Sailing season kicks off with a sock-burning party in Annapolis, Md.

NPR | By Scott Neuman

Published March 24, 2026 at 4:58 PM EDT

In Annapolis, Md., people gather each year to usher in the warmer weather by making a sacrifice – of their socks. The springtime tradition is the unofficial start of the Chesapeake Bay sailing season.

Scott Neuman

Scott Neuman is a reporter and editor, working mainly on breaking news for NPR's digital and radio platforms.

See stories by Scott Neuman

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