Shaping pathway for women in sailing

The 2023 edition of World Sailing’s annual women’s sailing festival, Steering the Course, will aim to introduce female sailors to the sport by highlighting the many different pathways and careers available in sailing.

Now in its third year, Steering the Course has had 32 national federations, clubs, classes, and sailing centers take part during Northern and Southern Hemisphere events, as well as throughout the year.

After the success of the past two editions, Steering the Course 2023 will look to organize sessions such as Learn to Sail courses for female sailors of all ages, Women’s Race Days, inspirational talks from female role models in the sport, and an eSailing Challenge among other activities.

This year’s event once again has two festivals scheduled but without the geographical focus to welcome clubs to take part whenever suits their schedule.

• Festival 1 – May 19-28, 2023
• Festival 2 – September 29–October 8, 2023

“Our focus this year is on shaping a pathway for women in sailing,” explained Koray Ezer, Head of International Development. “We want to highlight the opportunities in different areas of the sport as well as calling out the challenges we know exist in accessing these pathways.”

The build-up to this year’s event also ties into International Women’s Day, held on March 8 under the theme of #EmbraceEquity, with Sailing seeking to showcase how there are opportunities for everyone regardless of gender, race, experience, and ability.

In 2021, World Sailing profiled four major success stories for women in the sport – including Sail Africa, winner of the World Sailing 11th Hour Racing Sustainability Award in 2021.

Sailing Clubs, Class Associations and Member National Authorities are encouraged to sign up for the event: click here.

More information will be shared in the coming months with details about how to nominate female role models, session activity packs, branding information and an online calendar to help plan events. Content from the events and activities can be sent to content@sailing.org or be shared on World Sailing’s social media channels.