Annapolis Naval Sailing Association |
Training crew and skippers of larger sailing vessels on the Chesapeake Bay since 1968 |
About ANSAThe Annapolis Naval Sailing Association (ANSA) is a volunteer-run, nonprofit sailing club based near Annapolis, Maryland—right in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay, one of the best sailing areas in the country. Founded in 1968, ANSA is dedicated to making sailing safe, affordable, and accessible to anyone who wants to get out on the water. You don’t need any prior experience to join. Whether you’re brand new to sailing, looking to build your skills, or simply want to enjoy time on the Bay, ANSA offers a welcoming community and plenty of opportunities to get involved. | We provide a full range of sailing education through American Sailing Association (ASA) courses, from beginner basics (ASA 101) to advanced cruising and navigation. In addition to structured classes, members can participate in:
ANSA operates out of Hartge Marina in Galesville, MD, giving members direct access to the Chesapeake Bay and its unique sailing environment. At its core, ANSA is about more than just learning to sail—it’s about building confidence, connecting with others, and enjoying the freedom of being on the water. |
In 2025 ANSA provided: 50 member sails, a raftup, 22 classes, 85 ASA certifications, and member meetups. |
FROM THE COMMODOREIn 2023, ANSA provided a full schedule of opportunities for our members to sail on the West River and Chesapeake Bay and take classes to get their ASA certifications.. We certified 89 sailors and 17 navigators and added 5 new instructors and 6 skippers. We increased our club sails by 50% (60 club sails in 2023 compared to 40 in 2022) to give our students more time on the water to practice their sailing skills. Our boats had an exciting year as well. Bay Flyer, a 1986 Hunter 31, was raced in 28 races out of the Pirates Cove Racing Club on the West River and Martha Jean, a 1980 O’Day 30, was generously donated to the club by Mr. Bob Barnes. Martha Jean was sailed down from the Magothy River in October 2023 to join us at Hartge's Yacht Harbor on the West River. To keep our members on the water as many days as possible, our Fleet Captain oversees the boat maintenance program. With the able assistance of the Boat Captains (one for each vessel) and a team of volunteers, both boats are lovingly maintained, repaired and updated as needed to keep everything ship-shape. In addition to providing opportunities to learn about engine maintenance, boat systems and safety equipment, doing some of our own maintenance reduces our costs and allows us to run a lean operation. Here’s to a busy and exciting 2024 and we hope to see you on the Bay!! Eli McGuigan, Commodore |