NWSA Women's Sailing Conference just one month away

Women get a hands-on line-throwing lesson at the NWSA Women's Sailing Conference. © Scott Croft

In just about one month, beginning and experienced woman sailors will jump-start their sailing lives by heading to the National Women's Sailing Association (NWSA) 18th Annual Women's Sailing Conference slated for Saturday, June 1, 2019, 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.

"Women of all sailing abilities are encouraged to sign up now to attend," said event Chair Joan Thayer. "By sharing experiences, women leave with improved skills and knowledge that contribute to better days on the water. There is something of interest for everyone in the 20 different workshops." Through May 4, early bird registration is $180 and $200 thereafter. To register go to www.womensailing.org

Financial support from major supporters, including Black Rock Sailing School and Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), enable NWSA to meet the educational needs of women sailors and continue to provide one of the top women's sailing conferences in the nation. On the water, women can take the helm for the first time or improve their sail trim and boat-handling skills in a Sonar 23-foot keelboat. "Learning on these one-design boats is easier to understand than on big boats. It's an instant reaction to your action," added Thayer.

New workshops this year include How to Read a Navigational Chart, In the Water Unexpectedly, Suddenly Alone, How to Use the VHF for Clear Communications, Preparing for Coastal Racing, Avoiding Mayhems and Missteps, What You REALLY Need for First Aid, Boating Skills Virtual Trainer, and Don't Let Your Boat Be a Drag. Repeat conference workshops include Diesel Basics, Hands-On Flare and Fire Extinguisher Demonstrations, Sailing Primer, Racing 101, Knots, and Plot Your Course. NWSA is proud to offer educational opportunities from some of the country's most experienced and exceptional sailing women, including American Boat and Yacht Council Master Marine Tech Beth Burlingame.

The event begins with a continental breakfast and includes raffles throughout the day and a silent auction. Participants wind down as the evening progresses with cocktails, dinner, keynote speaker Haley Lhamon of the winning boat Sail Like a Girl in the June 2018 Race to Alaska (R2AK), and the presentation of the 2019 Leadership in Women's Sailing Award to Pat Dieselman.

Raffle ticket sales and silent auction proceeds will benefit the AdventureSail program and learn-to-sail scholarships for young girls at risk and the Sue Corl Youth Sailing Scholarship for underserved teenage girls. AdventureSail and the Scholarships are part of the Women's Sailing Foundation, a 501(c)(3) educational organization.