We still have openings for some stellar courses at our upcoming conference, including spots for beginner sailors in our Take the Helm program. Other offerings include outboard engine maintenance, a hands-on Aqua Maps session (with access to the app), fiberglass repairs, and more. We’ll also have an all-day knot-tying station where everyone can brush up on their skills. And of course, there will be plenty of time to socialize—with Friday’s Happy Hour, Saturday’s reception, and Sunday brunch.
There truly is something for everyone—from those just learning to seasoned sailors. Come join us! Stay right there! About half of our attendees have taken advantage of the affordable dorm housing option offered by USF-St Pete.
I want to personally thank our wonderful sponsors, listed at the bottom of the page. We couldn’t do this without your support!
If you’re connected with a sailing center, yacht club, Girl Scout troop, or similar group, we encourage you to consider hosting an AdventureSail event. These events introduce girls who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in our sport. Sailors who complete the day are eligible to apply for up to $500 in scholarship toward a sailing camp experience. Email for details.
Join us in St Pete! Let's go sailing! Debby |
NWSA's conference offers opportunities for all women sailors
— and any woman who wants to learn to be a sailor — to gain knowledge, build skills ... and to have fun with sistersailors! |
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Your conference is packed with opportunities to learn something new. Dive into expert-led sessions to deepen your understanding of navigation, safety, boat systems, and more. |
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Build real-world sailing skills through hands-on classes both on and off the water. Gain confidence and leave with practical techniques you can use right away. |
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| Connect with a vibrant community of women sailors. Share your love of sailing. Enjoy a weekend of good vibes, great company including Sunday brunch and more at St Pete Yacht Club!
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Consider these sessions + a lot more to choose from |
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Introduction to Aqua Map:
Explore digital navigation with this interactive walkthrough of the Aqua Map app. You’ll get to try out features like route planning, tracking, and chart overlays, with access to the app provided during the session. It’s a great way to get comfortable using your phone or tablet as a navigation tool. |
| Gas Outboard Engine Maintenance:
Get cozy with your outboard in this hands-on workshop designed around the 100-hour service checklist. You'll learn basics of troubleshooting and maintenance. It’s a perfect introduction to outboard vocabulary, anatomy, care and to prepare for common issue with these motors. |
| Fiberglass & Gelcoat Repairs:
Don’t let dings and cracks intimidate you. This workshop will walk you through the basics of fiberglass repair, introducing basic techniques for assessing damage, prepping surfaces, and applying repair materials. You'll come away with practical skills for tackling small fixes on your own boat. |
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| NWSA and BoatU.S. will present the 2025 Leadership in Women's Sailing Award on June 7 at the conference luncheon. Be there to meet and congratulate the recipient. |
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Calling all sailing centers! Don’t wait to plan to host your AdventureSail! |
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Apply now to host an AdventureSail Day this summer and help cultivate the next generation of female sailors!
NWSA makes hosting effortless with our comprehensive How to Host guide, event checklist, signage, and ready?to?use social?media templates. Best of all, AdventureSail is completely free for participants thanks to our generous donors, NWSA members, and dedicated volunteers! This amazing program also offers scholarships and junior?membership opportunities while leaving a lasting legacy of inspiration. Step up, chart your course, and register today to spread the joy of sailing! |
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| At the Hudson River Maritime Museum, Sailing Program Director Jody Sterling led the charge for AdventureSail 2023, uniting volunteers and community partners to give 30 girls from underserved communities an unforgettable day on the water.
Her commitment to inclusive, hands-on sailing experiences embodies the spirit of AdventureSail. We hope her story inspires you to host your own!
Click here to read Jody's full story. |
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RSVP for NWSA She Sailor Sea Story |
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Join us Friday, May 23rd for the next She Sailor Sea Story, Navigate! RSVP now. Sponsored by Pontchartrain Yacht Club, this live Zoom event will feature Jeanne Goussev, from Team Sail Like a Girl and Wolf, along with fellow female sailors Anne Bryant, Guenevere Rae, and Louise Bienvenu sharing personal tales of charting new paths on the water, into boat ownership, and through life’s unexpected detours. After the stories, stick around for a fun Happy Half-Hour social.
Registration is free, and if you can't make it live, replays will be posted on womensailing.org and YouTube.
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... or in landlubber speak, How to Throw a Rope, featuring Captain Nancy Erley and Carolyn "Ace" Spragg
Follow NWSA's YouTube channel for more of our videos. |
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AdventureSail = Learn to Sail Youth Scholarship |
We’re excited to announce that applications are currently being accepted for the Learn to Sail Youth Scholarship! This scholarship provides financial assistance to help girls who have participated in an AdventureSail event continue their sailing journey through summer camp. It's a great opportunity to sharpen your skills and grow as a sailor, with the support of the National Women’s Sailing Association!
- Up to $500 can be applied to any recognized sailing program
- Participants must apply for the scholarship within one year of their participation
- include a personal essay and letter of recommendation
Apply for the Learn to Sail Youth Scholarship |
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Steer the course for women sailors– volunteer to join the Board! |
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As members of the National Women’s Sailing Association, each sailor brings a unique perspective, passion, and skills that can help chart our organization’s course for the future.
Volunteering for a board position is a great way to deepen your connection with sister sailors, shape programs that inspire the next generation of women on the water, and ensure our community thrives for years to come.
By stepping up as a board member, you’ll not only lend your voice to important decisions but also gain leadership experience, forge lasting friendships, and leave a lasting legacy for all who share our love of sailing. Join us in steering NWWSA toward new horizons — your expertise and enthusiasm are exactly what we need! |
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NWSA / WSF board of directors |
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Debby Grimm, president • Claire Wyngaard, vice president • Erica Trejo, secretary • Ame Flynn, treasurer Linda Newland, Debbie Huntsman, Marie Rogers, Barbara Morris, Jodi Weinbecker, Kris Self, directors
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From local meetups to international adventures, the NWSA event calendar is your go-to resource for women’s sailing opportunities.
One standout opportunity this year is the Instructional Sailing Retreat in Grenada, where Captain Deb Marlor invites women sailors to explore, connect, and grow while cruising aboard a Beneteau Oceanis 40.1. Each day of the retreat blends adventure and relaxation, with active sailing, island adventures and incredible cultural experiences.
Captain Deb will also be teaching at the Annual Conference in June, offering sessions on Boat Systems and Cruising Comfortably. Sign up to take advantage of her awesome knowledge! |
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Thank you to our 2025 conference sponsors |
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© 2025 National Women’s Sailing Association and the Women's Sailing Foundation. All rights reserved.
AdventureSail, Take the Helm, Making Changes Come About are registered trademarks. womensailing.org • leadership@womensailing.org
National Women's Sailing Association, PO Box 588, Marblehead, MA 01945, United States |
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