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

​

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.
​
​

​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.
 
​
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.
 
###

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

​

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!

​

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. ​

​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.

​
​

See the amazing transformation of youth with learning differences in the new video on our program, "The Gift of Brendan Sailing"​

​​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!
​

James P Muldoon Receives the National Guardian Award from The U.S. Coast Guard Foundation In Washington D.C. His Leadership with Annapolis Based Brendan Sailing and D.C Sail Recognized Among His  Other Outstanding Boating Achievements

Washington DC (June 12) - James P. Muldoon received the Guardian Award from the US Coast Guard Foundation at an awards dinner earlier. this month. Muldoon is one of four board members who started the Coast Guard Foundation’s Tribute to the Coast Guard 19 years ago. Since then, it has raised more than $15 million for Foundation programs that assist Coast Guard members and families. He has also started DC Sail and Brendan Sailing.

His leadership of D.C. Sail and Brendan Sailing focused his energies on helping underserved inner city youth and young people with learning differences mature using their development of sailing skills as the key ingredient of both programs.
 
In addition to his work with the Coast Guard Foundation, Muldoon has served in leadership roles of 30 maritime organizations including chairman, Department of Homeland Security's National Boating Safety Advisory Council; president of US SAILING; chairman of DC Sail, and founding board member of the Sailing Hall of Fame. Jim also started a charity that builds confidence in children with learning differences through sailing, The Brendan Sail Program.
​
Jim saw firsthand how his son, Jim Muldoon Jr., who had some learning differences, grew as a sailor with his newfound competence on the water.  That inspired Jim to start Brendan Sailing.
 
Joanne M. Dorval, President- Brendan Sailing, had this to say at the awards banquet. “Jim Muldoon founded Brendan Sailing nearly four decades ago and his continuing leadership and financial support has insured that hundreds of youth with learning differences have successfully build self esteem through sailing.  The recent nationwide expansion of the Brendan Approach using the methods proved successful in Brendan camps in Maryland and DC are possible thanks to his generous donations and leadership.”.
 
Richard O’Brien, VP of D.C. Sails Board of Directors added, “Chairman Muldoon was the inspiration for bringing community sailing to Washington DC through the DC Sail and its Kids Set Sail program.  He has been at the helm of the organization from the beginning and has grown the sport of sailing in the District for the last 23 years to include many underprivileged D.C. youth.”
 
THE GUARDIAN AWARD
The Guardian Award is one of the Coast Guard Foundation’s premier honor and recognition awards. It is a national award presented once each year at one of the Foundation’s high-profile events. The award recognizes individuals, companies, or organizations who have provided significant support, or have demonstrated exemplary commitment to the Coast Guard Foundation, U.S. Coast Guard personnel and families, or members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families
.
The Foundation also considers individuals, companies, or organizations that have demonstrated significant support to educational and charitable endeavors that promote awareness of maritime affairs, the marine environment, maritime history, and other activities that develop maritime expertise or inspire future generations of maritime service. The Guardian Award celebrates those who support Coast Guard members while they protect our Nation, our citizens, and our national interests.



​
​See below for METCOR/LSI's video honoring Jim on his Achievement!

Listen and learn more below!
​
Ep 184 - Experiential Summer Learning for All Learners

Blog: https://www.catherinewhitcher.com/blog/summerexperiences

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBtEga40i5Y

​Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/4wNQ0taoSQMsD4qrsxdO2X

FB:  https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=902608937496157

Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/184-experiential-summer-learning-for-all-learners/id1484686234?i=1000612437838
​
Google: ​podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5saWJzeW4uY29tLzE0MTg1NC9yc3M/episode/NTc1MDRmODctYWNhYy00ZDQ4LWIwNWMtNWYwNTQzMmMxNTUz?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwiY1tG6ifD-AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ

​LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/masteriepcoach_experiential-summer-learning-for-all-learners-activity-7062805597699657728-0hVT/

Brendan Approach training has partnered with Spectrum Sailing to provide instruction for all the instructors delivering their program.

​  We have a very busy spring planned with sessions in Sarasota, Jacksonville, Toledo, Chicago, Park City and Charleston, SC.

We having our second annual 'Navigating Differences Symposium' this year - we hope you join us!