October is one of the busiest months for racing on Lake Pontchartrain. The breeze is up and the temperatures drop a bit, leading to plenty of activity on the water. We were proud to have two women skippers competing in the J/80 North Americans, and six all-women teams racing in the Coco Seemann Regatta, a one-design women’s keelboat event that took place the following weekend. Conditions were breezy, but thankfully from the south—so not too much chop. Our local LPWSA helped sponsor after-race snacks, and my team and I finished 3rd.
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Next up was the Lake Pontchartrain Racing Circuit, a three-day event that includes a distance race on the middle day, and parties at three different yacht clubs by the end of the weekend. Hot Chocolate competed, and the first day brought lots of breeze and chop—which meant wet and chilly sailing! We made the call to skip the distance race when storms rolled in.
The end of October wrapped up with the J/30 North Americans, where Hot Chocolate finished 5th (out of 6). Crusader from New York brought an impressive crew of five women, and I was the only woman skipper, with 6 women on my team! We had a fantastic time, with great teamwork, strong crew support, and more than a few exciting moments. Let’s just say I used the Racing Rules more than average, with close overlaps at starts, mark roundings, and finishes. I’m nursing the sore muscles, but it feels good to have completed eight races in three days, from light to heavy air and everything in between.
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Above: Hot Chocolate (left) in sequence Below: J/30 North Americans downwind leg |
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On the NWSA front, SAVE THE DATE! Our 2026 National Women’s Sailing Conference will be co-hosted by the Southern California Yachting Association and held March 20–22 at Long Beach Yacht Club. Keep an eye on our website as registration will open in the next couple of months. We’re also seeking sponsors for this event, so please reach out if you’re interested in supporting. Nominations are open for the BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award. Take a look around your sailing community and consider nominating someone who has made a meaningful impact on women’s sailing in any capacity. Finally, several member committees have now formed to encourage information sharing and networking. Visit the communities section on our website and sign up for those that interest you.
Let’s Go Sailing!
Debby |
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2026 National Women's Sailing Conference Heads West
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Excitement is building for the 2026 National Women’s Sailing Conference in Long Beach, CA, co-hosted by the Southern California Yachting Association. Inspired by Gail Hine’s long-standing conventions, the event will celebrate her legacy of learning, connection, and community. Featuring on-the-water training, chalk talks, and leadership sessions for sailors of all experience levels, the 2026 Conference aims to launch a new era of women’s sailing on the West Coast. |
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Stay tuned for more details, and plan to join us in Long Beach in March! |
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| The NWSA is seeking sponsors who share our mission to empower and connect women through sailing. Whether you or your organization would like to sponsor directly, or you know a company that believes in supporting women on the water, we’d love to hear from you.
Sponsors of the 2026 NWSA Women’s Sailing Conference will reach a passionate, engaged community while helping deliver educational talks, hands-on learning, leadership development, and inspirational sessions. Together, we can make this year’s conference the most impactful yet. |
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2026 BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award |
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For more than 25 years, the BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award has recognized the people, women and men alike, who have helped redefine what’s possible for women in sailing. Nominations for the 2026 award are open thru February 1st, 2026. We invite you to help us honor those who have guided, taught, and inspired others to take the helm with confidence.
Past recipients have led with purpose, strengthening our sport through education, advocacy, and community. Submit your nomination and learn more on the NWSA website. |
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Mark your calendars for Broken Glass, the next She Sailor Sea Story episode, airing Sunday, November 30. This special feature spotlights two extraordinary NWSA/BoatUS Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award honorees — Janet Baxter (2007) and Patricia Seidenspinner (2008) — whose leadership shattered barriers to help expand opportunities for women in their sailing communities.
Registration opens soon — watch for more info on how to tune in and celebrate these trailblazers.
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As an NWSA member, you can connect directly with other members through the online Member Directory—a great way to reach out to sailors near and far.
Building connections is how we keep our mission moving forward. Just log in to the NWSA website and select
Member Directory under the "Members" tab to find and message other members. Every connection helps strengthen the foundation of the NWSA. |
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| We are also building momentum across our wide range of committees and would love more member input! Whether you’re interested in communications, scholarships, AdventureSail, or leadership development, there is a place for your skills and ideas. Get involved today by selecting Communities under the "Engagement" tab and finding a committee that speaks to you. |
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We're always working to expand member benefits that support your sailing goals. In addition to our ongoing discount for Mariners Learning System courses, we are also excited to announce a limited-time discount with Boater's Closet and Gill Marine for quality sailing apparel and gear, available November 13th - 17th only.
Make sure your membership is current to receive this new discount via email. |
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Tell Us About Your Event! |
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Help us grow the national network of women’s sailing opportunities! If your club, association, or school is hosting a women’s sailing event—racing, cruising, educational, or social— we want to hear about it! Sharing your event helps connect women sailors across the country and inspires others to get involved.
Send the details of your event to secretary@womensailing.org to be included on our website’s event calendar, and possibly featured in an upcoming issue of Take The Helm. |
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Celebrating 35 Years of Women at the Helm |
This year marks 35 incredible years of the National Women’s Sailing Association. Our new History Page takes you on a journey through the moments that have defined NWSA since 1990—featuring stories, photos, and milestones that reflect our mission to empower women through sailing. Explore highlights from past conferences, inspiring AdventureSail events, profiles of dedicated board members and volunteers, and the growing movement of women who have shaped the sport.
Take a moment to revisit the people, events, and programs that have helped grow the National Women's Sailing Association into what it is today, and celebrate how far we've come together! |
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Video of the Month: November Navigation
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This one-minute mariner lesson by CPT Debbie Hunstman explains one type of range marker you find in navigating. Watch to learn what they are and how you can use them. |
Missed an issue of Take the Helm? You can now read previous editions online anytime at NWSA's online newsletter archive. |
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As we enter this season of gratitude, we want to thank every member, volunteer, and partner who helps steer NWSA forward. Your belief in our mission keeps this community vibrant and strong. We’re deeply grateful for all you do to support women on the water and beyond. We hope you’ll keep sharing that spirit by welcoming others to join you. |
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