Making a clearer path toward participation

When the conversation turns to getting more people involved in the sport, the realization must be that our current society is looking for clearer path toward participation. Active in that effort is SpinSheet, the go-to publication and website on the Chesapeake Bay. Here is what they are doing this month…

The SpinSheet Crew Party for sailors of all levels is on Sunday, April 19, from 4-6 p.m., with a Start Sailing Now Q&A one hour before party time from 3-4 p.m., at the Annapolis Maritime Museum.

SpinSheet’s signature spring event, the Crew Party is designed as a festive “meet and greet” to welcome new sailors into the sport and help experienced sailors find crew or boats to sail on for the upcoming season.

New and returning sailors will want to show up at 3 p.m. for a fun and casual Q&A with local sailing experts about how to get into the sport. SpinSheet editor Molly Winans will moderate the discussion. Winans says, “We encourage new sailors to ask us everything they always wanted to know about sailing but were afraid to ask. That runs the gamut from which kind of shoes to wear on sail – boats to how to try sailing at a reasonable price or for free.”

At 4 p.m., it’s party time, and live steel drum music begins. The only rule is that all party goers must wear nametags specifying “looking for boat” or “looking for crew.” Some sailors wear nametags that say “just looking.” Attendees should bring business cards, notebooks and pens, and/or smart phones to record contact information. All should expect to make some new friends and receive some great offers to go sailing!

The live Crew Party goes hand in hand with the SpinSheet free online crew listing service. Click to spinsheet.com/crew-listings to register or update your account and get more offers to go sailing and/or find crew for your boat. Additional information here.

Does your sailing area have an event like this?