With spring underway and summer programs gearing up nationwide, AdventureSail® planning is in high gear. If you are interested in hosting an AdventureSail® program this year, please visit the NWSA website for more information. AdventureSail® is a great outreach opportunity for local women’s sailing associations, community sailing centers, yacht clubs, and sailing groups looking to introduce more girls to the sport.
I had my own adventure over the past month was competing in the Women’s Trilogy. Unfortunately, Hot Chocolate developed engine trouble about halfway to Pensacola while battling headwinds and seas. The delivery crew made the smart decision to turn around and use those same winds to (mostly) sail her safely back to New Orleans. In the meantime, I was fortunate to line up a borrowed boat, Breezing Up, out of Pensacola.
Switching from a J/30 to an S2 7.9 with a centerboard meant adjusting quickly and dropping one crew member, but we figured it out. A sailboat is still a sailboat—halyards are halyards and sheets are sheets. We ended up finishing second overall in the Trilogy and won the Race for the Roses, the all-women’s regatta that started 27 years ago at Pensacola Beach Yacht Club. That race also counted as the GYA Women’s Handicap Championship. I’m grateful to everyone who helped make the campaign possible, both on and off the water.
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AdventureSail® Day 2026 will take place on Saturday, August 8, and now is the perfect time to consider bringing the program to your community.
AdventureSail® introduces young women to the sport of sailing through a one-day experience led by women sailing mentors. NWSA partners with yacht clubs, sailing schools, community sailing programs, and local sailing groups to host AdventureSail® events across the country. Hosts organize a fun and welcoming day of hands-on learning both on and off the water for local girls, ages 9-14, many of whom may not otherwise have the opportunity to get on the water. This program is an important first step toward building confidence, leadership skills, teamwork, and a lifelong connection to sailing.
We encourage your group to explore hosting possibilities for 2026. NWSA provides guidance, resources, and support to help make the program successful in your area. For more information, visit the AdventureSail® section of the NWSA website or contact us at adventuresail@womensailing.org with questions. We would love to work with you to help bring AdventureSail® to more girls nationwide.
Linda Newland, AdventureSail Chair
Barbara Morris, Fulfillment Coordinator
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For over five years, sailing has been a focus for Soukaina Rguig. Soukaina joined the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Mariners sailing club during her 8th grade year, discovering a lifelong passion during her first basic sailing class. “I knew [sailing] was going to be something I would continue to do for the rest of my life,” Soukaina stated in her application essay.
Soukaina’s Girl Scout Troop Leader and Mariner Coordinator wrote in her letter of recommendation, “As her GSSJC Mariner Girl Scout troop leader for the past three years, I have had the privilege of watching Soukaina grow into an exceptional young woman whose leadership, character, and heart for service consistently stand out both on and off the water.”
Soukaina enrolled in advanced classes, and by her sophomore year, she was teaching younger girls how to sail each weekend while ensuring equipment was properly cared for, activities were organized, and everyone remained safe. Her peers elected her Vice President of the Troop's leadership team for her junior year, a role carrying significant responsibility. Throughout her junior and senior years, Soukaina was in charge of planning weekend activities for Scouts to ensure a safe and enjoyable experiences, while also evolving her own sailing skills.
Soukaina's time in the program has shaped her into a leader with good communication skills and developed a work ethic. She was required to communicate with the leadership team and adults overseeing the program to ensure everyone was aligned. This experience taught her how to be a leader and a role model for younger girls. Although she will be leaving the Troop soon, she plans to join a local sailing club through her college. With the National Women’s Sailing Association Sue Corl Youth Sailing Scholarship, Soukaina Rguig plans to attend a seven-day Basic Keelboat Sailing/Bareboat Cruising Course this summer.
Congratulations Soukaina! |
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The recordings from last month’s two-night She Sailor Sea Story tripleheader are now available on the NWSA YouTube channel. Watch Dawn Riley's episode to hear three captivating stories from her legendary America’s Cup campaigns, or tune in for Jennifer Silva Redmond’s presentation detailing a honeymoon that evolved into nearly four decades of living aboard. Rounding out the series, Sheila McCurdy takes viewers on a fascinating historical cruise highlighting extraordinary women offshore sailors. Visit the NWSA YouTube channel to watch these inspiring presentations and catch up on any episodes you missed.
