2021 Women’s Sailing Conference

The 20th annual National Women’s Sailing Association (NWSA) Conference will be held September 10-11 at Jackson Park Yacht Club in Chicago, IL. A wide array of sessions will be offered — from diesel engine basics and knot tying to reefing and racing. For the first time, both in-person and online attendance options are offered.

The conference opens Friday evening, September 10 with a welcome mixer for early arrivals. On Saturday, in person attendees will enjoy a continental breakfast and learn at their personalized selection of seminars.

The 2021 Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award honoree, Capt. Marie Rogers will speak on her unique experiences of sharing our sport during an on-site lunch. Captain Rogers is an avid West Coast racer and the first Black woman to serve as commodore of the historic Los Angeles Yacht Club. A fundraising raffle to support the Women’s Sailing Foundation and an opportunity for social networking cap off the event Saturday evening.

“There is something for everyone whether you are completely new to sailing, intermediate, or advanced in your knowledge,” said Co-Chair Capt. Chiaka Patterson.

This year’s conference theme “Sharing Sailing” focuses on the fact women and minorities represent a too small fraction of sailors nationwide. The conference will shine a spotlight on the possibilities gained from a diverse membership, like that at Jackson Park Yacht Club, which claims the largest community of minority sailors in the country.

Co-Chair Karen Harris noted, “Recently, the club’s community outreach included a free children’s sailing camp, affordable sailing lessons for adults and a burgeoning women on the water program.”

The conference presenters slated to lead hands-on, land- and water-based workshops and seminars include five Boat US/NWSA Leadership in Women’s Sailing honorees: Captains Marie Rogers, Nancy Erley and Margaret Pommert along with Doris Colgate and Pat Dieselman. Great Lakes area Captains presenting include Michelle Bartlow, Jeannette De Friest, Chiaka Patterson, Erica Trejo and Lynda Stephens.

Details: https://nwsa.quvent.com/