Tipping point for women in sailing

During World Sailing’s global women’s sailing festival, Steering the Course, the hope was for countries, classes and sailing clubs across the world to hold special events aimed at introducing more women and girls to sailing and providing information on different pathways available in the sport.

For the Northern Hemisphere, the festival ran from May 21 to 30, and the Caribbean had over 300 Women in the region get to experience sailing as part of the global event. Activities took place across the Caribbean in Barbados, St. Vincent, British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten and Antigua.

“In speaking with the other islands and our experience in Antigua too, we were overwhelmed by the positive reaction,” said Alison Sly-Adam, President of the Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA). “It does seem we have reached a tipping point where many women realize that sailing is a sport they can embark on at any age.

“We are delighted that World Sailing began this initiative and reached out through the Member National Authorities (MNA) to encourage countries across the world to participate and we are delighted that the Caribbean response was so strong.”

• Sint Maarten welcomed over 65 women of all ages, taking them sailing in Simpson Bay on RS Quests that can carry up to 4 people along with female assistant sailing instructors and coaches. – Details

• On St. Vincent, over 30 women and girl sailors, some experienced, some first timers, had a fun day on the water but there were also races for the more competitive at Blue Lagoon. – Details

• Barbados had 70 youth females learned the art of radio controlled boat sailing and racing at a freshwater pond on the east coast. Additionally, 10 youth females equally participating in two classes: the Optimist and Taz dinghies on Carlisle Bay. – Details

• Antigua hosted 150 women who experienced sailing for the first time at the National Sailing Academy with a choice of an 8-foot RS Zest Dinghy, a 14-foot RS Venture Connect Dinghy, or a 38-foot Catamaran. – Details

• Over 50 women and girls participated in the British Virgin Islands, getting on the water on an Optimist, Lasers, and IC24. – Details