Making Waves on the Chesapeake Bay

The Chesapeake Bay offers no shortage of waterfront activities and provides a plethora of options for every type of boater. Known as the sailing capital of the U.S., Annapolis, MD is home to some of the newest Melges 15 Class members. 

Annapolis had eleven boats convoy down to Jensen Beach, FL this month for the first event of the 2023 Winter Series where we touched base with new owner Sara Morgan-Watters on the latest developments for the east coast boats. 

The Chesapeake is the largest estuary in the country. “It is very convenient to sail out of Annapolis, especially for small boats. You only have to sail a few minutes or less than a mile from the club and you'll find yourself in raceable areas of the Severn River,” said Watters. 

With its storied maritime history, the city’s sailors quickly picked up on the Melges 15. “We started as a group of individuals from different clubs (well, mainly two) who caught wind of this awesome boat and either tried sailing an event or bought the boat right away,” noted Watters. Severn Sailing Association and Eastport Yacht Club members have been the most involved in leading the charge with the local scene alongside Annapolis Yacht Club.

“I became a member of EYC in August because I had just bought an M15 and knew they would allow me to keep it there. SSA and EYC are next-door neighbors. They have the best launching venues in Annapolis since they are situated right on the river.”

“Now that at least five SSA members are M15 owners, they have just submitted their request to be a recognized fleet there, which will make it easier for members to store their boats and for the club to host events!” she added. “EYC has also shown much support and is enthusiastic for members to keep their boats on the lot.” 

When it comes down to it all, Annapolis sailors have a strong passion for dinghy racing and it is home to some of the country’s most notable college teams including the Naval Academy, St. Mary’s, and Old Dominion. “There's an appetite for double-handed dinghy sailing to complement the more traditional keelboat racing most college alumni sailors tend to gravitate to in our area,” Watters explained. “You're also seeing a lot of older generations from the J/70, Viper, J/80, or J/22 classes who are enjoying M15 as owners, which provides a fun and fast relief to bigger keelboat racing.”

As for the upcoming summer on the Bay, you’ll find active social and on-the-water scenes for the M15 Fleet with more one-design events in the works. “There's about 12 of us with boats and many more who are excited about the boat and looking to buy one! The M15s will be racing during the summer on Tuesday nights during the Tuesday Evening Sailing One Design (TESOD) hosted by Severn Sailing Association. You'll see them racing against Snipes, 420s, FJs, and other dinghies with a main and jib sail as a fun summer sailing option. The M15 had its own fleet at the Hospice Cup Regatta this past fall with seven boats racing and we expect more this year.”