Where Women Sailors go to Learn

The Southern California Yachting Association (SCYA) will hold its 28th Annual Women’s Sailing Convention on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club in Corona del Mar, California. The daylong, ladies-only series of shore-and-boat-based workshops offer beginners to experts a welcoming environment to learn more about all topics sailing.

“The Convention gives women an opportunity to meet other women sailors, discuss options for more racing, cruising and day sailing, find out about existing women’s sailing organizations in their area as well as instructional programs available,” said Convention Director Gail Hine. “We have something meaningful for everyone.”

Attendees select a combination workshops in areas that best fits their interest and ability. Course instructors are top women sailors from all over Southern California, many of whom are USCG Licensed Captains. Workshops include: Welcome Aboard for beginners, Diesels, Going Up the Mast, Introduction to Power Boating, Race Tactics, Docking, Suddenly Singlehanded, Weather, Sail Trim, Basic Navigation, Electronic Navigation, Maintenance Mania, DIY Canvas Projects, How to Heave a Line, Nighttime Sailing and Navigation, Winch Workshop, Spinnaker Rigging, and Offshore Cruising. Introduction to Sailing, and Racing are taught aboard Harbor 20s.

To top off the event, the evening’s speaker will be Captain Alison Oskinski, a US Coast Guard, 100-ton licensed captain who has taught boat handling skills, safety, navigation, coastal piloting and charting at the event for many years. Also a boat delivery captain, Oskinski takes groups on day sails, sunset, fishing, whale watching and Channel Islands cruises. She is currently the principal-owner of Aquatic Consulting Services, located in Avalon, California, which specializes in aquatic risk management, and aquatic facility design, management and operation.

The convention fee of $215.00 includes workshops, breakfast, lunch, dinner, souvenirs and handouts. Prepaid-registrations are required as space is limited to approximately 225. To obtain a reservation form, email Gail@scya.org or call 951-677-8121. Bookings can be made online at www.womenssailingconvention.com.

Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has been the event’s primary sponsor since its inception.