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News

Brendan Sailing Spring Newsletter

2/12/2025

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From our Leadership - A Message from Chairman Jim Muldoon


Dear Brendan Sailing Friends and Supporters,
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Last month, we had the pleasure of celebrating the 2024 Brendan Sailing Award winners, where we honored the outstanding achievements and dedication of this year’s volunteers and campers. It was truly inspiring to see the passion, skill, and commitment that our recipients brought to our camp experience, and their stories reminded us all of the power, perseverance, and dedication within our community. The evening was filled with joy, laughter, and excitement as we celebrated the incredible accomplishments of our recipients, and we couldn't be more proud to be part of such a dedicated group of individuals.
Looking ahead, we are filled with anticipation for the summer months ahead. Our sailing camps in June and July are fast approaching, and we can’t wait to welcome both seasoned sailors and beginners alike for another fun and enriching season on the water. We’re looking forward to a wonderful summer of sailing, growth, and camaraderie, and we hope to see you out on the water with us soon!

With sincere gratitude,
James P Muldoon
Chairman and Founder, Brendan Sailing

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The Latest - Brendan Sailing Summer Camp Applications Now Open!

Dear Brendan Sailing Community,

We’re thrilled to announce that applications for Brendan Sailing’s 2025 Summer Camp are now open! Another season of sailing, learning, and growing awaits, and we can’t wait to welcome both new and returning sailors to the water!

A Special Thank You
Before we dive into summer, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended our Annual Awards Ceremony on January 26th. Your support and enthusiasm mean so much to us, and we are grateful for this incredible community.

A huge congratulations to this year’s award winners—we are so proud of your achievements and dedication to the Brendan Sailing mission!

Camp
This year, our overnight and day camps at St Mary's College of Maryland will be separate. Our overnight camp, for youth ages 14-18, will be July 13-19. And our Day camp for ages 11-18 will be held July 21-25 from 9am - 4pm. We are looking forward to increasing our capacity with this new format and building stronger relationships with our campers!

Scholarships Available 
We believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience the freedom and confidence that sailing provides. Scholarships are available, please be sure to indicate on the camp application if you will be seeking a scholarship! Scholarship applications will be sent following the acceptance of a camp application.

Apply Now: https://www.brendansailing.org/programs.html

Thank you for being part of the Brendan Sailing family—we can’t wait for another unforgettable summer on the water!

With gratitude and warm wishes,

Jane Millman
Executive Director
Brendan Sailing


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Camp Applications Now Open!

Applications for Brendan Sailing summer camp are now open! With locations in Annapolis and St. Mary's, MD, we offer both day camp and overnight camp options for new and returning campers alike. Our camp provides a fantastic opportunity for kids with learning differences to build confidence, skill, and independence through the accredited Brendan Approach. Scholarships are available to help make this enriching experience accessible to all--apply today and set sail for a summer of growth and adventure!

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Congratulations to the 2024 Brendan Sailing Award Winner

Brendan Sailing held its annual Brendan Sailing Awards, where the organization recognized outstanding volunteers and campers who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and growth in their commitment to the mission of empowering youth with learning differences through sailing.

2024 Winners

Volunteer Awards
Daniel H. Gottlieb Award - Will Keyworth
Molly Mahoney Award - Rick Loheed
Kurt M. Lowman Award - John Pica
Joanne M. Dorval Award - Brian Dorval

Camper Awards
Howard and Jean Kluttz "No Guts No Glory" Award - Nicki Rahim
Rick and Jenny Nelson Award - Cameron Wakefield
Franklin J. “Jerry” & Kathryn M. Wood Outstanding Achievement Award - Jailyn Shorter 
Arthur Birney Award - Will Rineholt

Read more about our awardees in our press release here.
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Brendan Sailing at the U.S. Sailing Leadership Forum

We are excited to share that Brendan Sailing was proudly represented at the US Sailing Leadership Forum in San Diego, where our Executive Director, Jane Millman, presented on the Brendan Approach. With a packed room of over 75 attendees, the session highlighted Brendan Sailing’s proven teaching methods for youth with learning differences, sharing powerful success stories that deeply resonated with the audience.
The response was overwhelming! We received numerous inquiries about hosting in-person Brendan Approach trainings, and 53 participants signed up for our upcoming online pilot program—a huge step in expanding our impact nationwide!
We are excited to see the sailing community embrace more inclusive teaching practices, and we look forward to expanding the reach of the Brendan Approach to programs across the country!

