Summerwind Returns to Bristol, R.I.

Summerwind, our 1929 John G. Alden Schooner, was put to work this summer with a trip to Bristol, R.I. In company with 4 Navy 44s and their Midshipmen crews Summerwind and her 16 Midshipmen trained in the Cheseapeake for a couple weeks before beginning the trip down the Bay and up the East Coast. The five boats were hosted by the Herreshoff Marine Museum and the Bristol Yacht Club. Halsey Herreshoff took a personal interest in showing the Midshipmen the best Bristol had to offer with a fascinating tour of the family museum as well as a sail onboard a couple of his classic boats (the NY40 was a special experience). The crew of Summerwind returned the favor, giving Halsey a lift down to Newport, under sail in 15 knots of perfect Narragansett bay breese.

Navy 1 - 2 in the 2016 Annapolis to Bermuda Ocean Race!

Midshipman Zack Michel and his crew aboard INTEGRITY took overall honors in the 2016 Annapolis to Bermuda Ocean Race. Midshipman Ben Olson's GALLANT placed a close second, finishing only two miles in trail (after 750nm of racing!)

Wahoo Wins First Regatta!

After a very quick shakedown Midshipman Skipper Matt Robbins and his crew aboard the newly donated KER 50 "Wahoo" took on some of the best crews on the East Coast at the 162nd New York Yacht Club Annual Regatta. Finishing 1st in 2 of the 4 races the Midshipmen came away with a class victory! The Capital Gazette published a great piece on the race here.

The Hooligan Navy

The Varsity Offshore Sailing Team's latest weapon: the TP-52 "Hooligan." The very generous donor is letting us keep the name, which is fitting since during WWII a band of young yachtsmen and fishermen were recruited to help protect the United States' East coast from Hitler's deadly fleet of Nazi U-Boats. They were called the "Hooligan Navy" (aka "The Corsair Squadron"). Our 100' schooner "Summerwind" actually saw service in the Hooligan Navy.  If you're interested in the history the National Sailing Hall of Fame has an excellent video available to stream:

The Hooligan Navy

The coaching staff and Midshipmen are very excited to get her in the water for the 2016 season.

"The Helmsman" - Naval Academy Sailing's Focus on Safety

In 2014 the Naval Academy Sailing Program published its first edition of a new online newsletter. Emulating the Naval Avition safety magazine "Approach," the Helmsman sought to spread lessons learned though a compilation of first person narrative accounts of sailing mishaps and close calls. Timed for publication during the Naval Academy's annual Safety at Sea Seminar, the Helmsman is now collecting article submissions for its 3rd edition. If you have a story to share please contact Jon Wright at jnwright@usna.edu

2014 Edition of the Helmsman

2015 Edition of the Helmsman

RIO Sets New Monohull Course Record

Congrats to Naval Academy Sailing supporter Manouch Moshayedi and the crew of RIO for setting the Monohull record in the 1000nm Vallarta Race!

Plenty wins the 2016 Rolex Farr 40 World Championship →

Congratulations to Naval Academy Sailing supporter Alex Roepers for his victory in the 2016 Rolex Farr 40 World Championship!