Take The Helm Issue December 2023

From the Helm — Women's Sailing Foundation Debby Grimm

As 2023 draws to a close, I’d like to reflect on a few things NWSA has to be grateful for:

Our all-volunteer Directors and their efforts to promote sailing for women and girls. There is quite a bit of behind-the-scenes work that takes place for a national organization. Each Director contributes in their unique way bringing new ideas and enthusiasm to our group. We had two members rotate off – Thank you – Elise Read and Barbara Robertson for your service.
Successful 2023 Conference in Newport. This conference was our most successful conference since pre-CoVID. Excellent instructors, great venue and enthusiastic participants overcame challenging weather to make for a great day.
She Sailor Sea Stories. These events give us a great opportunity to reach our members wherever they are. We heard from ocean racers and cruisers as well as from women sailing instructors/leaders.
AdventureSail programs. Our participation in both the number of sites and number of girls continues to grow. We were coast to coast this year, and from Lake Michigan to the Gulf of Mexico!
WOWaZr! A great event introducing some women sailors to racing and challenging others to up their racing skills.
Volunteers – many hands make light work. We are grateful for all the volunteers who contributed to NWSA events. Your time, knowledge and efforts are greatly appreciated. We look forward to working with you again.

Let’s go Sailing!

NOMINATE YOUR SAILING HERO

Sailing is a sport that thrives on skill, determination, and teamwork. Over the years, women have been making remarkable strides in this traditionally male-dominated arena, breaking barriers and leaving their mark. Recognizing the importance of championing women’s achievements in sailing, the National Women’s Sailing Association (NWSA) and BoatUS present the Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award, an esteemed accolade that celebrates outstanding leadership and accomplishments within the sailing community.

Honor inspirational leaders

Since 1999 NWSA/BoatUS Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award has been a beacon of recognition for those in the U.S. who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in promoting women’s participation in sailing. Each year, NWSA seeks nominations and carefully selects individuals who have made significant contributions in the United States to empower and inspire women in sailing.

Since its inception, the award has been bestowed upon individuals who have collectively left a lasting impact on women’s sailing. From trailblazers in professional racing to dedicated educators and advocates, the recipients have played a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity and encouraging women to embrace all aspects of sailing with confidence.

Doris Colgate's display at the National Sailing Museum features her Leadership in Women's Sailing Award along with a NWSA burgee.

Doris Colgate’s Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award displayed in the National Sailing Museum along with her NWSA burgee

One notable example is Dawn Riley, the recipient of the Leadership Award in 2003. Her experience in competitive sailing, including sailing in the America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race, has shattered stereotypes and inspired countless women to pursue their saiing abitions. With her leadership skills and resilience, Riley continues to be a driving force in the sailing community.

Another exceptional leader, Doris Colgate, the Award recipient in 2004, is the founder and CEO of NWSA and the Offshore Sailing School have been instrumental in providing educational programs and mentorship opportunities for women in sailing. Her efforts, including her book SAILING: A Woman’s Guide, have empowered women to take the helm.

Through the Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award, NWSA and BoatUS aim to highlight achievements and leadership of women in sailing, inspiring future generations to push boundaries and excel on the water. Help us in recognizing those who have made a difference. Nominate your sailing hero for this prestigious award by February 1.

Sailing Scholarships for 2024

Girls who attended an AdventureSail in 2023 are eligible to apply for a Learn to Sail Youth Scholarship now. The $500 scholarship can be applied to any recognized sailing program. AdventureSail participants must apply for the scholarship within one year of participation.

We will accept applications for the Sue Corl Youth Sailing Scholarship beginning February 1, 2024, closing April 15, 2024. The Sue Corl is a $500 scholarship for girls 14-19 years old.

Scholarship applications require an essay and a letter of recommendation.

Learn More

Reasons to Join NWSA

1. Opportunities to network with other women sailors

3. Enjoy discounts from our sponsors

4. Access to exclusive video content

5. Nationwide calendar of women sailors’ events

6. Offer sailing opportunities / scholarships to underserved girls

7. Get discounts on NWSA swag

8. Keep up-to-date with NWSA social media and Take the Helm®

9. Early bird / discounts on NWSA’s annual conference + events

10. Foster inclusivity in sailing. Help us Share Sailing!

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization. We are primarilary funded by your membership to serve our mission to enrich the lives of women and girls through education and access to sailing. Please join us for an annual fee of $45, or three years for $100, to help us Share Sailing!