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​Show Your Support

It’s thanks to generous donations from sponsors and grantmakers that we are able to offer Brendan sailors an outstanding learning and growth experience each year.

Please consider making a donation today here!
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​Brendan Sailing Honors Exceptional Volunteers and Campers at Brendan Sailing Awards Ceremony

1/31/2025

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​Annapolis, MD – Brendan Sailing held its annual Brendan Sailing Awards, where the organization recognized outstanding volunteers and campers who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and growth in their commitment to the mission of empowering youth with learning differences through sailing. The event also marked the 40th anniversary of Brendan Sailing’s founding, a milestone made possible by the vision of founder Jim Muldoon.
 
“The whole event was a celebration of the amazing community that makes Brendan Sailing so special,” said Muldoon. “It’s incredible to see the impact we’ve made over the past 40 years.”
 
“I’m grateful to each person who has contributed to the legacy that Mr. Muldoon founded,” added Brendan Sailing President Joanne Dorval.  “It’s because of their dedication and passion that we can continue to expand our reach and make an impact.”
 
Volunteer Awards
 
The ceremony kicked off with the presentation of the Daniel H. Gottlieb Award, recognizing an outstanding volunteer at the Annapolis Camps.  This year, Wilbur Keyworth received the honor for his exceptional contribution, not only as a volunteer but as an artist who captured the joy and spirit of the campers through his photography, helping to tell the story of Brendan Sailing.
 
Next, the Molly Mahoney Award for volunteer excellence at the St. Mary’s Camp was awarded to Rick Loheed.  With over 15 years of dedicated service at the St. Mary’s College of Maryland campus, Rick’s commitment to safety and operations has been invaluable, ensuring smooth sailing for the campers at the James P. Muldoon River Center.
 
The Kurt M. Lowman Award was presented to Senator John Pica, who has been instrumental in advocating for legislation to secure vital state funding for Brendan Sailing and other organizations serving differently abled Marylanders. Additionally, Senator Pica generously invited campers to participate in the 2024 Hospice Cup regatta, providing them with an incredible opportunity to expand their sailing skills.
 
The Joanne M. Dorval Award, which is awarded to an individual by the Board of Directors, was awarded to Brian Dorval for his pivotal role in guiding the organization’s strategic growth.  A co-founder of a distinguished consulting firm, Brian’s leadership and generous support have been critical in shaping the future of Brendan Sailing.
 
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Camper Awards
 
The Howard and Jean Kluttz "No Guts No Glory" Award was presented to Nicki Rahim, a returning camper who showed exceptional growth in sailing and leadership. Nicki also played an active role in helping others and showcased his musical talents as part of a local youth band.
 
The Rick and Jenny Nelson Award went to Cameron Wakefield, a dedicated returning sailor who has excelled in his skills, demonstrated a passion for teaching, and participated in a big boat race at the 2024 Hospice Cup.
 
Jailyn Shorter received the Franklin J. “Jerry” & Kathryn M. Wood Outstanding Achievement Award for their leadership and work ethic over the past three years at the St. Mary’s camp. Jailyn has proven to be a role model to fellow campers, always willing to lend a helping hand and support the success of the entire group.
 
The Arthur Birney Award was awarded to Will Rineholt, a camper whose growth and leadership stood out during the St. Mary’s College overnight camp. Will showed impressive resilience and initiative, taking on new challenges and inspiring others with their positive attitude and determination.
 
“Brendan Sailing is a place where every camper has the opportunity to shine and grow, and this year’s awards are a testament to that,” said Executive Director Jane Millman. “I’m incredibly proud of the leadership and passion our campers have shown this year. It’s a joy to see them take on new challenges and set an example for others.”
 
“The warmer months are fast approaching, which means camp will be here before we know it,” Millman added.  “I can’t wait to welcome new and returning campers back to Brendan Sailing this summer.”
 
Founded in 1985 by Jim Muldoon, Brendan Sailing is a 501(c)3 organization that empowers children with learning differences through sailing.  Fostering confidence, teamwork, and personal growth, the nonprofit has been transforming the lives of children and their families for four decades, providing a unique environment where every child can thrive on the water.  Applications for Brendan Sailing’s 2025 summer camps open on February 12.
 
