Take The Helm: Issue May 2024

President’s Report, by Debby Grimm – May 2024

Ahoy!

We are in the final push for conference registration with a goal of 100 students. Some exciting fun activities have been added – sailor stretch/yoga in the morning, the New Orleans Shanty Krewe will entertain us between the end of the seminars and the beginning of the Sharing Sailing Social Fundraiser. There will be a Mustang Survival Life Jacket and Foul Weather Gear fashion show during the Social. The Lake Pontchartrain Women’s Sailing Association is trying to secure a spot for a Happy Hour on Friday evening before the conference. The weekend will end with a dual presenter brunch at New Orleans Yacht Club and an outreach event at Community Sailing New Orleans. Whether you are a newbie or have earned your salt, the event has something for everyone. Come join us and use the code JAZZY20 for $20 off the current registration fees until May 18..

I took this picture from the Algiers Ferry this past weekend. It’s $2 ($1 if over 65) each way to ride the ferry. You can get off and walk on the levee across from New Orleans or just go around and reboard. It’s a fun way to see the city skyline. There is much to explore in NOLA! Come experience it for yourself.

Ed Huntsman On a more somber note, please join me in sending our condolences to Debbie Huntsman for the passing of her husband, Ed, last week. Debbie is a past-president of the NWSA and current vice-president. Ed was a staunch supporter of Debbie and women’s sailing in general as well as an advocate for safe boating. Many of you have met him, worked with him, and laughed with him. He will be sorely missed. Read a nice tribute on US Sailing about Ed.

BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award

We will be busy at the lunch break on June 8! As our registrants re-fuel, re-hydrate and re-connect, a special presentation will take place. We will announce the 2024 recipient of the BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award. This award has been presented in the past years to some amazing women sailors who have brought their passion, time and skills to benefit the community of women sailors at large. Press the button below to learn more about this award.

So Many Fun Extras!

Morning Yoga * Awards Luncheon * Cocktail Fundraiser * Fashion Show * Brunch

N.O. Quarter Shanty Krewe

There’s nothing like a good Sea Shanty! The talented singers from the N.O Quarter Shanty Krewe will be welcoming you in to the end-of-the-day’s social event (see below). Sing along and work up a thirst, then belly-up to the bar (cash bar).

Fashion Show & Fundraiser

We are all about sailing, yes, but, hey, we’re in New Orleans, so let’s have a party! After a day on the water and learning on land, we’ll be hosting a cocktail party / Fundraiser Raffle Event featuring a fashion show by Mustang Survival! It was a big hit in Newport last year (pictured above Lili, Erica and Naomi photo: Matthew Cohen) We have some fantastic items that have been generously donated to raise funds for our AdventureSail® program and scholarships.

Morning Sailor Stretch

Start the day off with a good sailor stretch! Naomiwill be offering a “yoga inspired” wake-up, warm-up, and focus practice before breakfast on Saturday. She says, “don’t worry, it’s not real yoga! Come with an flexible, open mind; leave with an open heart and limber body!

LIWSA Luncheon

We are very excited to reveal this year’s recipient of the BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award at lunchtime on Conference Day. A video presentation will be shown, and as a bonus, we will also be hosting our very special keynote speaker, Gail Hine, who will share her words of wisdom and encouragement for all present.

Going The Distance Brunch

You have another chance to hangout with friends AND enjoy a delicious brunch AND hear our guest speakersHaley Lhamon and Beth Berry discuss their challenges and successes in offshore racing. This event has a separate ticket to attend.

Summary

Saturday June 8

Sailor Stretch 7 – 7:45 am
Awards Luncheon 12:30 – 1:50 pm
N.O Quarter Shanty Krewe sing-a-long 4:45pm-5:30pm
Cocktail Fundraiser and Fashion Show 5 – 7 pm

Sunday June 9 (a separate ticket is required for this event)

Speakers’ Brunch “Going The Distance” 9:30 – 11:30 am New Orleans Yacht Club

If you have something to donate to our silent auction and raffle, please, reach out to us! sponsorships@WomenSailing.org

NOW THROUGH MAY 18TH!

USE CODE

JAZZY20

at checkout for non-member and member registration fees

Checkout the workshops

at the National Women’s Sailing Association Conference!

Member Of the Month

Captain Nitzan Levy

Congratulations to Captain Nitzan Levy, the May 2024 NWSA Member of the Month!

“You are strong, smart and have your own senses at your side. Try to listen to the wind and to your heart and keep out all the other discouraging voices.” – Levy

I feel I had very supportive parents, who always encouraged my sailing passion, and for that I am forever grateful. They encouraged and supported me in getting certified and starting my sailing business. I was also blessed to be welcomed into sailing by a group of men who were very nurturing, patient, and appreciative of having women on their crew.

Our collective experience as women on that crew was that there wasn’t anything we couldn’t do! We are strong enough; smart enough and all in all – equal to the men. Because of that I never had the need to affiliate with a woman-only crowd, as I felt naturally equal.

“Sailing helped, and still is helping me understand life, and relationships, giving a sense of freedom while providing an ultimate immersion in nature.” -Levy

I started sailing in college, because of a guy. He was handsome and friendly and invited me and other new friends who we met on the first day of school, to sail with him on his family’s sailboat…..READ MORE

Host a 2024 AdventureSail^®

Share Sailing with young women ages 9-14 for the rich experience and empowerment of sailing by hosting an AdventureSail® Day. Choose Saturday, August 10, or host an AdventureSail® any time of the year.

Featured NWSA She Sailor Sea Story

LILI COLBY

Lili Colby shares her story of how she and her husband fell in love with a land-locked lighthouse and made it into their home and their boating safety business office.