The deep and protected harbor of Newport, R.I., an East Coast sailing mecca, will be practice waters for the upcoming National Women’s Sailing Conference, June 3. (credit: NWSA)
Download hi-res photo

It’s all about having fun and learning aboard with fellow women sailors in Newport, R.I., on Saturday, June 3 at the National Women’s Sailing Conference. (credit: D. Huntsman)
Download hi-res photo

NEWPORT, R.I., April 18, 2023 -- The National Women’s Sailing Association (NWSA) will offer its 2023 Annual National Women’s Sailing Conference at the Sail Newport Marine Education and Recreation Center, Saturday, June 3, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Newport, Rhode Island. The in-person event welcomes women sailors of all levels and ages, offering a range of workshops including the popular “Take the Helm” track, an introduction to sailing for women.

Programming will include a full day of classroom, dockside and on-water workshops taught by experienced female instructors from across the country. There are tracks for all levels plus additional courses to choose from. Sailors can learn the basics of boat electrical systems and sail trim, and practice navigation using either paper or electronic charts, overboard crew rescue, and more. Boats of various sizes will be available as floating classrooms.

An in-person pass to the event is $250 and includes breakfast and lunch, while a virtual attendance pass is $65. Both in-person and virtual attendees enjoy post-conference access to virtual panel discussions that include topics for cruisers, racers and do-it-yourselfers.

A highlight of the event is the announcement and presentation of the 2023 Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award recipient, co-sponsored by NWSA and Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS). This award recognizes an individual with a record of achievement in inspiring, educating and enriching the lives of women through sailing.

Primary event sponsors include BoatUS, Alexander/Ryan Marine Safety-Lalizas LifeSaving, and Dig Down Media. A scholarship fundraiser brunch will be held Sunday, June 4, in Newport, requiring advance tickets, but conference attendance is not required.

Register at nwsa.quvent.com. Send conference questions to conference@womensailing.org or call 985-247-8919. For information on NWSA membership, visit womensailing.org.

###

Suggested social media post:

The 2023 Annual National Women’s Sailing Conference cruises into Newport, R.I., on Sat., June 3. Sailors of all levels and ages are encouraged to spend a day learning both on and off the water. Registration is now open!  https://bit.ly/3olU4Gi  @BoatUS @womenssailing #womeninsailing #sailing #sailors

About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):

Celebrating more than 55 years, BoatUS is the nation’s largest advocacy, services and safety group with more than 800,000 dues-paying members. BoatUS is the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill, fighting for their rights. The TowBoatUS® fleet is available 24/7 to assist our members on the water when boats break down or run aground with some 600 vessels and 300-plus locations across North America, bringing our members safely back to the launch ramp, marina or dock. On the road, we are The Boat Owners Auto Club™, helping ensure roadside trailer and tow vehicle breakdowns won’t slow you down. BoatUS offers GEICO boat insurance policies that give boat owners affordable, specialized coverage and the superior service they need. Award-winning BoatUS Magazine is the largest circulation recreational marine publication in the U.S. with engaging content that speaks to the passion for boat ownership, while our 501(c)(3) nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water offers the nation’s only free online boating safety course and many other programs that keep boaters safe and our waters clean. Visit BoatUS.com.

About National Women’s Sailing Association

Founded in 1990 by Hall of Fame sailor Doris Colgate, the National Women’s Sailing Association is a program of the Women’s Sailing Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in the USA. It maintains the mission of providing education, programming and support for women sailors of all ages. The organization seeks to help women find community and mentorship among their peers, as well as create leadership and education opportunities through its various programs, scholarships and awards. Through membership fees, donations and sponsorship, they are able to continue to maintain AdventureSail®, a program designed for underserved young girls, the Learn to Sail Youth Sailing Scholarship, the Sue Corl Sailing Scholarship and the Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award. The volunteer Board continues to work to identify areas of the country and population where women sailors can be better served and supported with workshops, education and events. For more information visit womensailing.org.