2026 S.M.A.R.T. Series Wrap Up
The SMART Series kicked off in early January with S; an intense lecture about Safety on the water led by John Schafer of the Ministry of Sailing. In a series he called, “Safety Second, Teamwork First!”, members learned about the importance of leadership, safety and teamwork. He explored themes of leadership through situational awareness, how to create and manage your team/crew, the importance of crew readiness, and how leaders prioritize safety.
You can watch a version of this presentation on the Ministry of Sailing YouTube Here.
Although a snowstorm followed by an ice storm derailed our schedule for the remainder of January, the series continued on in early February with R; Race Committee Readiness led by our very own Barbara Vosbury. She began the evening by asking what members would like to know more about, then went in depth on everything one needs to know to feel more comfortable volunteering for race committee. She reviewed flags, starts, marks, boats, courses, and equipment and spent time answering every question posed by the audience. We hope to make this a permanent addition to the winter series and possibly adding a hands-on portion in the spring!
As a surprise bonus event in February we hosted NOAA Fisheries biologists Jaclyn Daly-Fuchs and Caroline Good for a presentation on whale safe sailing titled “From Bow to Blowhole”. Members and guests learned about the leading cause of vessel strikes affecting endangered North Atlantic Right Whales and how scientists and researchers are working on how to minimize them. We learned about the different sonars used to detect whales from ships and from scattered whale-detection buoys scattered throughout the waters of the northeast. We learned practical techniques on how to keep your crew, your boat, and whales safe - and yes, they mentioned Orcas!
Back to regularly re-scheduled programming, the series resumed the next evening with A; our annual Ask Me Anything with College Coaches. We had coaches and representatives from Christopher Newport University, Hampton University, George Washington University, UMiami, Old Dominion University, USNA, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Fordham, Washington College, SUNY Maritime, and USMMA King’s Point. College sailing hopefuls and their parents joined together for an AMA Panel, asking coaches questions about how college sailing works, how to write a sailing resume, what to expect during a day at practice, etc. Prospective sailors and their parents got an opportunity before and after the AMA Panel to explore each colleges’ display booth and speak with the coaches one-on-one to ask more questions. We look forward to this event each year and it’s always free and open to any sailor from any district to attend.
The last Wednesday in February carried the most weight as teams from several fleets competed to be the smartest crew in the start box at T; Nautical Trivia Night. Teams representing Melges 15s, Melges 24s, Lightnings, Snipes, and even Opti RWB entered for a chance to win the first place prize of engraved Trivia Champion mugs and a year of glory. Competition was tight in the first half but the halftime photo round threw many sailors for a loop (around the ends?) when presented with unlabeled Race Signals and having to identify and write in their meanings. In the second half there was one question that no one guessed correctly, but each answer turned in sounded like some sort of dance move. The question, “What is the traditional definition of ‘Hit the Deck’?” brought teams to the dance floor to show off their newest moves - Captain’s Coming, Cannonball Fire; Get Down!, Take Cover - and were awarded their points based on audience applause. In the end, the combo team Four 4 Mistral Snow got 3rd place, Hot Soup! was awarded 2nd place, and winning by a single point to carry on their legacy Team Lightning Strikes carried home the grand prize.
It was a strange year for the SMART Series schedule for sure. As the events typically fall in order - S, M, A, R, T - the weather and our presenters had other plans. Our artist for M; Meet the Artist extended their trip to South America and was rescheduled to the first week of March. Local biologist and professional photographer Jay Fleming educated us about the effects the invasive blue catfish is having on the Bay, our watermen, and our community. He invited his good friend Chef Matthew Lego, of Leo Annapolis, to join him and serve up a couple of tasty blue catfish tapas.
The SMART Series happens during January and February each year and is tailored to the interests of our membership. If you have any suggestions for future events or what you’d like to see more of, contact Madde at madde@severnsailing.org