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Brendan Sailing Fall 2024 Newsletter

11/1/2024

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​From our Leadership - A Message from Chairman Jim Muldoon


​Dear Brendan Sailing Friends and Supporters,
​

As we share this latest edition of our newsletter, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support over the years. Because of your generosity and belief in our mission, Brendan Sailing continues to provide transformative experiences for young people with learning differences, helping them gain confidence and a love for the water.
Your commitment has brought us through another year of growth, inspiring connections, and positive change. Thank you for being an essential part of the Brendan Sailing family. We couldn’t do this without you, and we look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the months and years to come.
With sincere gratitude,
James P Muldoon
Chairman and Founder, Brendan Sailing

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The Latest - A Recap of This year’s Summer Camp from Executive Director Jane Millman

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Dear Brendan Sailing Community,
As we move through fall, we’re grateful to share the wonderful events that have been bringing our Brendan Sailing family together! This past month, we had a successful time at the Annapolis Boat Show, thanks to the dedicated volunteers who joined me at the booth. Their support helped us share Brendan Sailing’s mission with even more people. A heartfelt thank you to each of you for your time and enthusiasm!
We also recently mailed out our annual appeal, sharing stories of our impact with everyone. And right now, we’re thrilled to announce that METCOR is offering a special double matching campaign for Learning Disabilities Awareness Month. With METCOR’s generous match, our goal is to raise $37,500 – and thanks to the incredible support so far, we’re already 46% of the way there! There’s still time to make a donation and amplify your impact, so every gift goes three times as far toward empowering youth with learning differences to grow their self-confidence.
Another recent highlight was the beautiful Woodwind Cruise we enjoyed with our campers and their families in September. There’s nothing like being on the water together to celebrate the confidence, joy, and friendships that being a part of the Brendan Sailing family brings.
Your support continues to make all of this possible, and we are so thankful for each of you. If you haven’t yet, please consider joining us in the double match campaign – together, we’re building life-changing experiences for youth with learning differences.
With gratitude and warm wishes,

Jane Millman
Executive Director
Brendan Sailing


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​Brendan Sailing at the Annapolis Boat Show
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At this year’s Fall sailboat show, we shared Brendan Sailing’s mission with thousands of visitors who stopped by our booth daily.  Our volunteers, who included campers and their families, spent 5 action packed days in the booth talking about their experience at camp and introducing the Brendan Approach to guests from all across the country.  A special thank you to Ryan Blomeley, Michael Blomeley, Beth Berry, Will Rineholt, Melanie Doucette, Magy Gibbons, Aidan Ference, David Li, Lili Tian, Gabi England, Jeff England, Griselda Baquedano, Marc Apter, and Syd Millman for all their hard work during the show.  We’re looking forward to doing it all again for the spring show!

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​Navigating Differences Symposium Rescheduled to 2025
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​Camper Reunion Aboard the Woodwind!

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On Sunday September 8th, we had the opportunity to take Brendan Sailing campers and their family member sailing on the Woodwind schooner here in Annapolis. We had the most beautiful morning with a crisp fall breeze and the bluest sky you can imagine. There was a photographer onboard to take photos of the campers and their experience while sailing, please enjoy the photos he took along with some that I took in the album linked below. ​
Woodwind Photos

​A big thank you to Brendan Sailing Board Member Susan O'Brien and her husband Mark for joining us! It was wonderful to connect with the campers and their parents again and I was able to ask them a few questions in how they feel Brendan Sailing has made an impact on their child. Their responses were wonderful and echoed from family to family, that Brendan Sailing has made such a positive impact in their child with learning differences. Whether it was the newfound independence from our St Mary's overnight camp or the friends their child made while at the Annapolis camp and seeing their child's face light up when they saw their friend was onboard the Woodwind on that Sunday. It was a really cool experience to see the campers open up and start talking with one another after the initial ice breaker of hosting the mainsail by three of our campers. By the time we pulled back into the dock, every camper that wanted to drive the schooner was able to and the joy on deck was palpable.  
 
Enjoy the photos and we look forward to more camper meet-ups in the future.

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Show Your Support for our Annual Appeal
​

It’s thanks to generous donations from sponsors and grantmakers that we are able to offer Brendan sailors an outstanding learning and growth experience each year.

Now, Thanks to the generosity of METCOR, any donation you make today will be double matched. This means that for every dollar you give, two additional dollars will be donated, TRIPLING the impact of your contribution. 

Please consder making a donation today!


