A National Powerhouse on the Chesapeake | 17-Time Collegiate National Champions
St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) features one of the most decorated varsity sailing programs in the North America. The Seahawks spectacular facility is in the heart of our waterfront campus along the banks of Horseshoe Bend in the St. Mary’s River. The Seahawks compete at the highest level of intercollegiate sailing as members of the Mid-Atlantic Intercollegiate Sailing Association (MAISA) and the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association (ICSA).
From humble beginnings, the St. Mary’s College of Maryland Seahawks have risen to thrive at the highest level of College Sailing. The Teddy Turner Waterfront and James P. Muldoon River Center is now home to 17 national championship titles. In 1980 the College established a varsity sailing team and began competing with fellow Mid-Atlantic teams. Over 150 Seahawks have been honored as All-Americans, and the facility has hosted eight Intercollegiate Sailing Association (ICSA) National Championships .
Championship Legacy & Olympic Pipeline
St. Mary’s College of Maryland is one of the nation’s premier collegiate sailing programs, with 17 national championships across Coed, Women’s, Match Racing, Single-handed, and Team Racing competition. The Seahawks have produced 150+ All-Americans and multiple College Sailor of the Year honorees, reflecting a sustained tradition of individual and team excellence.
SMCM’s impact extends well beyond collegiate sailing. Eight Seahawks have competed at the Olympic Games including sailed to a silver medal (Scott Steele ‘81) and coached to a gold (Mark Ivey ‘99). Dozens of Seahawks have won World Championships, and internationally recognized sailors have emerged from the program, including, Markus Edegran ’16, represented Team USA at the 2024 Paris Games while Jessica Deutchman Mohler ‘98, led Team USA as the Sports Psychologist. St. Mary’s sailors and coaches have also earned prestigious honors such as Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year, Yachtsman of the Year Finalists, Olympic Coach of the Year honors and more–demonstrating the program’s lasting influence at the highest levels of the sport.
The James P. Muldoon River Center
The James P. Muldoon River Center is the home of St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s nationally recognized varsity sailing teamall waterfront club teams and a waterfront laboratory to study the Chesapeake and it’s tributaries The Varsity Crew team is housed next door in the William B. Seale Rowing Center. Located directly on the St. Mary’s River, the stunning multimillion dollar facility provides student-athletes with a dedicated space to train, compete, study, and connect with the waterfront and their community.
The River Center features sailing classrooms, a multipurpose room, conference room, nautical library, and an upper deck known as Captains Walk. Together with the Rowing Center, the complex spans 13,700 square feet and gives St. Mary’s sailors direct access to the River and the College’s fleets of boats.
For sailors looking to compete at the collegiate level, the River Center provides a purpose-built home for training, competition, and the St. Mary’s sailing community.
Academics & Career Network
Student-athletes don’t have to choose between competing at a high level and preparing for a successful career.
- Public Honors Advantage: Earn a rigorous liberal arts education with the personalized attention of a small college—all at a public tuition rate.
- Alumni Network: Connect with alumni mentors and leaders in fields including marine biology, environmental science, business, and competitive sailing.
- Built for What’s Next: Develop the leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that prepare Seahawks for careers, graduate school, and life beyond competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sailing at St. Mary's College of Maryland a varsity sport?
Yes. St. Mary’s College of Maryland fields a full varsity coed (open) and women’s sailing team competing in MAISA within the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association (ICSA).
Where is St. Mary’s College of Maryland located, and where does the team sail?
SMCM is located in St. Mary’s City in Southern Maryland. The sailing team operates directly out of the James P. Muldoon River Center on the St. Mary’s River, a tributary of the Potomac River near the Chesapeake Bay. The River Center is located right on campus less than a 10 minute walk from all residence halls.
How do I get recruited for the SMCM Varsity Sailing team?
Prospective sailors Should reach out to the Sailing Coaches: Adam Werblow, Bill Ward, Bradley Adam ‘18, and Zoë Hoctor ‘25 to learn more about opportunities at St. Mary's College. SMCM recruits top-tier youth and high school sailors nationally and internationally.
Does St. Mary’s College offer sailing scholarships?
As an ICSA member institution, athletic financial aid follows College Sailing eligibility guidelines. However, SMCM offers substantial academic merit scholarships and financial aid for qualified student-athletes.
| Affiliation & Conference | ICSA / MAISA (Mid-Atlantic Intercollegiate Sailing Association) |
|---|---|
| National Championships | 17 ICSA National Titles |
| All-Americans | 150+ Honorees |
| Olympic & Elite Honors | 8 Olympians, 1 Olympic Silver Medalist, 2 Rolex Yachtswomen of the Year, 2026 Melges 24 World Champion, 2026 World Sailing Open Team Racing World Championship with USA 1. |
| Home Venue | James P. Muldoon River Center (St. Mary's River) |
| Fleet | 36 FJs, 18 420’s, 2 J22s, 2 Waszps, 1 moth, Soverel 33, 36 SUP’s, 24 Ocean Kayaks, 16 safety/coach boats and more! |
| Location | St. Mary's City, MD (Mid-Atlantic / Chesapeake Bay Region) |
