Basic Sail Training (BST)

The BST program trains over 1,250 incoming freshmen midshipmen (or "plebes") during each summer. The training provided involves an introduction to basics of sailing, knot tying, and seamanship. The BST program's design is two-fold: to provide a safe training environment for introducing the professional seamanship skills required of the Naval Officer and to introduce sailing and the nautical environment.

The BST program also provides ongoing sail training and competency for all Midshipmen throughout the academic year. Midshipmen have the opportunity to qualify to use the Navy 26s for recreational sailing.

The plebe summer sailing program runs from the first part of July to mid-August utilizing a fleet of 30 small keelboats we call Navy 26s. Each plebe accumulates 15 hours of class room and on-the-water training with a targeted 3:1 student to instructor ratio.

To see additional information on recreational sailing and qualifications required please visit our Recreational Sailing page.

For further information, contact the BST director: Joni Palmer, 601 Brownson Rd., USNA, Annapolis, MD 21402, (410) 293-5615 or send e-mail to jpalmer@usna.edu