Read this issue in our e-newsletter format
On September 21 go to a beach with a garbage bag. Pick up trash. Reduce plastics swept into the sea.
The International Coastal Cleanup Day came into existence more than 30 years ago. It was founded by Linda Maraniss and Kathy O’Hara, both women worked at the Ocean Conservancy, a nonprofit environmental agency that specializes in formulating resolutions and policies at federal and governmental levels. In 1986, Maraniss was inspired by O’Hara’s work and dedication towards cleaning up the ocean. The latter’s paper, which was due to be published the next year, focused on plastic pollution in the ocean. Maraniss discussed her interest with O’Hara about starting a day to bring attention to the oceans’ growing pollution problem. They approached several environmental groups and activists with the idea, and in no time, the duo had enough support to start an official cleanup. The idea was simple: Go to a local beach with a garbage bag and start picking up trash in order to reduce the amount that would be swept into the ocean by water or wind.
Cleaning up the beaches wasn’t the only aim of the International Coastal Cleanup Day. Another important goal was to document and study the type of trash collected during the cleanup. Documentation included studying the trash’s material, where it could have come from, how long it would take to disintegrate, and what impact it would have on the ocean and the species living in it. Once everything is identified and documented thoroughly, the governments are informed about the findings. In order to prevent further damage, lobbying efforts are started at national and international levels. Industries also face policies that would stop them from either producing such items or dumping them into the oceans. Ever since its inception, the day has seen over 6 million cleanup volunteers in over 90 countries.
Since it’s post Labor Day, I assume much of the country has returned to school. I have been watching from afar about some of the sailing adventures that you all have enjoyed. From Sunfish sailing in the upper Midwest, cruising on the East Coast and overnight jaunts to Catalina Island. It reminds me of the wide array of women who are part of our organization.
NWSA’s mission statement is:
To enrich the lives of women of all ages through education and access to the sport of sailing. We focus on the following four areas:
— Develop educational programs and venues for women
— Act as the informational clearinghouse for women who sail
— Enhance the life experiences of women through sailing
— Support individuals and organizations that involve women in sailing
Our board is holding its annual meeting on September 22. We check off some of these boxes really well – for instance, our annual conference meets the first and third points. Our website and newsletter are ways we consolidate information about women’s sailing events and accomplishments. The NWSA leadership zoom on September 23 will enable us to connect and work with folks who support women in sailing. We want to find out the best ways to bolster support for you, our members.
Let’s go Sailing!
RSVP for The Event
WOMEN IN MARITIME LEADERSHIP ROLES ROUND-TABLE
September 23 @ 8:30 eastern / 5:30pm Pacific
The National Women’s Sailing Foundation invites you to meet with women leaders in organizations and industries serving sailing. This gathering will be a chance to meet and greet, and identify topics of interest.
Contact us to learn more or suggest topics.
Leadership Meet & Greet
Meet women leading maritime organizations
Ask, or tell us, how NWSA can support your organization or goals
Discuss mutually beneficial ideas to reach and better serve women sailors
Save the Date!
Annually, NWSA hosts a full day of on land and on-the-water hands-on workshops for women sailors of all levels. All workshops are led by highly skilled and enthusiastic women sail instructors and captains.
We are currently creating a memorable 2025 Conference in Florida! Be sure to sign up for our newsletter (scroll down) to get all updates. LIKE us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, X and YouTube.
Whether you are an absolute beginner or you are working on your race start strategy, the coaches at our conference are highly qualified and eager to share sailing with you!
Sign up for our email list for notification of registration. Classes will fill up fast.
Apply to be a 2025 NWSA conference instructor
University of South Florida • St. Petersburg • June 6-8 2025
Join NWSA as a sailing skills instructor — on or off the water for any sailing abilities. NWSA is seeking instructors with fresh instructional topics from basics to advanced skills. Courses in navigation / charting, weather, safety procedures / crew overboard, sailing in heavy weather, boat systems, electronics, electrical systems, solar panel installation, maintenance, hands on dinghy driving, intermediate/advanced sail trim, spinnaker handling, racing including; how to get started in racing, more advanced racing, race management, and managing protests and more.
This year — NWSA is excited to add additional classes on Friday, June 6 (and possibly on Sunday, June 8). The Main Conference — Saturday, June 7, will be a full day of instruction on and off the water.
Instructors will receive a free registration for the day they teach. We ask instructors to teach two subjects or two sessions.
Visit 2025 conference website to apply to instruct. We hope you will join us in 2025 as we celebrate the 35th Anniversary of NWSA!
