West Coast's Sailing Convention for Women returns April 1, 2023

Do you know the right way to heave a line? It's one of the subjects on deck for this year's Sailing Convention for Women © Sailing Convention for Women

Learning how to rig a spinnaker is just one of many learning topics at the Sailing Convention for Women © Sailing Convention for Women

After a Covid hiatus the Sailing Convention for Women is back with full sails and expanded learning opportunities and slated for Saturday, April 1, 2023.

Held at Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club in Corona Del Mar, California, the event marks the 33rd year offering beginning-to-experienced women sailors a chance to learn and enjoy camaraderie and fun through an all-day series of on-the-water instruction and shore-based workshops.

"The Convention gives women an opportunity to meet other women sailors, discuss options for cruising, racing and recreational sailing, and find out about women's sailing organizations in their area, as well as instructional programs available," described by founder and producer, Gail Hine. "We have something meaningful for everyone," one attendee claimed, "The energy level and networking opportunity at this convention is amazing!"

Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS). has sponsored the event for nearly three decades.

Some of the workshop topics include Suddenly Singlehanded, Steer with the Sails, Intro to AIS, Avoid Mistakes & Mayhem, Prepare for Passage Making, Basic Navigation, and the ever-useful, Docking. Three levels of on-the-water sailing instruction are also offered.

The day begins at 8 a.m. and runs until 8 p.m., starting with a generous breakfast to fuel the sessions of morning instruction and workshops. A buffet lunch will launch sailors into an afternoon of continued learning opportunities, followed by a spirited happy hour. The evening is capped with dinner and guest speaker Marie Rogers, who in 2019, became the first black woman to serve as commodore at the historic Los Angeles Yacht Club, and likely one of the first to helm a major U.S. yacht club.

Rogers, who will share stories of inspiration and passion for sailing, is the 2021 BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women's Sailing Award honoree and an avid racer. She completed the 50th Transpac and races today along the West Coast aboard Marie, a Nelson Marek 55, with her husband, Bill. Closer to home she's at the helm of her J-29, Rush Street.

Those interested in attending should mark their calendars for February 1 when convention registration opens at sailingconventionforwomen.com. A special early bird attendance for $250 will be available through February 28 and includes workshops, breakfast, lunch, dinner, souvenirs, raffle prize tickets and session handouts. Registration fees increase $20 each month through April 1. Prepaid registrations are required and for the best selection of classes women are urged to register early.

For more information on the convention, contact Gail Hine ().