen because he understood what was at stake when at sea. His legacy will continue thanks to the foundation that he built for Navy Sailing."
Throughout his life, Dan remained deeply committed to the Navy Sailing community as an alumnus, coach, and mentor. His professionalism, humor, and dedication to teaching helped shape the culture of excellence that continues to define Navy Sailing today.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis, with a reception to follow. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Dan's memory to the Naval Academy Sailing Foundation, a reflection of his lifelong belief in the program's mission to develop leaders through sailing.
The full obituary and service details can be found here.
Intercollegiate Practice Begins, Even in the Ice
After an exceptionally cold stretch in Annapolis, Navy's intercollegiate sailors were not about to wait for perfect conditions. The team officially went in season on January 13, beginning with team lifts and after-school classroom sessions that included sports psychology work with Dr. Jess Mohler, team racing tactics discussions, and preparation for spring goals.
On February 6, with ice still covering parts of the Santee Basin, the team literally broke a path forward, clearing enough water for dinghies to launch and begin spring practice the Navy way, with grit, determination, and teamwork. The scene on the waterfront was a powerful reminder that leadership is forged not only in competition, but in commitment, showing up, adapting, and getting underway no matter the conditions.
As part of early-season preparation, the team also tested new Kokatat drysuits to safely practice in the unusually cold conditions. The drysuits were purchased thanks to the generous support of the Navy Sailing community, providing Midshipmen with the equipment needed to train safely and confidently through the winter months.
The team now looks ahead to its first competition weekend, a home scrimmage on February 21–22 against Georgetown University, Old Dominion University, and St. Mary's College of Maryland, before regular regatta competition begins at the end of February.
A spring break training trip to New Orleans will give the team an important opportunity to practice on Lake Pontchartrain, where Tulane University will host this spring's Open and Women's Team Racing National Championships. Training at the venue will allow the team to sharpen skills and gain valuable familiarity with conditions ahead of Nationals.
Offshore Team Competes at SCOR in Charleston
Trading the frozen waterfront of Annapolis for the palm-lined harbor of Charleston, SC, the Navy Offshore Sailing Team traveled south to compete in the Southern Collegiate Offshore Regatta (SCOR) aboard the Melges 32 Fearless. The crew, composed of talented second- and third-class Midshipmen, embraced the challenge of racing a new platform in unfamiliar conditions.
Preparation for the event required unusual flexibility. With the Naval Support Activity basin frozen over, the Offshore team's boats remained landbound on their blocks, preventing the team from getting on the water before departure. Instead, they focused on rigorous shoreside study with help from local Annapolis experts, arriving in Charleston with strong conceptual knowledge but no time in the cockpit.
Saturday's light winds and Charleston's notoriously strong currents forced the Midshipmen to adapt quickly, learning the complexities of the Melges 32 in real time. On Sunday, with a storm approaching, race organizers shifted to a single "Tour of the Harbor" government mark distance race. In building breeze and challenging current, the team delivered an admirable performance, demonstrating clear growth over the weekend and finishing on a strong note.
From Navy Sailing to the Fleet: Ship Selection
Ship Selection marks a defining moment for First Class Midshipmen entering the Surface Warfare community, as future officers learn where they will report for their first assignment at sea. The leadership, judgment, and teamwork developed through Navy Sailing help prepare them for this transition from Midshipman to Naval officer. In recent weeks, members of both the Intercollegiate and Offshore teams reached that milestone, selecting their first ships and preparing to join the Fleet.
Offshore Team Class of 2026 Ship Selections
- Eddie Konjoyan — USS Spruance (DDG 111), San Diego, CA (EDO option)
- Connor McKee — USS Stockdale (DDG 106), San Diego, CA
- Sammy Mentel — USS Sampson (DDG 102), Everett, WA (EDO option)
- Maddy Nienow — USS McFaul (DDG 74), Hampton Roads, VA (EDO option)
- Chad Schaffner — USS Mustin (DDG 89), Yokosuka, Japan (Nuclear option)
Intercollegiate Team Class of 2026 Ship Selection
- Nathan Smith — USS Boxer (LHD 4), San Diego, CA (EDO option)
As these Midshipmen move from the waterfront to the Fleet, they carry forward a tradition of seamanship, leadership, and service that continues to define Navy Sailing across generations.
Program Needs: J/70s and J/105s
As collegiate sailing continues to evolve, access to the right training platforms is critical for preparing Midshipmen to compete at the highest level. Two boat classes have become increasingly important to Navy Sailing's future success: the J/70 and the J/105.
J/70s play a growing role in collegiate match racing, a discipline that culminates in a fall National Championship and contributes to the overall Fowle Trophy standings. A pair of J/70s would expand training opportunities for both the Intercollegiate and Offshore teams, allowing Midshipmen to gain valuable match racing experience, compete against the strong local J/70 fleet, and participate in events such as the spring series hosted by the Coast Guard Academy.
