Come Aboard Sailing Yacht Athena
What is the Annapolis to Bermuda Race?
Since 1979, sailors from around the world line up in the Chesapeake Bay for one of the most respected offshore races in the United States – the Mustang Survival Annapolis to Bermuda Race. Over 750 nautical miles, competitors confront changing seas, shifting winds and the unpredictable force of the open ocean.
For Athena and her crew, the 2026 edition is more than a race – it’s the first major offshore test for a boat that has spent most of her life as a beloved family day-sailer. This passage demands preparation, seamanship, thoughtful planning and respect for safety.
Meet the Crew
Séa
Captain
Séa, skipper of Athena, began sailing at age 12 through a sailing program in Florida. That early experience sparked a lifelong passion for seamanship and offshore adventure, leading to international racing and more than 10,000 logged nautical miles across the U.S. East Coast, Caribbean and Mediterranean. An Eagle Scout and RYA Yachtmaster, Séa has sailed vessels ranging from 40 to 120 feet on bluewater and transatlantic passages, grounding his approach in preparation, responsibility and respect for the sea.
Sully
First Mate
Sully, Séa’s brother, is also an Eagle Scout, RYA Yachtmaster and lifelong sailor. He shares the same commitment to seamanship and service, having taught youth sailing programs throughout the Caribbean and inspiring new sailors along the way. Sailing has shaped every part of his life – including meeting his wife while sailing in San Francisco Bay – and remains a way he builds community and shares his love for the water.
Mike
Navigator
Mike, their father, while not a lifelong sailor, has long been a steady presence behind his sons’ sailing journeys. Deeply involved in the Scouting community, he brings a strong foundation of leadership, preparedness and mentorship to the crew. For this race, Mike steps aboard as a full crewmember, taking the lead on traditional navigation methods in pursuit of the Weems & Plath Navigator Trophy – embracing the same curiosity and commitment that has defined his support all along.
United by family, Scouting values and a shared respect for preparation and teamwork, the Athena crew reflects a belief that meaningful adventures are built deliberately and best undertaken together.
Why Your Support Matters
Preparing Athena for her first offshore race is both a logistical challenge and a financial one. Offshore racing requires equipment, safety gear and boat preparation that go beyond basic cruising standards. Your support helps ensure that the crew can compete safely and responsibly.
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Every contribution goes toward:
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Offshore safety gear (emergency life raft, PFDs, harnesses, tethers, AIS/EPIRB upgrades)
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Rigging and boat-prep for bluewater conditions (shackles, chainplates, stanchions, sails)
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Navigation and communication tools (GPS receiver and transceiver, wind/depth/speed instruments, weather charting software)
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Weather routing and race provisioning
And because sailing changed our lives, this campaign also aims to give back!
​A portion of all sponsorships will fund a youth sailing scholarship at St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club in Panama City, FL – where this passion first began.
Support Levels
(Water, coffee, electrolytes… morale.)
Supports: provisions, hydration and the million little things that keep a crew going
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A group thank-you voice note recorded dockside or shortly after the race
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Supports: crew safety gear and personal equipment
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Name listed on the Racing Athena site
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Thank-you photo from Bermuda
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Shout-outs in a short post-race video/message (Séa + Sully + Mike reflecting on the crossing)
Supports: Athena’s offshore readiness (rigging, systems, safety)
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Above + Recognition as an Offshore Supporter on the site
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A voice update from the Bermuda Triangle (shared once conditions allow!)
Supports: major offshore preparation and meaningful funding toward a youth sailing scholarship at St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club
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Above + Named supporter of the youth scholarship
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Featured acknowledgment on the site
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A dedicated message from Séa and/or Sully reflecting on what St.ABYC youth sailing made possible
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Personal race debrief call!
Supports: Athena’s offshore readiness and funding a youth sailing scholarship
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Above + Featured placement on the sponsorship banner mounted on Athena
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Recognition as a Legacy Partner helping pass sailing forward and making it more accessible
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Private sail aboard Athena w/Captain Séa during your next visit to Annapolis!
Please contact Krystle Madewell for custom partnerships or in-kind support.
Simple and Transparent
As a contributor you’re now officially an important part of our crew!
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After the race, all supporters will receive:
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A thank-you message from the crew
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A summary of how the funds were used
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A snapshot from the Bermuda finish line
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Updates on who the sailing scholarship supported