ECSA Excellence in Instruction

2022

Anne C. Longo

Annie is a dedicated sailor and instructor. Since 2014 she taught as Instructor, Coach and Head Instructor at The Wadawanuck Club, Groton Long Point Yacht Club, Ram Island Yacht Club and The MudRatz. She is, according to several people who nominated her, “one of the best sailing instructors” they’ve ever had. “She has made everyone’s sailing experience so much better,” wrote one, while another commented that he would not be able to race both Optimists and 420s without Annie teaching and coaching him along the way.

From canceling her own plans to help a less experienced sailor skipper her boat to teaching the next generation of instructors, and for many other remarkable accomplishments and sacrifices in between, Annie earned high praise from the sailing community. “Annie is more passionate about sailing and teaching younger kids how to sail than anybody I’ve ever met. She aches to get us out on the race course and to watch us learn and grow as sailors. I’ll never forget the impact Annie had on my life and on my sailing career.”

Like any great coach, Annie takes the individual competitor into consideration before delivering her feedback—an approach for which many parents are grateful. One summed it up nicely, “Some kids want to compete, and some are just looking to have fun. There are also students trying to overcome their fear of being alone in a boat. Not only does Annie understand the full range of what a sailing program can be, but she has also developed a summer of activities and adventures that supports each student and gives them a way to find themselves on the water and grow into the sailor they want to become.”

Many who nominated Annie were also impressed by her passion for sustainability. “She encourages the wider sailing community to lower our environmental footprint, thus teaching our children and setting an example for future sailors,” wrote one person who nominated her, while another remarked, “Her environmental work has shaped the people my children are growing into.” Yet another wrote, “Annie puts effort into teaching us how to be an eco-friendly citizen.”

Annie has just as big of an impact on her students off the water. “Annie taught me more than just sailing. She taught me to always put my best foot forward and to be kind to everyone. And she is always there when you need a helping hand.” One grateful mother wrote, “Annie helped my daughters navigate parents who were separating, blended families, college choices. and more. With her guidance, my girls are making all the right choices, on the water and off.”

“Watching the students flock around her on this last day of camp today, it was so obvious what a positive impact she has had on them” wrote a parent and program coordinator.

Congratulations to Annie Longo on her considerable achievements. While this award is not based on the number of nominations, but rather the quality of instruction, Annie nonetheless received many compelling nominations from students, their parents, co-workers, and Ram Island junior program coordinators.

Editors note: Subsequent to being award the ECSA Excellence in Instruction award, U S Sailing awarded Annie the U S Sailing Excellence in Instruction Award at the 2023 National Sailing Leadership Symposium in Florida.