JOIN HERE!

Gail Hine (center, seated) joined the Women's Sailing Foundation board and served NWSA as the editior of Take the Helm for 20 years. She retired as a emertia member of the board in 2021. This photo was taken at Gail's Sailing Convention for Women, April 2023 with NWSA directors in attendance.

Sharing Sailing with Women Since 1990

Gail Hine, the director and producer the Sailing Conventions for Women for 32 years, decided is was time to take down her sails. The Convention remained rewarding and popular, but at age 83, with associated health and mobility issues, considering the weight of managing another annual event finally took the wind out of Gail’s sails.

In her recent retirement announcement, Hine expressed gratitude for the support for her Convention during the past three-plus decades. Volunteer coaches, instructors, donated boats, sponsorships, time and effort to develop unique and interesting workshops — all these acts of generosity made Gail Hine presentation of the Sailing Convention for Women an uniquely original educational event. It quickly became a model for others across the country to emulate. The Midwest Women’s Sailing Conference in Milwaukee, Women’s Sailing Seminar in Alemeda, National Women’s Sailing Association Conference (this year in New Orleans) WOWaZr! and other hands-on womens’ sailing events sprung from the waves of Gail’s first event.

Wish Gail the best!

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Above: Gail Hine at her Sailing Convention for Women, April 2023 with NWSA directors in attendance.
Standing, left to right — WSF/NWSA board of directors Barbara Morris, Debbie Huntsman, Marie Rogers, kneeling — Naomi Emmerson and center, seated — Gail Hine.
Gail Hine served the Women’s Sailing Foundation board for 20 years as editior of NWSA’s Take the Helm.
She retired from the Foundation as a emertia member of the board in 2021.

Mark January 19, 2024 on your calendar for the first She Sailor Sea Story of the new year. For episode, THE LEAD, 2005 Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award recipient, Cory Sertl, will be a featured storyteller.

Sertl, was the skipper of the 2004 team winning the U.S. Women’s Match Racing Championship, a two-time Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year, a former Olympian and winner of the Rolex International Women’s Keelboat Championship. Sertl also was a member of US Saiing’s delegation to the International Sailing Federation (ISAF). She and Jody Swanson took the Women’s Open Doublehanded Championship in 1990, and the U.S. Women’s Championship for the Adams Cup in 1992. Sertl has served on US Sailing’s Women’s Sailing Committee.

Register now. We will send you a reminder!

ENJOY DECEMBER’S FEATURED VIDEO — A November 17, 2023 NWSA She Sailor Sea Story from the episode SHIP’S LOG features an article written by pioneer yacht club founder Ruth Beal (circa 1958), read by her daughter Sue Bohl.

Say Yes! to Host AdventureSail® in 2024

Three happy girls after an AdventureSail in New Orleans.

AdventureSail has been advancing opportunities for sailing for two decades. It is designed to foster the next generation of female sailors. We understand the importance of providing opportunities for sailing early. We know barriers exist, preventing young women and girls from making it to the water. Help us share sailing.

We are asking you to commit to host an AdventureSail in 2024. Make sailing more accessible to underserved young women ages 9-14. Any girl deserves the opportunity to experince sailing.

About AdventureSail®

NWSA is compiling the 2024 National Women’s Sailing Association calendar of events. Send us your women serving sailing events with dates, times and contact and we will include them in our calendar. We will feature select events, including seminars, conferences, regattas and races in upcoming issues of Take the Helm. Please respond before January 1 for the best exposure. You may send info on events any time. We will help you spread the word.

Share Your Events

Donate now. We will put a tax-deductible end-of-year contribution to work.

Click here

Call for instructors!
National Women’s Sailing Associaiton Conference is June 8 in New Orleans at Southern Yacht Club with support form Community Sailing New Orleans. NWSA is seeking the expertise of talented women instructors and presenters, like you, to teach other women sailors eager to gain knowledge and skills. Every year the generous sharing of our volunteer instructors, coaches and presenters helps continue the legacy of women instructors sharing sailing with women sailors.

Apply to present

Take The Helm Issue December 2023

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