Beverly Nash was an instructor for Brendan Sailing in the late 90's. She is an avid sailor and was hired by Brendan Chairman/Founder Jim Muldoon to teach summer programing in Eastport prior to the official move to Annapolis Sailing School.

Beverly reconnected with Brendan and Executive Director Charlie Arms at the 2018 Hospice Cup. While discussing current Brendan programing, she told a story of a young girl who, at the beginning of the program, was a very timid sailor. One day, Beverly and the campers planned to sail to Ego Ally and have lunch. At the beginning of the voyage the timid sailor was unsure and uneasy, and worried she would capsize. However, with encouragement from Beverly and the other campers, she overcame her fear and arrived at the destination by using her newly-learned skills and confidence. She was beaming as they went to lunch and was eager to get back out on the water and sail home. Stories like this are why people like Beverly and others become instructors at Brendan Sailing. They make a difference in the community, and we strive to continue to make that positive influence today.

Josh Shevlin is currently a sophomore at Commonwealth Academy in Alexandria, Virginia, where his favorite subjects are history and writing. He also enjoys being a member of his school’s Model United Nations club.
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Outside of school, Josh likes playing video games and discussing sports and current events with his friends, taking long bike rides, watching Marvel movies, spending time at the beach, playing tennis, and of course, sailing! 

Josh has enjoyed, as well as grown from his experiences with Brendan Sailing. Brendan’s programs have helped Josh to gain self-confidence and learn valuable life skills. Just last week, Josh mentioned that he used his Brendan Sailing training to help one of his high school classmates get back into the boat on a school rafting trip. He has also really enjoyed the camaraderie of the Brendan camps and learning from talented and kind instructors like Charlie and Evan. Lastly, the Brendan Sailing programs have instilled in Josh a love of sailing and being out on the water. Time spent at Brendan Sailing Camps is truly one of the highlights of his year!​

​On July 27, prior to the Brendan Graduation, we hosted the second Brendan Board of Directors meeting of the year. Held at St. Mary's College of Maryland (SMCM) on the last day of our overnight camp, the Board gathered to review general updates, 2019 Awards Brunch details, 2019 Strategic Planning Initiatives, the formation of marketing and academic committees, and Brendan expansion plans. It also provided them the chance to see the last day of camp in full swing, as well as the opportunity to attend the Brendan Graduation ceremony.

For the second year in a row, Brendan Sailing had the honor of exhibiting at the Hospice Cup in Annapolis. While handing out popcorn and informing attendees of Brendan's mission of serving children with learning differences, Brendan staff were able to interact with members of Annapolis' philanthropic and boating community. ​

The Brendan Sailing program had yet another successful summer in 2018. Using the National On-Water Standards (NOWS), Sail Instructional Standard, and the Brendan Approach, campers were taught learn-to-sail training in a tailored on-water instructional environment. It was our first season using NOWS, and it was amazing to see the confidence and excitement on the kids’ faces grow every day as their sailing skills improved. We capped the sailing portion of the camp with a day sail to “Snake Beach,” culminating with the annual Parents Sail held on the last day. It is awesome to watch the children take charge of the boat, and in a role reversal, provide instructions to their parents on how to sit and trim the jib!

With Summer 2018 coming to an end, I would like to take time to reflect and give thanks to those involved in Brendan’s 34th season. Thank you to the staff, board members, volunteers, alumni, sponsors, and partners for making another season possible. Without all of you, we would not be able to make such a difference in the lives of children who need it the most.

With the newly published Fall 2018 Brendan Newsletter, Brendan celebrates a full year of Quarterly Newsletters! Check out the new issue which features the success of our New After School Program with DC Sail, the upcoming 2019 Brendan Awards announcement, the 2018 Brendan Graduation Ceremony, and more! 

Read the full newsletter here: http://sh1.sendinblue.com/na0ly89fsc.html?t=1538775507