WELCOME TO THE WEST RIVER ALBACORE FLEET
We are looking for interested sailors to join us at West River Sailing Club in Galesville, Maryland! Our goal is to serve currently active and future class members who liver in the Baltimore/Annapolis area who wish to do some regular sailing, with a mixture of racing and fun events.
WEST RIVER ALBACORE FLEET AT A GLANCE
A Bit of Background
The Albacore is a 15-foot sloop-rigged one-design dinghy typically sailed by two people, but it can also be sailed for fun by one person alone, or three to four people depending on size. The Albacore is used extensively for racing and recreation in the US, Canada, and the UK.
It is a great first boat for those who are just learning to sail, and a very competitive racer for more advanced sailors. While the Albacores iis a fast and lively boat, it is relatively easy to get up to speed and the racing is very tactical. A very versatile boat, it is often sailed by husband/wife, and parent/child combinations. Some of the all-women teams are the most competitive in the class. Albacores sailors comprise an eclectic group from all ages and walks of life, including students, professionals, senior executives, and retirees ranging in age from 2 to 82.
ON THE WATER
West River Albacore Fleet is in the business of changing and shaping lives. The work we do at our Non-Profit Organization is aimed at providing a holistic approach to solving some of our society’s biggest challenges. We make sure our partners are empowered by creating opportunities for individuals and communities.
WRAF RACING AND ACTIVITIES
The West River Albacore Fleet (WRAF) sails out of the West River Sailing Club in Galesville, Maryland. We have an active racing schedule, both at the club and in local, national, and international regattas.
Contact to get news about fleet events.
ADULT LEARN TO SAIL PROGRAM AT WRSC
Sailing is one of the quality lifestyle offerings of the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area, and access to sailing is easy. The Albacore dinghy, with two area fleets, is one of the most popular boats for couples, parents and children and sailors of all ages. It is easy to learn and will challenge you for a lifetime. Ask any of the hundred or so active Albacore sailors, they will confirm.
The West River Albacore program is committed to making sailing accessible to all - and you don’t even need to own a boat. We want you to try it out. Unlike most programs that require you own a boat and belong to an expensive club, this program allows you to make a non-committal, easy entry to the sport. You do not need to shell out $$ for a boat (good used Albacores start at $2000), do not worry about registering, parking, and towing a boat trailer, and do not need to make a commitment right away to join a sailing club with initiation fees.
Looking for an affordable alternative to travel and expensive vacations? Sailing on the Chesapeake with the West River Albacore Fleet is a low cost way to learn to sail and have fun throughout the summer.
For less than the cost of travel to many destinations, you can have over 20 weeks of fun, meet new people and learn to sail. Make this summer the summer you take that first step in fulfilling your dreams to sail. If you like it, you can become a full member later, and continue sharing for next year, or maybe upgrade to your own boat.
For more information and to sign up, see the West River Sailing Club Learn to Sail page or email learn2sail@westriversc.org
SHARED BOAT PROGRAM AT WRSC
Albacores are available through the West River Sailing Club for use on a shared basis. For those who join this shared boat program, we offer training and the use of an Albacore during club activities.
WRSC is one of the most affordable sailing clubs in the area and the “provisional” membership makes it very affordable to try for a season while you meet new friends and explore if sailing is right for you. Sailing on the Chesapeake with the West River Albacore Fleet is a low cost way to learn to sail and have fun throughout the summer.
Shared boat members include approved graduates of the WRSC Learn to Sail classes, experienced sailors wanting to get back into sailing/racing, and sailors wanting to try our versatile boat for fun sailing, good racing, and the added bonus of a great social group.
For more information and to sign up, please see the WRSC Shared Boat program page, or contact the Shared Boat Coordinator.
The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.”