Donate Today to Triple Your Impact
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Brendan Sailing Summer 2024 Newsletter

8/20/2024

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From our Leadership - A Message from Chairman Jim Muldoon

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​What a wonderful summer we had!  This year’s camps sailed by fast, with 77 campers participating in our Annapolis and St. Mary’s camps.  At the different graduations, parents had an opportunity to celebrate all the kids had accomplished on and off the water.  Take a read through Executive Director Jane Millman’s recap below to read even more about all the fun and learning that took place at summer camp.

Looking ahead to the fall, Brendan Sailing will once again host its premier lecture event.  The Navigating Differences Symposium is our annual best practices dialogue for parents, teachers, trainers, and all professionals supporting children with learning differences.  I hope you’ll RSVP below and plan to join us on November 2nd at American University.

As always, we are so grateful to those who support our organization financially and as volunteers.  This year, our donors helped send more than 40% of our kids to camp with scholarship assistance.  As you explore ways to give back in your community, I hope you will continue to keep Brendan Sailing top of mind as we share with you the many ways your assistance changes the lives of children and families in our region for the better.

Fair Winds and Following Seas,
James P. Muldoon
Chairman of the Board

Symposium Info

The Latest - A Recap of This year’s Summer Camp from Executive Director Jane Millman

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​Hello Brendan Sailing families and supporters!


Brendan Sailing has had an incredible summer with many things to celebrate. With a record number in attendance this year and a full waitlist for each Annapolis camp, Brendan Sailing is showing the community that we are leading the way in helping youth with learning differences build their self-confidence and independence. The weather this summer was just what a sailor is looking for; sunny, blue skies and plenty of wind to power our sails each day. Our fantastic instructor team was on site everyday to help our campers learn the basics of sailing and succeed through our hands-on teaching and demonstrations. At our St Mary’s camp, we saw beautiful friendships form and campers' social and sailing skills grow daily. My favorite memory from this summer has to be the Parent/Family Sail Day. On the last day of each session, our campers took parents and family members sailing to show them all that they have learned while at camp. The smiles on everyone's faces and the determination in each camper’s eyes told the story of their growth and confidence they found while learning how to sail. 

We are extremely grateful to Brendan Sailing’s supporters, who make offering our annual summer programs possible. Thank you to Annapolis Sailing School for graciously letting us operate on their grounds and act as our home base for all of our Annapolis camps. Our thanks also to the Bricks Company and Atlantic Marinas for keeping us hydrated all four weeks with Annapolis Green’s mobile freshwater “Naptown Taps.” A special thank you goes to St Mary’s College of Maryland Waterfront for entrusting Brendan Sailing with their sailboats, powerboats, and wonderful air conditioned classroom. And lastly, we extend a heartfelt thank you to the Kahlert Foundation and the Kathy and Jerry Wood Foundation for their continued support of Brendan Sailing, and for making it possible to provide scholarships to more than 40% of our campers this summer. 

With the summer completed, we have our annual Navigating Symposium on November 2nd and our Annual Awards banquet on January 26th that I hope you and your family will attend. The RSVP links can be found on our website. Stay tuned for some monthly Camper Engagement events to keep the friendships that were forged this past summer alive throughout the school year! 

With a grateful heart, thank you!

Jane Millman
Executive Director
Brendan Sailing

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Save the Date for the Navigating Differences Symposium

Please join us for an Education Symposium for professionals and parents involved with youth with Learning Differences, especially outside of the classroom; teachers, trainers, instructors, therapists, coaches, and students. We will be sharing best practices, present research, discuss state of the art methods, network and learn from one another.

Saturday, November 2, 2024
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
American University, Spring Valley Building
4801 Massachusetts Avenue
Washington, D.C.

$25.00 Admission
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Symposium Info

Warm Welcome to Meredith Glacke

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​Please extend a warm welcome to Meredith Glacken, who has joined our team to support Brendan Sailing’s marketing and communications efforts.  Meredith is a longtime marketing strategist, nationally recognized speechwriter, and communications professional with 15 years of experience working in the business, government, and nonprofit sectors.  She joins Brendan Sailing from Foresight Messaging, a business she founded in 2022 and continues to run as the firm’s principal.  Meredith also serves on the boards of the Chesapeake Bay Alberg 30 One-Design Association and the Michael H. Tillotson Foundation.


When Meredith isn't promoting Brendan Sailing programming, you can find her on the Chesapeake Bay sailing in the Alberg 30 and J/70 fleets or distance racing in the ocean on Annapolis to Newport race winner Cookie Monster.

