T2p.tv YouTube – https://youtu.be/3Lrx05ENOJY?si=BRAm4etolpcyqDXD
Local Youth Sailing and Boating Education non profit, Hatteras Sailing, ventured 6 hours North early Weds morning with several of the teenage sailors. This new endeavor stayed very true to its mission statement, “to inspire a passion for lifelong seamanship and the environment” by taking the kids to America’s Sailing Capitol, Annapolis MD, which is a huge Sailing center and also the Capitol of Maryland!
“Our new experiment was a success tonight! Hatteras Junior sailors got a chance to experience the biggest and best weekly racing series in the United States”, said Jay Phillips who definitely used his old ties from 10 years living and participating in the heart of Chesapeake Sailing.” The Annapolis Yacht Club Weds Night Racing is as astounding to a sailing enthusiast as the North Shore is to a surfing enthusiast. Sailors from DC, Alexandria, Baltimore and the Annapolis surrounding area get off work a bit early on Wednesdays and head to Annapolis for some very intense after work sailboat racing.
All summer, weather permitting, 150+ Big boats emerge out of numerous marinas for a starting sequence that begins promptly at 5 pm at the mouth of the Severn River. Numerous classes of one Design and handicap rated boats jockey for positions on their starting line in front of the US Naval Academy. They then race into the Chesapeake and then back into town, through Spa Creek mooring field and anchorage to finish in front of Annapolis Yacht Club at the foot of the Eastport Bridge. Its one of the most beautiful nautical events in the Country and even better when your on one of the boats!
OBX and Hatteras Island Youth participated for the first time. They raced big boats. They met new people, made new friends, and learned alot of new things this past Weds night. Phillips notes, “I am so happy the weather was friendly and am gracious for the help of Jahn Tihansky, Donald Santa, and the gracious and welcoming J105 Fleet Owners who welcomed strangers on their boats! Thank you all so much!
The video link from T2p.tv announces the visiting Hatteras Juniors in the video footage below. Thanks T2p.tv!!! Phillips recalls being a small part of the original T2p.tv 30 years back helping film, drive video boats and designing their first attempt at branding.
Final outcome was a win win for all. The kids had a blast. The boat owners filled some needed crew spots, and invitations were hardwired for return visits and sailing opportunities.
Hatteras Sailing starts it’s 2nd 6 week session this weekend and is one of the only regional programs offering sailing, beyond the weekly camp in form of these 6 week development programs. For Kdh area kids, the Hatteras coaches and team is running a 5 day camp at Colington Harbor the first week of August! Spots are still available!
At the end of August, High School Sailing takes off for the 2025 Fall Season. Hatteras Sailing started the first High School Sailing program 6 seasons ago and still going strong! Bringing competitors to Hatteras in Sept, the Lighthouse One Design Regatta is the weekend of Sept 26 to 28! All classes of 5 or more welcomed to participate.
This Annapolis trip was inspiring and it is likely to happen again soon. Just a cool perk for being on the development or high school sailing team, our kids participate in events from Rhode Island to Miami Florida….but locals know Hatteras is the hidden secret spot with the best water, wind and waves on the East Coast.
Picture Gallery thanks to Samantha Klein. – https://photos.app.goo.gl/dZbTm5Err2JxW6jPA