MEMBER OF THE MONTH SEPTMEBER 2024
Meet Diane London who has adventure in her Viking blood
Diane London grew up in Minnesota and Wisconsin. She’s always loved the water but like so many, she had limited access to boats, let alone sailing. She moved to Florida part-time in 2021 and full-time in 2023. A neighbor wanted to take a basic sailing class and Diane agreed to join her. (It was a birthday gift to herself). She loved it.
“I am a single professional woman and I wanted to be able to be on the water, as well as meet friends. I found during the class I was a real natural guiding the sail both in minimal wind and large wind.” She was hooked. Diane is hoping to become involved with both Tampa Bay Women Who Sail and NWSA noting, “they are hosting the next national convention in Tampa Bay.”
Diane recently sailed as crew with Bay Sailors — Sailing for Single and said, “I’m learning so much and finding peace on the water. Best therapy ever! I’m a Shrink — a Couples Therapy specialist offering sex therapy, trauma and more. I feel I can let go of all the heaviness I feel in the work week when on the water. Best therapy ever and it is truly a gift to myself as self-care. I am worth it.”
Fun Fact: Diane is a direct descendent of Erik the Red, father of Leif Erikson. Her father’s mother was an Erikson. She’s a Viking. “My heritage is real and I feel at peace on the water. I’d like to believe I am a warrior like those who explored the world when very little was known about where they were traveling. Adventure is in my blood.”
Diane says her sailing dreams are small … “I’d love to go to South America (Peru or Costa Rica) or to Europe (Greece or Italy). Frankly, I’d love to sail anywhere.” She experienced living in close quarters when she camped this summer in a vintage Shasta camper which was 100 sq ft. “It wasn’t a hardship. I love simple living. A change of clothes, my phone (camera), ear buds, a good book or two, toiletries are what I would take along if packing light on a month-long sailing trip.”
Diane says, “Trust that those around you will teach you and keep you safe. You will learn and grow and it will become natural to you in very little time. Go for it, you only live once.”
Diane defines sailing as adventure on the water in which one can find peace and tranquility.
In one word — Freedom.
Diane joined NWSA in August. Welcome aboard Diane!
Say Yes to girls! Host their adventure anytime!
Attention year round sailing venues! Anytime is the right time to become a new AdventureSailhost. The AdventureSail mission is to make sailing more accessible to girls age 9–14, many of whom would not otherwise have an opportunity to experience the joy of sailing. As a host, you’ll spend one day introducing these girls, whom you can find through contacts with local girls’ organizations, to a day of learning from, and sailing with, women sailing mentors.
NWSA partners with yacht clubs, sailing schools or community sailing programs that teach skills for the day, focusing not only on hands on sailing, but also emphasizing teamwork, leadership, improved self-esteem and helping the girls navigate towards a successful adulthood, along with growing a love of the sport.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ADVENTURE SAIL
2024 J/30 North American Championship brought WSF board members Jodi Weinbecker and President Debby Grimm together to share a happy post-race moment in Annapolis. They sailed against each other.
These women’s sailing events are coming soon!
International Coastal Clean Up Day
Nationwide or on your own
Join a cleanup event near you and participate. Or go to a local beach with a garbage bag. Pick up trash. Reduce the amount of garbage swept into the sea.
NWSA leadership Meet and Greet
The National Women’s Sailing Foundation invites you to meet with women leaders in organizations and industries serving sailing. This gathering will be a chance to meet and greet, and identify topics of interest.
Contact to learn more or suggest topics.
Ruth Beals Cup
Lake Pleasant, AZ
Women at the helm fun distance race featuring variable winds and scenes of wild burros and saguaros. Bring your boat for PFRH racing or be matched with a loaner boat to race. Register or download NOR
Spooky She Sailor Sea Story
Enjoy NWSA’s seasonal social
Saturday, October 26
8:30pm eastern / 5:30pm pacific
She Sailor Sea Story® episode Whooo! will be a social evening with spooky sea story telling. Join NWSA for a casual, sure to be fun-filled evening with open mic storytelling and sailors, members and friends socializing. We will have an open chat too for she sailor socializing. She Sailor Sea Story is always FREE. This episode is sponsored by Allstate Sugar Bowl. RSVP is required.
Have a hair-raising sea story to tell? Click here
2024/2025 Share Sailing. We will spread the word about your events.
Send NWSA your women serving sailing events with dates, times and contact. We will include them in our calendar. Each Take the Helm newsletter will feature select events including; seminars, conferences, regattas and races. Send info early for the best exposure.
SEND YOUR EVENTS TO secretary@womensailing.org
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