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Unlocking exclusive savings on experiences, education, and navigation tools is just one of the many perks of being an NWSA member. You can easily access and redeem all of your active member benefits by logging in directly through the NWSA Member Portal. |
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NWSA members receive an exclusive 10% discount on both cabin and full-vessel charters with Belize Sailing Vacations (BSV). Whether you are looking for group experiences, by-the-cabin charters, or hands-on instruction, BSV has an option for you. You can also advance your skills through the Belize ASA Sailing School, which offers private instruction and six different ASA certification courses.
Log in to your NWSA member account to claim this exclusive discount today. Not a member yet? Join NWSA now to unlock this and other premium member benefits!
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NWSA members receive an exclusive, one-time 25% discount on select Aqua Map bundles. This marine navigation app delivers up-to-date nautical charts and advanced planning tools directly to your smartphone or tablet, boosting your safety and confidence on the water. Best of all, a single subscription can be shared across five devices, regardless of whether they run iOS or Android. Log in to your NWSA account to claim your discount code and start navigating with precision.
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NWSA members receive a 10% discount on all Coast Guard-approved Captain’s License products with Mariners Learning System (MLS). MLS courses are fully online, mobile-friendly, and self-paced, giving you a full year to complete the curriculum and take your final exam. To support the NWSA and claim your savings, access MLS through the special landing page on the NWSA Members-Only site and use code NWSA10 at checkout. If MLS is running a larger public promotion on their website, that discount will also apply to your purchase, provided you check out through the tracked NWSA member link.
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2026 Flying Scot Women’s
North American Championship May 29-31, 2026 Mosely, VA
Greater Richmond Sailing Association is proud to welcome women sailors from across the country for a weekend of competitive racing, camaraderie, and community. Demonstrating a commitment to elevating women in the sport, this event will feature an all-female PRO and Judge team. Join GRSA for excellent racing on the water and great social events onshore—registration and event details are available on the regatta page linked above.
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Sail with Sea Gals May 31, 2026 August 2, 2026 August 30, 2026 Long Beach, CA
The Long Beach Sailing Foundation invites women of all skill levels to join the Sea Gals" sailing program onboard the Catalina 37 fleet this summer. Coached "by women for women" in a supportive, noncompetitive environment, each event combines classroom instruction with hands-on sailing sessions to build boat-handling skills and on-the-water confidence. Details and registration are available at the link above. |
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Fleur de Lis Regatta June 6,2026 New Orleans, LA
Join the Lake Pontchartrain Women’s Sailing Association (LPWSA) on Saturday, June 6th, for the historic Fleur de Lis Regatta. Hosted at the New Orleans Yacht Club (NOYC), this event has been a local tradition since 2002. To actively encourage women in racing, the Fleur de Lis regatta requires crews to be at least 50% female, and must include a female skipper. Register using the link above. |
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Tacoma Women's Sailing Association (TWSA)
50th Anniversary Celebration June 28,2026 Tacoma, WA
TWSA is celebrating 50 years of sailing, friendship, and community with a milestone anniversary event. The day features a catered BBQ, music, games, sea shanties, and an opportunity to share five decades of maritime memories. Bring a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to enjoy the water! Click the link above to register. |
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Boston Harbor Ladies Challenge July 12, 2026 Boston, MA
Born from a mission to get more women at the helm, the Boston Harbor Ladies Challenge has grown into the largest women’s regatta in Massachusetts Bay. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or looking to join your first crew, come make waves with us and lead the charge on Dorchester Bay! Click the link above for additional information. |
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The NWSA Event Calendar is a premier national resource for connecting women sailors with opportunities. With a reach that spans across the country, it serves as a central hub where organizations can list regional regattas, clinics, and social gatherings to gain widespread visibility.
Keeping this calendar updated ensures that women nationwide can easily discover, support, and participate in the vibrant growth of women's sailing. Add your event by sending an email with event information to secretary@womensailing.org. |
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