U.S. Naval Academy Command and Seamanship Training Squadron (CSTS)
​Stamford Yacht Club Port Visit
July 10-12

The Midshipmen of the U.S. Naval Academy will once again moor up at the Stamford Yacht Club for a port visit. Individual tabs for Members, Hosts, Navy League & USNA Alumni, Outreach (Sea Cadets and youth) and Midshipmen are below. If you have any questions please contact us by clicking here. See the specific tabs below for more information. Check back often for updates.

​The midshipmen of the U.S. Naval Academy will visit the Stamford Yacht Club from 10-12 July 2026.  The Command and Seamanship Training Squadron (CSTS) is one of the premier summer training programs for midshipmen at the US Naval Academy. The midshipmen receive training in ocean sailing, seamanship, navigation, leadership, and teamwork. During the summer, CSTS sends the sail training craft, Navy 44s, crewed by 3/c midshipmen and led by 2/c and 1/c midshipmen, USNA Faculty, Staff, or Civilian volunteers. They sail to various ports up and down the east coast during the four-week long training blocks. Week 1 consists of midshipmen training at the Naval Academy. Weeks 2-4 consist of local area training and the offshore passage, port visit and return.

​© 2023, Courtesy of Stamford YC & Rick Bannerot, Ontheflyphoto.net

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday, 10 July
Navy 44 boats arrive SYC: Based on High Tide ~ TBD
Welcome BBQ: 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Evening Colors: TBD pm

Saturday, 11 July
Community Engagement &
Sailboat Tours (10:00 am -2:00 pm)
Evening Colors: TBD pm

Sunday, 14 July
BBQ: 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Evening Colors: TBD pm

Monday, 15 July
Navy 44 boats depart SYC: Morning High Tide

• SYC Members
• Hosts
• Community Outreach
• Navy League/Alumni
• Midshipmen

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(last year's information, updates coming)

​Stamford Yacht Club members have the opportunity to interact with the Midshipmen and Instructors and have access to take a tour of the Navy 44 boats. A BBQ on the Vineyard Deck in their honor will be Sunday starting at 5:30 PM.  Please call the club or go online to reserve . Join us each evening as the Midshipmen will perform evening colors.

If you have children, relatives or friends interested in the Naval Academy or military service, please bring them down for a visit.
​
Please consider making a sponsorship donation.

​Latest News for Hosts 
The boats arrive Friday around TBD am.
Expect Midshipmen to be available for pick up at TBD.
Friday Evening BBQ starts at 5:30 pm. Midshipmen are expected to attend.
​Updates are in the "Arrival" Section below.

Dear U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen Host Families,

Thank you again for volunteering to host midshipmen (MIDS) this coming weekend (10-13 July 2026). I’m sure you will find the experience rewarding. For some, this will be a review as you’ve hosted before and for some this is brand new. You might receive emails from two addresses, a specific one for the event an my personal email. Check your spam folder. Please email me to confirm the necessary information:

1. Address (I probably have it but just to make sure I have it correctly)
2. Preferred phone number(s)
3. Preferred email address(s)
4. Pets in household (some of the midshipmen may be allergic)
5. Any other special consideration

As of now every family is scheduled for 2 midshipmen though I know some have indicated they can take more and we will contact separately if needed. Assignment of your midshipmen is usually a few days before their arrival once we receive their “watch bill.”
General Expectations

1. Each family will provide a bed (inflatable, futon, pull-out or similar is fine) for each Midshipman. The beds can be in the same room or separate rooms (preferred).  The Naval Academy asks the the midshipmen do not share a room with a family member.
2. Please provide bedding and towels.
3. The will probably require the use of laundry machines. They will have been at sea for 5 days and will want clean clothes for the weekend and trip back. Their uniform is a blue polo shirt and khaki shorts. They may have one set of "civies" for the weekend.
4. Generally your house is a place where they can decompress and relax when not on duty or not hanging out at the club.
5. Pick-up on Friday and drop-off on Monday are the two times they will need transportation from the host family if not within walking distance. Otherwise, they should be able to arrange transportation to get around but if you are willing to drive them a short distance (e.g. mall, train station, SYC) that might be helpful.
6. The club will feed them Friday night and again Sunday night and they will have access to the snack bar. 
7. They are responsible for feeding themselves but if you wish to provide some food for them, I’m sure they would be appreciative. They will arrive Friday and leave on Monday so require a bed for three nights. 
8. If you have any pets please advise so we can can avoid pairing any MIDS with allergies.
9. They should address you as Mr. or Mrs. and Sir or Ma'am and generally be respectful.

Prohibited Activities

1. Midshipmen are NOT allowed to drink alcohol unless they are 21 or older, even privately in your house.
2. Midshipmen are NOT allowed to drive your cars or other motorized vehicles.
3. Midshipmen are NOT allowed to bring guests to the host house but can be authorized to bring guests to the Club.

