Well, it’s not quite fall here since the highs are in the 90s, but I’m sure some of you farther north are feeling the changing of the seasons. Wherever you are, it’s a great time to get out on the water. Locally, we just wrapped up our Pink Ribbon Regatta “fun”draiser, where sailors could buy seconds to add to their handicap rating—or earn them by wearing costumes, flying certain undergarments from the shrouds, and even grilling while racing. Proceeds went to a local nonprofit that helps uninsured and underinsured women access the breast health support they need.
Mariner’s Learning System kindly asked NWSA to administer their first ever scholarships for women to achieve their captain’s license. On Oct 1, we notified 8 women that they will receive free enrollment in the appropriate MLS course to help them take the testing required for their USCG license. We are looking forward to hearing about their experiences.
SAVE THE DATE! Our 2026 NWSA conference will be co-hosted by the Southern California Yachting Association and be held March 20-22nd at Long Beach Yacht Club. We look forward to getting more information to you soon about this event.
Finally, a reminder that nominations are open for the Boat US/Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award. Look around, nominate someone who you think has had a significant impact on women’s sailing in any capacity. Then take a few minutes and nominate them, we count on you to help us recognize these leaders!
Let’s Go Sailing!
Debby |
Recognizing Leaders In Women's Sailing |
Call for Nominations: 2026 BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women's Sailing Award |
|
|
|
Nominations are officially open for the 2026 BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award. Since 1999, this national honor has recognized individuals across the United States who have inspired, educated, and enriched the lives of women through sailing.
Past recipients have included instructors, writers, racers, cruisers, industry professionals, and community leaders—each making a lasting impact on women’s sailing. Anyone may submit a nomination for this national award, so take a moment to recognize a leader who’s making a difference for women on the water.
Learn more about past recipients and access the nomination form at the top of the NWSA website.
|
|
|
Advancing Women, Expanding Opportunities |
NWSA Announces Recipients of Eight Mariners Learning System Captain's License Courses |
As The National Women’s Sailing Association (NWSA) marks 35 years of empowering women through sailing, we are proud to partner with Mariners Learning System (MLS) to support eight women pursuing their first U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s Licenses. The partnership was made possible through the collaborative efforts of MLS Vice President of Operations Sami Inman, whose enthusiasm for supporting women sailors helped bring this opportunity to life.
|
"This program reflects our shared belief that when education is accessible, confidence and leadership naturally follow.”
- Sami Inman, VP of Operations, Mariners Learning Systems |
Selected from a pool of 24 applicants, these recipients were chosen by NWSA for their dedication to advancing their maritime education and careers. Each awardee will receive a Captain’s License course of their choice, with the option to add an auxiliary sailing endorsement. The MLS courses are offered entirely online, allowing students up to one year to complete their training. NWSA President Debby Grimm shared, “This very generous offer from Mariners Learning System to women sailors is unprecedented and will make a big difference in each student’s career. Each course, valued at approximately $900, provides a tremendous boost to those seeking credentials that will allow them to work in a variety of maritime roles, including teaching boating and sailing skills to women.” |
|
|
NWSA and MLS congratulate the following recipients: - Deia Davis, Santa Monica, CA
- Amanda Egner, Beverly Hills, FL
- Elizabeth Grim, Seattle, WA
- Sarah Hoffman, Dallas, TX
- Anica Miller-Rushing, Mount Desert, ME
-
Donna Steinbach, Big Pine Key, FL
- Mary Stift, Bellingham, WA
- Corah Walker, Shaver Lake, CA
|
| |
|
We look forward to following these sailors’ journeys as they apply their new skills and credentials to further their professional growth on the water. |
To learn more about Mariners Learning System’s professional and recreational boating courses, click here.
NWSA members can receive exclusive discounts on all MLS courses by purchasing through the NWSA Member Landing Page. |
|
|
Stay tuned for details on programming, registration, and travel info coming soon! |
Creating Space For Every Sailor |
|
|
On September 17, NWSA attended a World Sailing webinar introducing the Guidebook for Promoting Social Inclusion, a key part of the organization’s Sustainability Agenda 2030. The guide provides a practical framework for expanding access to sailing—particularly for disadvantaged youth, people with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. Designed as both an educational and motivational resource, the guide helps clubs and organizations develop initiatives that foster belonging, empowerment, and community—introducing the joy of sailing to new audiences. |
| |
|
“This guidebook is more than just a document; it’s a call to action,” added Fiona Kidd, World Sailing’s Head of International Development. “It encourages clubs to look at their own operations and ask, ‘How can we be more open? How can we better reflect the diversity of our society?’ The answers to those questions will drive the future growth and sustainability of our sport.”
By working together, we can help ensure the future of sailing is as inclusive as it is inspiring. Explore the guidebook and case studies at sailing.org. |
|
|
Mermaid Regatta October 18, 2025 – La Porte, TX
Hosted by the Houston Yacht Club, the Mermaid Regatta brings together women sailors from across the Gulf Coast for a day of fun, challenge, and community. Expect great racing, plenty of laughs, and a splash of Mermaid magic along the Texas coast.
Sailing Sisters Regatta November 8, 2025 – Tampa, FL
Hosted by the Women Who Sail Tampa Bay, the Sailing Sisters Regatta celebrates camaraderie and competition on the water. Whether you’re racing or cheering from the docks, this event promises a day of teamwork, sunshine, and spirited sailing on Tampa Bay. |
October video Ocean Races |
Ocean Races episode of the She Sailor Sea Story from September, 2023
DR. ANNE KOLKER learned of a team of women who were doing the Marion Bermuda race. She was accepted as crew even though she had no race experience. Being a doctor was a big plus. They started the race but dropped out due to concerns about weather. Anne decided then that the next race would be on her own boat. Since then, Dr. Kolker has completed many all-female crew races on her boat Etoile. |
|
|
What truly powers NWSA is our members — women who learn, lead, and lift each other up across every aspect of sailing. From exclusive member resources to opportunities that inspire growth on and off the water, there’s always a new way to get involved.
If you’re not yet a member, now’s a great time to come aboard. And if you are, invite a friend to join you as we continue charting the course for the next 35 years of women’s sailing. |
|
|
© 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 • communications@womensailing.org
National Women's Sailing Association, PO Box 588, Marblehead, MA 01945, United States |
|
|
|
