What a month it has been for women on the water! Several sites hosted AdventureSail events on August 9, and I want to extend my thanks to all the coordinators and volunteers who make these programs possible. We are hoping that we will reach over 200 girls between the ages of 9 and 14 who would not otherwise have the opportunity to go sailing.
On August 2, the Board of Directors held our annual meeting via a four-hour Zoom, with directors joining from coast to coast. You’ll find a full recap of that meeting further down in the newsletter, but I’m happy to share that NWSA is growing and there’s real excitement for the upcoming year. I want to thank Barbara Morris, who is rotating off the board after serving 4 yrs. She has generously agreed to continue serving on the AdventureSail committee. I would like to also thank Ame Flynn, stepping down as treasurer after more than a year, for graciously helping with the transition.
We’re also welcoming three new board members — Kendall Borchardt (St. Petersburg, FL), Kathleen Seero (Boston, MA), and Kimberly Walther (St. Augustine, FL). We look forward to working with these sailors, and their bios will be posted on our website soon so you can learn more about them too! In the meantime, Let’s Go Sailing! Debby |
AdventureSail 2025: Coast to Coast Inspiration |
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Young sailors across the country set sail this August.
AdventureSail season is underway, with clubs across the country hosting unforgettable days on the water, building confidence and inspiring a love of sailing in the next generation of women sailors. Each host site brings its own unique flavor to the program, but all share the same mission: creating opportunities for girls to see themselves at the helm. Read on to see the incredible impact already taking shape this summer. |
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Racine Yacht Club’s AdventureSail Day earlier this summer brought together young sailors and enthusiastic volunteers for a memorable day of discovery on the shores of Lake Michigan. Perfect summer conditions set the stage as volunteers offered guidance and encouragement at every step, helping participants feel comfortable both aboard the boats and with one another. The welcoming spirit of the club gave these young sailors not only an exciting introduction to the sport but also the confidence to keep exploring and growing in their sailing journey.
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On August 9, the Women’s Sailing Association – Orange County partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of San Clemente to introduce girls to sailing with a lively and well-rounded AdventureSail Day in Dana Point Harbor. WSA-OC members assembled colorful swag bags that made participants feel celebrated and excited for the day ahead. On land, volunteers shared their personal sailing stories, offered encouragement, and spoke about maritime careers, while Westwind Sailing supplied life vests and introduced the girls to their youth sailing program and the possibility of NWSA Learn to Sail Scholarships. Out on the water, every participant got the chance to take the helm, creating memories and confidence that will last long after the day ended.
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Mattituck Yacht Club’s AdventureSail earlier this summer combined sailing and summer fun. Young sailors learned the ropes aboard the club’s colorful fleet and enjoyed splashing around in the water. The event took on extra meaning this year when one participant was inspired to apply for an NWSA Learn to Sail Scholarship, giving her the opportunity to return later in the season for summer camp. |
Great Lakes Sailing in Chicago hosted AdventureSail on August 9 at Montrose Harbor. The day introduced girls to sailing on Lake Michigan, while also teaching them about weather, safety, and seamanship. These skills, taught against the backdrop of one of the country’s great inland seas, underscore AdventureSail’s commitment to empowering girls with both confidence and competence on and off the water. |
Kingston Sailing Club and the Sailing School at the Hudson River Maritime Museum co-sponsored AdventureSail on August 16, bringing together 18 girls and nine adult mentors for a full day of community, learning, and fun on the Hudson River. With nine keelboats in action, participants learned about sailing basics, safety, and teamwork before heading out for perfect breezy conditions. Highlights included steering, trimming sails, a bald eagle sighting, and plenty of laughter. The day closed with a reflection circle, group photo, and ice cream cake celebration!
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Thank you to our amazing hosts and volunteers for creating inspiring experiences and giving young sailors the chance to see what’s possible at the helm. But the momentum isn’t slowing down! More sailing centers will be hosting AdventureSail programs in the months ahead, and we look forward to sharing their impact on the next generation of women sailors. Remember, AdventureSail days can be scheduled whenever it best fits a club’s calendar and community’s needs, and the rewards often last well beyond the event itself.
