Have you ever wondered how sailing can shape future Navy leaders? This episode promises to show you the behind the scenes of how the United States Naval Academy's comprehensive sailing program trains midshipmen. Join us as we welcome Andrew Shea, a 2013 graduate and former skipper of the Navy varsity offshore sailing team, who shares his remarkable journey and the unique experiences that define the sailing program.

We'll explore everything from the initial sailing training every plebe undergoes during Plebe Summer to the exciting opportunities within the Offshore Sail Training Squadron (OSTS) and the varsity sailing team. Learn how seasoned Navy officers and dedicated coaches mentor midshipmen, helping them develop their skills and potentially pursue sailing at a competitive level. The intense camaraderie, spirited rivalries, and the vibrant sailing community of Annapolis all play a crucial role in making the Naval Academy a standout in collegiate sailing.

Discover the leadership and adventure that come with sailing up the coast, navigating through night watches, and participating in regattas, including the prestigious Kennedy Cup. Hear inspiring stories like one transition from a baseball recruit to a national championship-winning sailor. We'll also delve into the winter off-season curriculum and the incredible opportunities of sailing on high-performance boats. Tune in to understand how the skills and experiences gained through the Naval Academy sailing program contribute to professional achievements, including the impressive career paths of former team members.

The mission of Academy Insider is to guide, serve, and support Midshipmen, future Midshipmen, and their families.

Grant Vermeer your host is the person who started it all. He is the founder of Academy Insider and the host of The Academy Insider podcast and the USNA Property Network Podcast. He was a recruited athlete which brought him to Annapolis where he was a four year member of the varsity basketball team. He was a cyber operations major and commissioned into the Cryptologic Warfare Community. He was stationed at Fort Meade and supported the Subsurface Direct Support mission.

He separated from the Navy in 2023 and now owns The Vermeer Group, a boutique residential real estate company that specializes in serving the United States Naval Academy community PCSing to California & Texas.

We are here to be your guide through the USNA experience.

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