At the same time, J/105s remain essential for keelboat development. Competing locally against one of the strongest J/105 fleets in the country gives Midshipmen invaluable experience in large, competitive starts and challenging race conditions that translate directly to collegiate success. Our long-term goal is to build and maintain three or more fully race-ready J/105s to ensure consistent access for training and competition.
If you are aware of J/70s or J/105s available for donation or sale, or would like to help support these efforts, we welcome your connection. Boats donated to the Naval Academy Sailing Foundation are tax-deductible, as NASF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Please contact Executive Director Les Spanheimer at les@navalacademysailingfoundation.org.
Navy Sailing Summer Camp
Navy Sailing will once again host its popular overnight Summer Sailing Camp for girls and boys ages 13–18. Campers will train in the Naval Academy's fleet of FJs and 420s, with daily on-the-water coaching and seminars focused on boat handling, speed, tactics, and strategy, along with fun off-the-water activities.
Two sessions are offered this summer: June 21–24 and June 28–July 1. The all-inclusive program features instruction by Navy's intercollegiate sailing coaches, lodging in Bancroft Hall, meals at King Hall, use of boats, and a Navy Sailing Camp shirt.
To learn more or register, please visit the Navy Sailing Camp registration page.
Behind the Scenes: A Partner Supporting Navy Sailing Through Philanthropy
Last month, we shared how the Naval Academy Sailing Foundation serves as a partner to the United States Naval Academy sailing program. This month, we would like to introduce someone working behind the scenes to help strengthen that partnership and support the future of Navy Sailing.
Christine Krause joined the Foundation about a year ago as Director of Advancement, bringing nearly two decades of experience building relationships and strengthening philanthropic support for organizations she cares deeply about. Her role is centered on connecting the Navy Sailing community with the program's mission and helping ensure Midshipmen have the resources and opportunities to develop as leaders on the water.
Before coming to NASF, Christine spent many years working in advancement at McDonogh School, an independent college preparatory boarding and day school outside Baltimore. There, she worked closely with families, alumni, and school leadership during two record-setting fundraising campaigns that supported meaningful investments in students, programs, and facilities. That experience reinforced her belief in the power of strong communities and shared purpose.
A native of the Chesapeake Bay region, Christine grew up on the water and has always valued the lessons that come from time spent outdoors, including preparation, teamwork, and responsibility. She feels fortunate to now be part of the Navy Sailing community and to help ensure the program remains strong for future generations of Midshipmen.
If you would like to learn more about Navy Sailing or ways to support the program, Christine welcomes hearing from you at christine@navalacademysailingfoundation.org.
Upcoming Webinar | March 25
Save the date for a special Friends of Navy Sailing (FONS) webinar on Wednesday, March 25, from 5:00–6:00 PM PT (8:00–9:00 PM ET) featuring trailblazing offshore sailor Alli Bell, Commodore of San Diego Yacht Club and a finalist for US Sailing's 2025 Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year. Registration information will follow.
Alli made sailing history in the 2025 Transpacific Yacht Race by becoming the first female skipper to win the overall race and capture the King Kalakaua Trophy in the event's 119-year history. Sailing her 1967 Cal 40 Restless, she campaigned with an all-amateur, woman-led crew of family and friends across 2,225 miles from Los Angeles to Hawaii, earning victory on corrected time against a fleet of 53 boats. The team spent more than 12 days at sea, a remarkable endurance effort in a 40-foot boat, especially considering the fastest boats finished nearly a week earlier.
Her story is one of preparation, perseverance, and teamwork, demonstrating that dedication and smart sailing can triumph over bigger budgets and newer boats. Don't miss this opportunity to hear firsthand about her remarkable campaign and the lessons learned along the way.
Our Community On the Water, Wherever We Sail
Sailing is a lifelong pursuit, and members of the Navy Sailing community continue to compete and lead on the water long after graduation.
This month we feature Naval Academy Sailing Foundation President Nick Madigan '81, who is campaigning his Star boats on the East and West Coasts throughout the 2026 season.
Have a photo to share? We'd love to feature our extended Navy Sailing community in future editions. To share, please contact us at christine@navalacademysailingfoundation.org.
Thank You and Looking Ahead
As we move further into the spring season, we are reminded that Navy Sailing is shaped both by those who built its foundation and by the Midshipmen carrying that legacy forward today. From honoring the life and contributions of Dan Rugg to watching today's teams launch into a challenging season with determination and grit, the values that define Navy Sailing continue to guide the program forward. Thank you for being part of the Navy Sailing family and for helping ensure that this tradition of excellence continues for generations of Midshipmen to come.
Know someone who would enjoy staying connected to Navy Sailing? Encourage them to reach out to us at christine@navalacademysailingfoundation.org to be added to the Inside Navy Sailing distribution.
