J World Annapolis offers several formats for receiving your US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification. The “BK” is the cornerstone of the US sailing system and a great course for honing existing skills – even if you are an experienced sailor. J World offers the course in both a five consecutive day and three weekend format. For those sailors with busy work lives the three weekend format affords the flexibility to complete the “BK” without needing to take precious vacation time (that you should ultimately spend SAILING!)
Due in part to the fact that the three weekends do not need to be consecutive, but planning to come as often as possible is always a good idea. Because there are a handful of 2012 sailors that have not completed all three weekends of their BK course, we are offering a final two days of sailing – and we’ve thrown in the added benefit of burning off some turkey and stuffing too. J World Annapolis is offering a Weekend Three Course November 23 and 24 (Friday/Saturday) for those sailors that have yet to complete their three weekend course.
For BK sailors who have already finished their five day or three weekend course, but would like to get a “refresher” we are offering spaces in this last on-the-water course of the season for just $149! Join us for some end of season fun! To learn more or register – contact the office today!
It is never too early to start preparing for success. If you like to win but don’t sail 12 months of the year, it is important to remember the lessons learned last season. That is not all that easy. Instead of spending those first few regattas getting back up to speed, you can start your season off with a bang by preparing for a successful season after training and racing with J World Annapolis during the first big event of the season – the 2013 Annapolis NOOD Regatta.
The 2013 Annapolis NOOD regatta is ostensibly the kick off event of racing on the Chesapeake Bay, and for New England or Midwestern racers comes at a time that enables you to get a jump on your competition. With this in mind, we have designed a proven four day on-the-water racing training and seminar program preceding three days of actual one design racing in the highly competitive and greatly attended J/80 class. Seven days of racing training – with three days of real racing! Imagine going to driving school and then racing in the Indy 500! Our program of thoughtful seminars and on-the-water training will get you back in the fast lane, accelerate your learning curve and provide a truly memorable racing experience.
World Class Coaches and Seminar Leaders
Our world class coaching staff will be supplemented with some of the best sailing professionals in the business who will talk about winning strategies, sail trim and rig tune. Champion sailors and world class sailing professionals will augment our highly qualified and experienced staff.
Unique Learning Experience
Keelboat racing requires a remarkable amount of crew communication and choreography. Because of this, we believe strongly that “cross-training” positions is the key to understanding how interdependent each role is and how crucial coordinated efforts are to success in any boat. Unless you are coming as part of a pre-set crew that will not be rotating positions, each client can plan on helming, trimming and working the bow. If you are ready to improve your skills and develop new experiences – then this is the program for you.
Huge High Performance One Design Fleet
We use J/80’s as our race training platform because they are the best learning platform around. Fast, fun and with a great following there is no other class that can provide the teaching and learning opportunities along with the great racing that the J/80 class does. With J/80 North Americans and World’s coming to Annapolis in 2014 you can bet that there will be teams preparing for the venue by participating in the 2013 Annapolis NOOD Regatta. With more than 25 boats sailed locally – the NOODs are guaranteed to be a well attended event that will prepare you for big starts and tough fleets anywhere.
Call the office at 410-280-2040 to learn more about this seven day racing program.
PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (October 30, 2012) – US Sailing has released a report of an independent review panel on its investigation of the sailing accident that occurred on April 28 during the 2012 Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race that resulted in the deaths of four sailors. The crew were victims of an accident aboard Aegean, a 37-foot Hunter 376. The 125-mile Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race is held annually, starting from Newport Beach, Calif. and ending at Ensenada, Mexico. The Newport Ocean Sailing Association (NOSA) is the race organizer.
Synopsis of Findings and Recommendations from the Report:
The panel determined that a key element of the accident was likely an inadequate lookout*, and that it is likely that Aegean inadvertently motored beyond a waypoint set before North Coronado Island. Although the inadequate lookout was the proximal cause of the accident, there were additional safety issues that came to light during the inquiry, and improvements in these areas could prevent or reduce the severity of other accidents in the future.
The panel relied on available facts to create this report. There were no survivors and no eyewitnesses to the accident. The facts include the SPOT Connect (GPS tracking device with text capacity) position reports from which vessel course and speed were derived, times of SPOT Connect text transmissions during the race, published material, press reports including accounts of the San Diego Coroner’s report and the results of their toxicology analysis, interviews with race organizers, participants and past crew from Aegean, wreckage found at North Coronado Island and in the debris field and underwater at North Coronado Island.
The panel recommends improvements in the following areas:
1. Always maintain a lookout, with a watch of at least two people, using audible waypoint and radar alarms.
2. Racers need to be made aware of the light obscuration zones in the Coronado Islands.
3. Each watch must understand the operation of the boat’s navigation systems.
4. The use of autopilots while motoring should be reviewed by race organizers.
5. To improve communication, racers should monitor VHF 16 and race organizers should provide a 24-hour emergency contact.
