In 2001, avid sailors Gene Novak of New Jersey and Irv Schaeffer of Maryland, met in Havre de Grace, MD, to form a group that would uniquely combine two heretofore unconnected ideas: sailing the Chesapeake Bay and expressing their Jewish identity on the water. The principles of this new group included a blending of fellowship, active cruising and exploration of the Bay, and a welcoming and inclusive culture for all sailors with similar interests.

Since then, the Sailing Chavurah has grown from eight founders to 50 members and includes sailors and power boaters who enjoy weekend and longer cruising. While most of our members live in the Washington, DC metro area, we have members in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and even in Texas! Our sailboats are docked in the Chesapeake Bay from the Patapsco River to Herring Bay. Some members are still working while others are retired. We are kid- and pet-friendly - some members sail with their grandchildren and and some with their fur babies!

We are an informal group, and have developed a simple set of bylaws and cruising guidelines so that everyone can equally enjoy safe and fun boating together.

We truly embody the concept of Chavurah, fellowship and belonging.