Friday

1. The boats will arrive Friday morning and the exact time will depend on the tides but expect around 7 am. Once the boats are docked, it will take the crews at least 2-3 hours to clean and secure the boats. Probably around noon they will be free of duty (except those on watch). We will keep everyone up to date on their arrival progress. An email will be sent out once they are all docked.
2. Don’t worry if you can’t pick up the Midshipmen until later in the day. They will be taken care of them until you can make the rendezvous even if it’s late in the evening.
3. Once free of duty, many of the MIDN are looking to eat and take a shower. There will be food available for them as they arrive and the snack bar will open for their use around noon. They can take showers at the club or wait until they arrive at your house. Again we will take care of their initial basic needs until you can pick them up.
4. There is a BBQ at the club for the Midshipmen and they are required to attend at approximately 5:30 pm. You are all welcome to attend the BBQ. Please make reservations with the front desk. There is no charge for the MIDN and you don't have to make a reservation for them.
5. Some of the Midshipmen will have “watch” on Friday but we will try and arrange so not to interfere with those families who have to drive back home that night.
6. Besides providing a bed, linens and towels you might want to stock up on some basic breakfast foods as that is the only meal they will have a tough time to arrange. They have access to the club for lunch and some will venture out Saturday night. They will be fed dinner on Sunday during the Father’s Day BBQ and it's another mandatory event for them. But if you wish to have a meal with them any other time, by all means please arrange, though not a requirement. With the availability of shared ride services, you shouldn’t have to drive them anywhere but if you wish to offer one it's up to you.
7. 2 MIDN will perform colors at Sunset in the their Summer White uniform. Come watch if you can.

Saturday

1. No specific Navy Weekend club events.
2. Some MIDN will have watch
3. Many of them will have various plans through out the day and should be communicating this to their hosts. In the past some have even gone to NYC. Some will go out Saturday night or plan to spend time at the club.
4. Colors again at sunset.

Sunday

1. Some MIDN will have watch
2. All MIDN are required to attend the BBQ starting at 5:30 pm. They must be there no later than 6:00 pm for the presentation by the CSTC OTC and our Commodore and for a group picture. Again you are welcome to sign up for the Father's Day BBQ and the MIDS are taken care of. 
3. Colors again at sunset.

Monday

1. All MIDS will be expected back at the club sometime in the morning. Time will be determined by the tides.
2. All that's required is a drop off. Monday being a workday, please advise if you need assistance with transportation.

​Very Respectfully,
Philip Alan Gerard
Captain U.S. Navy Retired
SYC Member

Arrival Information (from last year but relevant, will update as

​Update 1

• The 4 boats arriving are RENAISSANCE, HONOR, DARING and BRAVE.
• To track NA-34 RENAISSANCE via marinetraffic.com (subscription may be required) using MMSI: 369970061. 
• We may conduct a photo shoot outside the break water around 9:30 am. Once complete the boats will make their way to our dock.
• They will moor up around TBD and start the process of bedding down the boats which usually takes 2 hours.
• They will have a briefing between TBD pm and then be able to meet up with their host families around TBD pm.
• Midshipmen will have a place to rest at the club until the meet up can be arranged. I will be there all day to coordinate so don’t feel rushed.
• They are required to attend the BBQ at 5:30 on Friday night. You are more than welcome to join them at the BBQ but not a requirement.

Host initial preparation:

• The MIDS will be tired and will want to shower and maybe start some laundry having been at sea for a week without these amenities. 
• They will be fed dinner Friday night. Having some standard breakfast items in your homes would be helpful for Saturday morning.

Host Families to-dos:

• Send me a test text/message. This is the best way to communicate on Friday to arrange the meet up with the MIDS.
• Ask me questions, I know I have not covered all the bases.

U.S. Naval Academy Command and Seamanship Training Squadron
Stamford Yacht Club
Saturday, July 11 2026

Meet the midshipmen of the U.S. Naval Academy at the Stamford Yacht Club. Local area high school students, U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, Naval Academy/ROTC applicants, Naval Junior ROTC, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts are invited to meet the midshipmen and learn more about the academy, service to our country and preparation for college. You are invited to talk with the midshipmen and  visit the sailboats at the dock Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. Please RSVP with CAPT Philip Alan Gerard, USN (Ret) by clicking here. Guest parking available across from the club entrance.

The Command and Seamanship Training Squadron (CSTS) is one of the premier summer training programs for Midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy. The Midshipmen receive training in ocean sailing, seamanship, navigation, leadership, and teamwork. During the summer, CSTS sends the sail training craft, Navy 44s, crewed by 3/c Midshipmen and led by 2/c and 1/c Midshipmen, USNA Faculty, Staff, or Civilian volunteers. They sail to various ports up and down the east coast during the four-week long training blocks. Week 1 consists of midshipmen training at the Naval Academy. Weeks 2-4 consist of local area training and the offshore passage, port visit and return.

Stamford Yacht Club
97 Ocean Drive West
Stamford CT 06902

Hello fellow Navy Leaguers and USNA Alumni,

The Stamford Yacht Club (SYC) will again host the U.S. Naval Academy Command and Seamanship Training Squadron.    

Arrival of three boats with 27 midshipmen and instructors is set for Friday July 10.  An opportunity to tour the boats and community engagement is Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm.   
Navy League members and USNA Alumni are more than welcome to come and meet the midshipmen and attend a BBQ. The club will host a BBQ on Sunday, starting at 5:30pm. Please call the SYC front desk ‭(203) 323-3161‬ to make reservations or email the coordinator by clicking here. Please let them know you are with the Navy League or a USNA Alumni and you will be able to pay on the day of the event. Cost is $50.

​Please contact Council board member Alan Gerard with any questions by clicking here.