2025 Fall Newsletter
From our Leadership – A Message from Chairman Jim Muldoon
What a summer we had!
In June and July, Brendan Sailing hosted 81 new and returning campers between our four week long sessions at Annapolis Sailing School and another two at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, including an overnight camp for our teen sailors. During their time at camp, our youth sailors spent time on the water and on shore and experienced a variety of summer boating conditions out on the Chesapeake Bay and St. Mary’s River. It was heartening to see them grow their expertise in the boat, but even more rewarding to watch their interpersonal skills and confidence develop. That’s what Brendan Sailing is all about, and it’s the best reminder of why, in our 40th year, it is important we continue supporting our youth with learning differences through our Brendan Approach training method.
Reflecting more on that curriculum, this year alone we have certified over 100 sailing instructors in the Brendan Approach, all coming from 7 major sailing programs – a remarkable achievement that will have a lasting impact on hundreds of youth who learn differently. This Fall, I’m looking forward to expanding our reach even further as we think up new ways to bring more youth with learning differences to sailing, but also to the resources they need to thrive.
An important step toward that will be the launch of our online Brendan Approach training, which underwent beta testing this spring/summer and is set to debut to the wider sailing community in the coming fall months. We look forward to sharing more news about that as well as our upcoming Navigating Differences Symposium, which returns to the calendar in November.
Parents, coaches, educators, and campers – I’m so grateful for all you do to make our programs a success and I thank you for another groundbreaking summer.
Best,
Jim Muldoon
Chairman
Brendan Sailing
The Latest – A Recap of This year’s Summer Camp from Executive Director Jane Millman
This summer was another incredible season for Brendan Sailing in Annapolis and St. Mary’s! Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we provided over $26,000 in scholarships, ensuring that every camper with a learning difference who wanted to experience the joy of sailing could do so. We are especially proud that 51% of our sailors were first-time campers, expanding the reach of our mission to even more youth with learning differences.
None of this would have been possible without our dedicated instructor team, who worked tirelessly to create a safe, fun, and welcoming environment for every camper. A huge thank you goes to Annapolis Sailing School and St. Mary’s College of Maryland for graciously hosting us again this year. Without their partnership and support, we would not be able to offer such incredible programs.
As we move into the fundraising season, we invite you to continue being part of this journey. Your support truly changes lives, opening doors for young people to build confidence, independence, and lifelong memories. We hope you’ll consider making a gift and choosing Brendan Sailing as your charity of choice this giving season.
Together, we are helping youth with learning differences set sail toward brighter futures.
Matching Campaign: Repass-Rodgers Foundation
We’re thrilled to announce a special Matching Campaign with the Repass-Rodgers Foundation. From now through the end of the campaign, all gifts from new donors — and from donors who haven’t given in the past two years — will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $10,000 total!
That means your gift will go twice as far in helping Brendan Sailing empower youth with learning differences to gain confidence, independence, and life skills through the sport of sailing.
If you’ve been thinking about supporting Brendan Sailing, now is the perfect time to make an even bigger impact.
👉 Donate today and double your impact!
Navigating Differences Symposium 2025
We are thrilled to announce that Brendan Sailing will host the Navigating Differences Symposium on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at American University. This inspiring one-day event will bring together parents, educators, therapists, and advocates to share strategies, research, and stories that help youth with learning differences thrive.
Our Keynote Speaker will be Keiko Shikako, PhD, OT/erg, Canada Research Chair in Childhood Disabilities: Participation and Knowledge Translation, and Associate Professor at McGill University. Dr. Shikako’s groundbreaking work in childhood-onset disabilities and equity will provide fresh insight and inspiration for all attendees.
The program also features a panel discussion with parents of Brendan Sailing campers, who will share powerful stories about the life-changing impact of our programs.
Event Details:
- Cost: $45 per person (includes coffee/pastries and lunch)
- Networking Hour: Following the closing presentation, join us for networking with a cash bar and light hors d’oeuvres.
This promises to be a meaningful and motivating day of learning and connection. We hope you’ll join us and be part of building a brighter future for youth with learning differences.
Mark your calendar and register today!