Volunteer at the Boat Show for Brendan Sailin

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Want to support Brendan Sailing and score free tickets to the Fall Boat Show?  Sign up to work at our booth between October 9th and 14th.  We have volunteer slots for adults and campers available in the mornings and afternoons.  You’ll be helping to raise awareness about our summer camps and also signing up visitors for giveaways!  There are a limited number of spots available, so don’t wait to sign up!
Volunteer at the Boat Show

Show Your Support

It’s thanks to generous donations from sponsors and grantmakers that we are able to offer Brendan sailors an outstanding learning and growth experience each year.  We would love for you to join us in support of our mission to continue building pathways for self-confidence and personal growth in children with learning differences, through individually tailored experiential instruction in sailing.  Click here to extend your financial support to our Brendan Sailing programs.
Support Brendan Sailing


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Spinsheet Magazine Features New Brendan Sailing Executive Director, Jane Millman

2/29/2024

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Check out the latest issue of Spinsheet Magazine
featuring our new executive director, Jane Millman!
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Read Here
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"The Gift of Brendan Sailing" Video Released

12/14/2023

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See the amazing transformation of youth with learning differences in the new video on our program, "The Gift of Brendan Sailing"​
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2023 Navigating Differences Symposium Video Presentations Now Available

11/10/2023

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The 2023 Navigating Differences Symposium video presentations are now available on the Brendan Sailing YouTube. Recap to hear from the amazing presenters, and see our Symposium webpage for more info, including resources to RSVP for 2024. 

See each video presentation here below:

Kate McElderry
Karen Leggett
"Normal Isn't Real" Panel Discussion
Dr. Derrick Cogburn
Dr. Keiko Shikako
Charlie Arms 


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AFRO: "American University hosts 2nd Navigating Differences Symposium"

9/15/2023

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Derrick Cogburn is advocating for the inclusion of students with disabilities through his roles as the executive director of the Institute on Disability and Public Policy at American University and as a member of the board of directors for Brendan Sailing. (Photo courtesy of Brendan Sailing)

​By Mennatalla Ibrahim,
Special to the AFRO

The American University Institute of Disability and Public Policy recently partnered with the non-profit Brendan Sailing to host the second annual Navigating Differences Symposium on Sept. 9 at the Washington, D.C. school campus.

Brendan Sailing is dedicated to enhancing self-esteem and self-confidence in youth with learning challenges, such as attention deficit disorder (ADD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), through sailing programs in D.C., Annapolis, Md., and St. Mary’s City, Md.

This symposium was aimed at connecting the effective approaches for aiding this population that Brendan Sailing has developed over the years with the findings of researchers and academics in this field.
“The thought was: Let’s have a symposium where we can bring together professionals and academics, as well as occupational therapists, counselors, teachers, parents and participants, and we can all learn from each other,” said Charlie Arms, executive director of Brendan Sailing after the Sept. 9 event. “We’d love to connect with some of the schools that operate and serve this population during the academic year. We’re very open to partnerships and to offering opportunities for schools and programs to attend the symposium, so they can display what they do and really network and connect.”

The symposium was kicked off with a screening of the film “Normal Isn’t Real” by director and producer Krys Kornmeier, which showcases four stories from young adults with learning differences as they navigate success in work and school. 

“Listening to the folks on the film talk about the struggles they had as youth until they really found something they were passionate about and were good at really connects with what we do,” Arms said. “We hope to allow our participants to thrive and see that there are other ways to learn.”

Keiko Shikako, an associate professor at the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy at McGill University, served as a panelist, discussing some of her research in childhood disability. Her work focuses on building inclusive communities that recognize the human rights of children with disabilities and promotes the participation of children with disabilities in different life roles and activities.This was her first time collaborating with Brendan Sailing, and she said she was impressed with the outcome of the symposium.

“The participants had very pertinent questions and comments,” Shikako said. “It’s great to see everybody so committed to and already doing major work in the field of inclusion for persons with disabilities.”

Shikako’s involvement in the symposium came through longtime colleague Derrick Cogburn, an American University professor who also serves on the Brendan Sailing Board of Directors. As the executive director of the university’s Institute on Disability and Public Policy, Cogburn acted as a panelist and co-sponsor of the symposium both this year and last year.