6. US Sailing should create a guide to emergency signaling devices.
7. US Sailing should create a crisis management template for race organizers.
“The US Sailing Independent Review Panel members express our sorrow at the loss of four lives in this tragic accident,” said Bruce Brown, US Sailing Panel Chairman. “We offer our condolences to the family members of the victims. This accident was tragic and, we will not know what occurred during the last hours on board Aegean. The panel analyzed the facts and offers recommendations to the sailing community. My thanks go to the members of the panel for their diligent work, and to our sailing community who stepped forward to offer their insights into the events that occurred.”
The objective of this report is to reduce the chance of future similar tragedies by identifying the contributing factors leading up to this incident. This report is not intended to be used in any judicial proceedings whose purpose is to attribute or apportion liability or blame.
The members of the panel are Chairman Bruce Brown (Costa Mesa, Calif.), John Winder (Annisquam, Mass.), Alan Andrews (Corona del Mar, Calif.), Ed Adams (Middletown, R.I.), and Alan McMillan (Pensacola, Fla.). The Offshore Special Regulations Consultant on the panel is Evans Starzinger (Milford, Conn). The Safety at Sea Committee Chairman and Review Panel Liaison is Chuck Hawley (Santa Cruz, Calif.). The Medical Advisor was Dr. Steven Shea (Long Beach, Calif.). Jim Wildey (Annapolis, Md.) advised on investigation procedures and formats.
US Sailing is the national organizing body of the sport and is the overall authority for sanctioning sailboat races in the United States. US Sailing follows established policies of reviewing races involving causalities and/or fatalities. Similar reports from races include the 1979 Fastnet Race (Great Britain), 1988 Sydney Hobart Race (Australia) and the 2009 Flinders Islet Race (Cruising Yacht Club of Australia). In 2011, US Sailing independent panels reviewed three accidents beginning with a fatal incident involving a young girl in the Severn River (Severn Sailing Association); the fatal incident in the Chicago To Mackinac Race (WingNuts); and the near fatal accident in the Fastnet Race (Rambler 100). The reviews offer insight for race organizers and sailors of the facts involved in each of these events and offer suggestions to avoid and/or mitigate similar outcomes in the future.
In 2012, US Sailing was invited by the US Coast Guard to establish a panel to review the fatal accident during the Fully Crewed Farallon Island Race (Low Speed Chase) and in May of 2012, US Sailing created a panel to review this accident. In August of 2012, US Sailing released this report.
*According to the International Maritime Organization, a lookout’s task is to prevent collision. The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (1972) Rule 5 says (in part): Every vessel must at all times keep a proper look-out by sight (day shape or lights by eyes or visual aids), hearing, and all available means in order to judge if risk of collision exists. According to the International Sailing Federation Case 26, all boats, whether or not holding the right of way, should keep a lookout at all times.
Earlier this year the staff of J World Annapolis were invited to join the crew of the HMS Bounty while she was docked in Annapolis at the City Dock. We took a tour of the ship, met her crew and swooned over her towering rig. This morning we were met with terrible news that the Bounty has been battling this storm and recently alerted the US Coast Guard that they would be abandoning ship.The Coast Guard said it’s been able to rescue 14 crew members of an abandoned tall-masted ship off the North Carolina coast early Monday morning after it became distressed as Hurricane Sandy moved in. Two crew members are still missing.
Officers said 16 people were aboard the 180-foot, three-masted tall ship HMS Bounty. The ship was about 90 miles southeast of Hatteras, N.C., early Monday morning when Coast Guard officials said the crew put on cold-water survival suits and lifejackets and abandoned ship in two 25-man lifeboats with canopies.
Officers said the vessel was taking on water Sunday night and was without propulsion. Crewmen said the Bounty was about 160 miles west of the eye of Hurricane Sandy.
The Coast Guard said two MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters were sent in to rescue the crew around 6:30 a.m. The 14 rescued crew members are being flown to the closest Coast Guard base to get medical treatment.
Officials said two other aircraft are still working to find the last two missing crew members.
Officials received a distress call from the ship but lost communication with the crew late Sunday evening. An HC-130 Hercules was dispatched to the ship’s location after the rescue crews got a signal from the ship’s emergency position radio beacon.
The aircraft crew was eventually able to reestablish communication with the Bounty’s crew.
Whether you are a fair weather sailor or a die hard winter warrior, it is never too late to think about next season and how to maximize your sailing enjoyment.
With the arrival of the “frankenstorm” many sailors have pulled their boats, stripped their canvas and may have had their last sail of the season. Others, like the 16 J World Frostbite students will be suiting up to enjoy whatever mother nature can throw our way on any given Sunday. J World Annapolis wants to help sailors create plans or campaigns to enjoy their sailing more, and for winter bound racers and cruisers we offer some outstanding programs to help keep your sailing skills sharp.
Every January we head to Key West, Florida to compete in the annual Quantum Key West Race Week. We offer racers two unique and low stress ways to enjoy North America’s best winter racing event including racing yacht charters and coach supported racing programs.
