NWSA Women’s Sailing Conference slated for June 2 Marblehead, MA
by Scott Croft 10 Feb 2018 14:25 UTC
2 June 2018
Women get hands-on sail reefing experience at the NWSA Women's Sailing Conference © Scott Croft
Where do ladies go to improve their sailing? The National Women's Sailing Association (NWSA) will hold its 17th Annual Women's Sailing Conference on Saturday, June 2, 2018, at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Marblehead, Massachusetts. The event, which features hands-on land- and water-based workshops and seminars, offers women a fantastic opportunity to learn or hone sailing skills, network with other women sailors from all over the United States, and gain the confidence necessary to become a valuable crew member or knowledgeable skipper.
Financial support from the major supporters, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) and Black Rock Sailing School of Boston, Massachusetts, enables NWSA to meet the educational needs of women sailors and continue to provide one of the top women's sailing conferences in the US.
"Women of all sailing abilities are encouraged to attend," said NWSA President Linda Newland. "By sharing experiences, women leave with improved skills and knowledge that contribute to better days on the water. There is always something of interest for everyone." Cheryl Steiner, conference co-chair and registrar, said, "Seventy percent of last year's attendees had five or more years of sailing experience. With more experienced sailors attending, we've moved some of our 2018 courses in that direction."
On the water, women can improve their sail trim skills or take the helm for their very first time in a Colgate 26 or Sonar provided by Black Rock Sailing School and the Corinthian Yacht Club.
New courses this year include Preparing for Offshore and Extended Cruising, Sailboat as Teacher (how to be aware of what your sailboat is telling you), Classroom Docking, Navigating the Intracoastal Waterway with the Help of Electronic Tools, and 'Forty Camels', an entertaining look at cruising the Red Sea. Returning conference workshops include Suddenly Singlehanded, Dinghy Captain, Navigating in the Fog, Plot Your Course, Know Your Rigging, Reefing and When to Reef, Using Spring Lines, as well as beginner's necessities such as Knots to Know.
Some of the women teaching the courses include women's sailing school owner Captain Nancy Erly of Seattle, Washington; American Boat and Yacht Council master marine technician Beth Burlingame; and rigger and diesel engine mechanic Captain Bonnie Schaeffer.
Conference registration is $180 and includes a continental breakfast, buffet lunch, dinner, guest speaker, workshops, raffle ticket and 2018 Leadership in Women's Sailing Award presentation. A silent auction will also be held throughout the day. Registration opens in the spring at womensailing.org.
For additional information, contact co-chair Joan Thayer at .