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After participating in AdventureSail at the Mattituck Yacht Club earlier this summer, 14-year-old Destiny didn’t just fall in love with sailing, she saw a future in it. Inspired by her experience and encouraged by her instructor, Destiny applied for a Learn to Sail scholarship through NWSA and was selected for her passion, determination, and heartfelt goal of one day teaching others like herself. Destiny is a dedicated participant in youth leadership programs, and is known for stepping up to help others and setting a positive example. A confident, compassionate, and driven young woman, she is always ready to mentor younger peers or lend a hand behind the scenes, and says that “learning to sail would be a beneficial survival skill, but it also feels like a future.” The NWSA is proud to support Destiny’s next chapter on the water, and we can’t wait to see where she sails from here!
The Learn To Sail scholarship is available year-round to AdventureSail participants who are ready to take their next step. Click for more Information |
Guiding the Fleet: NWSA Board Report |
Your 2025–2026 NWSA Board of Directors |
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Debby Grimm — president Kris Self — vice president Claire Wyngaard — secretary Kendall Borchardt — treasurer |
| Linda Newland
Debbie Huntsman Erica Trejo Marie Rogers |
| Jodi Weinbecker Kathleen Seero Kim Walther |
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At our recent board meeting, we celebrated a few exciting milestones. Paid membership is now over 400! Thank you for supporting us! Your dues help cover important operating costs like technology and insurance. AdventureSail is on track to have 10 host sites this year, and the new $300 reimbursement program has been a welcome boost for organizers.
This season, NWSA has awarded Learn to Sail, Sue Corl, and Gail Hine NWSA Conference scholarships, as well as the 2025 BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award to Kathy Sinnett. We also kept busy with four She Sailor Sea Stories, monthly Take the Helm newsletters, a revived LinkedIn presence, and the ongoing migration to our new website where members can now use the directory to connect by location. NWSA also welcomed a new educational partner, Mariners Learning System, which is offering exclusive discounts and scholarship opportunities for our members.
One big focus of our meeting was committee work. We have plenty of great ideas for new initiatives and programs, but it takes members like you to help bring them to life. We’ll be sharing more about new committee opportunities in future newsletters, but our most immediate need is for volunteers to join our social media team. If you’d like to get involved, please reach out. Your skills and enthusiasm make all the difference.
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Help us share the NWSA story far and wide! We’re seeking 3–4 members to join our media outreach team and keep our LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channels active and engaging. Together, we will create and coordinate content that connects, inspires, and builds a stronger NWSA. |
We’re proud to announce the development of a new addition to our website: the NWSA History Page, a timeline and archive that highlights the trailblazers, key events, and unforgettable moments that shaped the organization.
From the first conferences to the community we are today, this page is a tribute to the women who helped chart the course for the past 35 years! |
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Your Membership Has Perks! |
Being an NWSA member isn’t just about joining an organization — it’s about opening the door to opportunities, connections, and resources that enrich your sailing life.
Mariners Learning System Discount – NWSA members receive a 10% discount on all Coast Guard–approved online Captain’s License courses from Mariners Learning System. Special rates offered on the MLS website are also extended to members when purchased through our NWSA landing page accessible through our NWSA Member website.
Calendar of Events – Find upcoming women’s sailing events across the country on our website. Hosting or attending an event you think other members should know about? Let us know! Member Directory – Connect directly with other NWSA members near you or across the country to share ideas, find sailing partners, and turn online profiles into on-the-water friendships. Take The Helm Archive – Catch up on past issues anytime, filled with spotlights, stories, and sailing tips.
Conference Recap – Visit our website to relive the highlights from the 2025 NWSA Conference, presented by American Sailing.
NWSA History Page – A work in progress! This page will serve as a rich catalog of our 35-year legacy, celebrating the achievements and milestones that shaped who we are today. |
Anchoring in August: Skill Video of the Month |
Anchoring, demystified — Linda and Diana break it down in a fresh, visual way, complete with tips to set you up for success. |
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Thank You, Members!
Whether you're out racing, coaching, cruising, or just soaking up sunsets from the dock, thank you for being a part of the NWSA community. Your involvement makes all of this possible, and we’re just getting started.
Here’s to new horizons, shared purpose, and the strength of this incredible community |
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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 • communiciations@womensailing.org
National Women's Sailing Association, PO Box 588, Marblehead, MA 01945, United States |
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