J/80 Charter
For most teams the cost of hauling, prepping, storing their boat is an overwhelmingly daunting task that ultimately destroys the enjoyment of an already expensive away event like Key West Race Week. For others, the draw of One Design racing is fascinating, and for international teams, the logistics of getting your boat here is simply cost prohibitive. For those experienced teams that want to come to Key West Race Week, but want to focus on sailing and not their boat, we do offer J/80 charters. For our charter clients, we deliver a boat and sails that is prepared and ready to compete at the highest level. We invite our Key West Race Week charter clients to join us for two days of on the water practice prior to the event and we are on site to provide technical and coaching support throughout the week of racing.
J/80 Coached Programs
For individuals and teams that seek both the Key West Racing experience, but also the support and learning that an onboard coach can provide we offer our Key West Race Week Racing Program. Our two days of training and five days of racing have been compared to going to driving school and then racing in the Daytona 500. We believe deeply in the value of cross training and the understanding of the delicate choreography that is learned by rotating positions. So between each race, clients will move from position to position. In this program you hone your existing skills and develop new skills while racing against top competition! We provide you with a race ready J80, onboard coach and 2 days of pre-regatta training followed by 5 days of racing. Three participants will rotate through all positions onboard including helm, trim and bow. Truly a turn-key program, you simply show up with your deck shoes and sunscreen. We take care of the rest! Plan to arrive in the evening on Friday, January 18th in Key West. We train Saturday and Sunday. Racing begins Monday January 2oth, 2013. Regatta ends Friday January 25th.
Applicants must have prior racing experience including tiller steering and spinnaker work. Experience level is subject to review prior to acceptance of your application. Participants must be in excellent physical condition. Boat delivery, setup and dockage, regatta entry, J World Racing Team wear, daily lunch, and entry to regatta parties is included in the price. You will need to cover transportation, accommodations in Key West, meals and entertainment.
It is never too early to start planning your 2013 season. There are only a few spots still available for Key West Race Week. Deadline for registration is November 15, 2012 – so call to reserve your spot TODAY!
The registration deadline for 2013 Heineken Regatta (Feb. 25 – March 3) registration is fast approaching. With only a handful of spaces remaining for this “bucket list” event, we will be closing registration on Wednesday, November 1, 2012.
To learn more about the Heineken Cup Regatta download our Heineken primer, read this month’s Sailing World article and check out the official video below:
33rd St Maarten Heineken Regatta 2013 Visual Information Piece 2
Do you ever dream of sailing the British Virgin Islands? Want to bareboat charter, but want to have the confidence to do it right? Annually J World Annapolis and the Chesapeake Boating Club point the bow to the Caribbean for a week of fun, sun and bareboat cruising. Our annual BVI Flotilla leaves from Tortola and takes in all the great sites generally including Virgin Gorda and The Baths, lobster dinner on the beach in Anegada, Painkillers at the Soggy Dollar and maybe even yard arm jumping at Willy T’s.
More popular than ever the 2013 BVI Flotilla is filling up fast. We currently have one, two person cabin remaining. Pricing for the 2013 Flotilla is $1995 per person based on double occupancy and $2495 for a single cabin.
Call today to reserve your space on this amazing trip.
Cooler temperatures and fair fall winds make Annapolis an incredible fall destination for sailing well into the fall and early winter. J World Annapolis still has plenty of courses on the books and there are a few spots still available.
Check the calendar on our improved website or give us a call in the office to see what courses are still available in October and November:
The boat show is here! Stop by booth A2 to learn about our exciting 2013 course offerings including new cruising courses and racing events like Key West Race Week and the Sint Maarten Heineken Cup Regatta!
For J World alumni, stop by to get your J World alumni sticker and share your latest sailing stories. See you at the show!
Now in its 43rd year, the United States Sailboat Show, October 4 – 8, 2012, attracts more than 50,000 boating enthusiasts from around the world to the waterfront of historic Annapolis, Maryland. The Chesapeake Bay town is also home of U.S. Naval Academy. Recognized worldwide as the premier sailing showcase, this is the place to buy, sell or dream.
The Sailboat Show is followed by the United States Powerboat Show, October 11-14, 2012. Both shows are the oldest and largest, new in-water boat shows in the world.
This Year’s Features
Daily Seminars by Cruising World and Chesapeake Bay Magazines
Take the Wheel Interactive Workshops including Boat Demos
Smaller Boats From One Designs & Trailerables To Sailing Dinghies & Inflatables
Sailing Equipment, Rigging & Accessories
Maintenance Products & Services
Vacation Basin – NEW Charter & Travel Section
Hottest Domestic & International Racing and Cruising Boats
One of the Largest Collections of Multihull Sailboats on the Planet
Grand Prize Drawing – 7 day/ 6 night charter in the British Virgin Islands provided by The Moorings with airfare sponsored by BVI Tourism Board
