John taught advanced sailing courses on San Francisco Bay and along the California Coast since 1993. As a former owner of Modern Sailing, his incredible experience and high-energy creativity helped to shape the school and club.
In addition to teaching local courses, John was most known for teaching advanced ASA courses in overseas locations including the South Pacific, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Thailand, New Zealand, Australia, Seychelles Islands, Africa, and Alaska.
The John Connolly Memorial Sailing Team Scholarship was established in August of 2014 in memory of John by his family and friends. John Connolly graduated from the University of Maryland in 1971. He was a leader on campus and an active member of the University of Maryland Sailing Team. He spent much of his life teaching advanced sailing courses around the world and fostered a love of sailing in many of those who learned from him. This Scholarship will support students who are active on the University of Maryland Sailing Team and demonstrate academic merit and financial need.