In addition to the five panelists, 25 people attended the symposium, including parents, American University students, occupational therapists, academics, Brendan Sailing alumni and advocates. Though this marked a significant increase from last year’s symposium and encompassed every population they aimed to reach, Brendan Sailing hopes to see this audience exponentially grow in size in the coming years.
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“For next year, we’d like to at least double [the number of attendees]. We don’t want hundreds of attendees because the whole point of [the symposium] is the interaction aspect, but we had about half as many as we would have liked. That is our goal,” Arms said.
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see article here
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Brendan Sailing 2023 Summer Newsletter Released

9/7/2023

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Brendan Sailing Camp 2023

​​Brendan Sailing Summer 2023 Newsletter
Volume VI Edition III

In this edition:
Chairman's Message
Executive Director's Message
Summer Camp Programming
Staff Spotlight: Penny Alison
Volunteer Spotlight: Gary Hague
2nd Navigating Differences Symposium
Fall US Sailboat Show 
Review Us!
​
Read the 2023 summer newsletter here!
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Brendan Sailing Featured on the Homepage of the Capital Gazette

7/1/2023

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By Brian Jeffries
One of the first lessons kids at Brendan’s Sailing camp learn is what to do if your boat capsizes.
“It’s important for us to show the kids what to do if they fall in the water,” said Diane Sullivan, a trainer
for the program for children with learning differences. “They see that it’s shallow and we also show
them exactly what do to bring the sailboat back to upright.”

James P. Moldoon started the program nearly 40 years ago after seeing his son, who was dyslexic,
struggling in school but able to operate a sailboat perfectly. He thought that learning to sail might also
help other kids navigate life and build social skills, teamwork and leadership.

“The first time we saw the success it really made us want to help some of these kids,” said Moldoon. “The system kind of steps on them even though it doesn’t want to. So we just want to help and make more people aware.”
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That son, Jim Muldoon Jr., became a successful sailor at a young age on Muldoon’s racing yacht, the Donnybrook.
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Above: Instructor Gabe Evans, 16, and camper Gabi Englad, 15, at Brendan Sailing Camp in Annapolis on Friday. PAUL W. GILLESPIE/CAPITAL GAZETTE PHOTOS Middle: Camper Mamadou Bah, 11, and instructor Declan Kim raise a sail. Top: Camper Owen Castro, 18, got to showcase his new skills for his mother.

Named after the Irish monk, St. Brendan the Navigator, the two-week program offers instruction and team building. The campers get to showcase their newly learned nautical skills during the program’s annual Parents’ Sail at Annapolis Sailing School.

This year’s Parents’ Sail took place Friday afternoon on choppy water.

“I think the sense of confidence that comes with learning a new skill, especially when it ends with taking a parent out on their own, is immeasurable,” said Bethesda’s Natalya Bah. whose son Mamadou Bah, 11, is participating in the camp for the first time. “I’m thrilled to have him get the chance to meet and interact with kids he wouldn’t have met otherwise.”

Julie Castro decided to stay on shore as her two sons, Owen, 18 and Eli, 12, sailed the course.

“It’s been great for them,” said Castro, of Gaithersburg. “Neither of my boys get excited about a lot of stuff so just the fact that they have been into this as much as they are is a testament to the program.”

Owen, who will attend the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in the fall, has already started talking about pursuing sailing through school and coming back to camp next year as an instructor, Castro said. “This has gone from being something to do for a couple weeks to being a thing for him, and I’m so grateful,” Castro said.
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Instructor Penny Alison speaks to a group of Brendan Sailing Camp participants on Friday in Annapolis. PAUL W. GILLESPIE/CAPITAL GAZETTE PHOTOS

Each year the program accepts up to 20 kids between ages 11 and 18 for the day camp in Annapolis. Teens aged 14 to 18 can participate in the overnight camp that takes place in July for two separate six-day sessions at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. The St. Mary’s program offers sailing instruction and also incorporates the concepts of paddle sports and powerboating as well.
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JoAnn Kay and her son, camper Ryland Kay, 11, get ready to sail. The camp finished two weeks of instruction with a Parents’ Sail day on Friday.

Muldoon, a member of the Boating Safety Hall of Fame, says while continuing to fund the program can sometimes be difficult, he gets great pleasure from what it has accomplished.

And he is adamant that no child be turned down because they can’t afford it. “I never had any long term plans for this  program," Muldoon said reflecting back to when he started it in 1986.

“I was running a couple other businesses at the time. I just knew that every year I would have two, three, four sets of parents coming up to me to say you’ve changed my kid’s whole life, so that was the best pay back then.”
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​BRENDAN SAILING
The Brendan Corporation
1501 M Street NW, Suite 340
Washington, DC 20005​
© 2025 The Brendan Corporation. All rights reserved.
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Phone: 443-995-6375
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