Very early in the history of Annapolis Sailing School we realized that the best way to learn to sail was by sailing. All of our instruction, whether introductory or advanced, reflects this commitment to hands on, experience-based learning. Some concepts are best conveyed in a classroom setting, and there is a place for formal theory in any learning program. The “Annapolis Way,” however, blends a minimum of theory with a maximum of hands on experience. In most of our introductory courses, students will be on the water, actually sailing, within an hour of the start of the class.
Advanced courses also reflect this commitment to experiential learning. In our Coastal Navigation course (Course 322), basic concepts of chart reading and dead reckoning are presented in a classroom setting. Students and instructors immediately board one of our sailing auxiliaries and proceed to put what was just learned into practice. Working out a speed time and distance problem in theory is educational, but the first time you work out an ETA and the buoy shows up right on time and in the right place is an unforgettable learning experience!
Very early in the history of Annapolis Sailing School we realized that the best way to learn to sail was by sailing. All of our instruction, whether introductory or advanced, reflects this commitment to hands on, experience-based learning. Some concepts are best conveyed in a classroom setting, and there is a place for formal theory in any learning program. The “Annapolis Way,” however, blends a minimum of theory with a maximum of hands on experience. In most of our introductory courses, students will be on the water, actually sailing, within an hour of the start of the class. 
Advanced courses also reflect this commitment to experiential learning. In our Coastal Navigation course (Course 322), basic concepts of chart reading and dead reckoning are presented in a classroom setting. Students and instructors immediately board one of our sailing auxiliaries and proceed to put what was just learned into practice. Working out a speed time and distance problem in theory is educational, but the first time you work out an ETA and the buoy shows up right on time and in the right place is an unforgettable learning experience!