Brendan Sailing at the Annapolis Boat Show
We’re excited to share that Brendan Sailing will once again have a presence at the Annapolis Boat Show, October 9–12, 2025 — and we need your help!
By volunteering at our booth, you’ll not only receive free entry into the Boat Show on the day of your shift, but you’ll also play an important role in helping us share the transformational work Brendan Sailing is doing for youth with learning differences.
This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the sailing community, spread the word about our mission, and inspire others to support the life-changing experiences we provide to young sailors.
Sign up here to volunteer: Sign-up Here
Thank you for helping us make a difference — we can’t wait to see you at the Boat Show!
Join the Brendan Sailing Board of Directors
Brendan Sailing is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors. We are especially looking for members with experience in fundraising and development to help us strengthen our resources and expand our impact.
As a board member, you will play a vital role in supporting our mission to empower youth with learning differences through the sport of sailing. Your leadership and connections can help ensure that more young people gain the confidence, independence, and lifelong skills that Brendan Sailing fosters.
If you—or someone you know—are committed to making a difference and bringing energy, expertise, and creativity to our board, we would love to hear from you.
To express interest or learn more, please contact Jane at jane@brendansailing.org.
From our Leadership – A Message from Chairman Jim Muldoon
What a summer we had!
In June and July, Brendan Sailing hosted 81 new and returning campers between our four week long sessions at Annapolis Sailing School and another two at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, including an overnight camp for our teen sailors. During their time at camp, our youth sailors spent time on the water and on shore and experienced a variety of summer boating conditions out on the Chesapeake Bay and St. Mary’s River. It was heartening to see them grow their expertise in the boat, but even more rewarding to watch their interpersonal skills and confidence develop. That’s what Brendan Sailing is all about, and it’s the best reminder of why, in our 40th year, it is important we continue supporting our youth with learning differences through our Brendan Approach training method. Reflecting more on that curriculum, this year alone we have certified over 100 sailing instructors in the Brendan Approach, all coming from 7 major sailing programs – a remarkable achievement that will have a lasting impact on hundreds of youth who learn differently. This Fall, I’m looking forward to expanding our reach even further as we think up new ways to bring more youth with learning differences to sailing, but also to the resources they need to thrive. An important step toward that will be the launch of our online Brendan Approach training, which underwent beta testing this spring/summer and is set to debut to the wider sailing community in the coming fall months. We look forward to sharing more news about that as well as our upcoming Navigating Differences Symposium, which returns to the calendar in November. Parents, coaches, educators, and campers – I’m so grateful for all you do to make our programs a success and I thank you for another groundbreaking summer. Best, Jim Muldoon Chairman Brendan Sailing From our Leadership – A Message from Chairman Jim Muldoon
What a summer we had!
In June and July, Brendan Sailing hosted 81 new and returning campers between our four week long sessions at Annapolis Sailing School and another two at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, including an overnight camp for our teen sailors. During their time at camp, our youth sailors spent time on the water and on shore and experienced a variety of summer boating conditions out on the Chesapeake Bay and St. Mary’s River. It was heartening to see them grow their expertise in the boat, but even more rewarding to watch their interpersonal skills and confidence develop. That’s what Brendan Sailing is all about, and it’s the best reminder of why, in our 40th year, it is important we continue supporting our youth with learning differences through our Brendan Approach training method.
Reflecting more on that curriculum, this year alone we have certified over 100 sailing instructors in the Brendan Approach, all coming from 7 major sailing programs – a remarkable achievement that will have a lasting impact on hundreds of youth who learn differently. This Fall, I’m looking forward to expanding our reach even further as we think up new ways to bring more youth with learning differences to sailing, but also to the resources they need to thrive.
An important step toward that will be the launch of our online Brendan Approach training, which underwent beta testing this spring/summer and is set to debut to the wider sailing community in the coming fall months. We look forward to sharing more news about that as well as our upcoming Navigating Differences Symposium, which returns to the calendar in November.
Parents, coaches, educators, and campers – I’m so grateful for all you do to make our programs a success and I thank you for another groundbreaking summer.
Best,
Jim Muldoon
Chairman
Brendan Sailing