"Sail in more breeze,Win with ease"
Summer 2026
As an Annapolis Yacht Club Foundation scholarship recipient, this summer I enjoyed participating in Annapolis Junior Race Week with West River Sailing Club. I was able to sail at West River Sailing Club, Annapolis Yacht Club, and Severn Sailing Association. Sailing in Annapolis Junior Race Week is always a highlight of my summer, and I wouldn’t be able to prepare for it without the support of the Annapolis Yacht Club Foundation. During my time sailing at West River Sailing Club this summer, I enjoyed being able to improve my skills crewing with a trapeeze and also improve my spinnaker work on a C420. Using trapeeze and spinnaker is very exciting for me to experience every summer because it unlocks a added challenge and level of thrill to racing a 420, which I do not get to experience in high school sailing.
One additional highlight of this summer was that I was able to sail a laser for the first time, and experienced making desicions in a boat alone. I enjoyed having a vibrant and supportive team to sail with this summer, and I am grateful to the AYCF for their support
Inspiring and Aspiring
Diversity and Inclusion in U.S. Sailing
Sarah participated in a panel discussion and sailing classes at the National Sailing Programs Symposium, February 1 to 3rd, 2024. As a scholarship recipient, Sarah was invited to represent youth in the Chesapeake Bay region, Sarah participated in a discussion about her positive experiences as a youth with regards to diversity and inclusion in sailing. Grants are a major ingredient in the effort to overcome racial and socioeconomic barriers to access the sport of sailing.
As a recipient of the Annapolis Yacht Club Foundation scholarship, Sarah spoke to the fact that the Annapolis Yacht Club Foundation is supporting it’s community partners, The Annapolis Sea Scouts program and West River High school Sailing program with pathways to access sailing activities that are equitable and an inclusive environment welcoming children of color and especially girls.
During the panel discussion Sarah explained that it has been her experience that this is a region committed to building a diverse sailing community where children of color are empowered and supported in their growth in sailing. The Sea Scouts program at the Seafarers Yacht club https://www.seafarersyc.com/ is educating children about the health of our oceans globally, increasing opportunities for all types of maritime education at many levels and promoting diversity in the sport of sailing for children of color. The West River High School Sailing program has welcomed Sarah to the sport and encouraged her to participate in regattas with positive coaching and celebrating the diversity of sailing and all the people who participate.
If you would like to help Annapolis Yacht Club Foundation in it's efforts to support the development of minorities, especially girls and improve access for minorities to the sport of sailing go to https://www.aycfoundation.org/
Sea Scouts & The Seafarers Foundation
The Pillars of SeaScouts are, Seamanship, Leadership, Community Service and Social experiences.
The best part of Sea Scouts Troop 1959 was cruising and mastering the skills you learn with your shipmates. You share hands-on experiences as helmsman, navigator, crew, lookout or engineer. I experienced power boats, canoes, kayacks and several types of sail boats.We visited maritime museums, learned about the ecology of the Chesapeak Bay and visited historic maritime sites along the Chesapeak Bay including a lighthouse.
I earned valuable certifications in SCUBA, boating safety, lifesaving, and CPR. Each certification and level of advancement marks your growth as a sailor and a leader.
Sea Scouts provides opportunities to share experiences with other young people who share my interests. My ship participated in color guard for community events, fun and exciting activities such as sailing regattas and rowing races. I had the opportunity to meet Sea Scouts from other parts of my community.