Education Committee

SOS emphasizes safety in sailing and encourages its members to continually acquire sailing knowledge and experience.   SOS provides educational programs both to enhance and supplement the sailing skills of less experienced members. New members are required to complete a basic skills orientation before going on weekend cruises.

For new members:
New Member Dockside Training is held every spring, usually in March, to familiarize new and novice sailors with sailing terminology, boat handling, knots and how SOS operates.

BBQ Chats are held during the sailing season to orient new members to SOS. New members also get a chance to socialize and learn about SOS.

For all levels of experience:
Seminars are held on Saturdays during the non-sailing season. Experts lecture and moderate discussions on various subjects, such as boat maintenance and navigation.

Advanced Skills are held on day sails. Members get a chance to learn and practice advanced sailing skills beyond the basic level.

Spring Training, an all-day affair, is held on a Saturday in late February or March. This event attracts 300+ attendees. Participants develop a customized program of instruction from over 36 different mini-courses on subjects such as sail trim, navigation, diesel engines, rig tuning, chartering, etc.

Fireside Chats are held during the non sailing season at members' homes in Maryland, northern Virginia, District of Columbia, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. These informal events include a light supper, socializing, and a speaker who informally presents a sailing topic.

SOS also encourages its members to enhance their sailing skills and knowledge by attending sailing schools, and courses offered by Coast Guard Auxiliary, U. S. Power Squadron, and other organizations.