Empowering women through sailing education and community at the USF conference.
The National Women’s Sailing Association (NWSA) will host an empowering three-day conference at the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, from June 6-8, 2025. The event will cater to women sailors of all experiences, with workshops ranging from introductory sailing courses to advanced sailing techniques. Attendees can expect a mix of networking opportunities, expert-led classes, and celebrations including the NWSA’s 35th Anniversary, making it a pivotal event for women’s sailing.
St. Petersburg is buzzing with excitement as the National Women’s Sailing Association (NWSA) prepares to expand their upcoming 2025 conference at the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg. This year, the event will span a fantastic three days, taking place from June 6-8, offering even more opportunities for women sailors of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels to come together and learn.
Whether you are a seasoned sailor or new to the sport, this conference is designed just for you! The NWSA aims to create a welcoming environment where women can connect, learn, and share their passion for sailing. With an array of workshops available, participants will have the chance to access the ever-popular Take the Helm® track, introducing beginners to the exhilarating world of sailing. There will also be plentiful opportunities to meet and learn from accomplished cruisers and racers.
The exciting weekend will kick off on Friday morning with classes focusing on the marine industry. Attendees can get a taste of the various careers afloat, making it a perfect time to network and gain insight from industry veterans. As the day winds down, the evening will culminate in a special celebration marking the NWSA’s 35th Anniversary. This event will be the ideal occasion for connecting with prominent leaders in the sailing community, fostering relationships that could last a lifetime.
Saturday is all about diving deep into the sailing experience with a robust lineup of workshops available throughout the day. Expect a mix of classroom instruction, dockside demonstrations, and hands-on on-the-water sessions led by experienced female instructors and captains from across the nation. With over 25 different types of classes at multiple skill levels to choose from, participants can learn essential skills like spinnaker setting, sail trim, navigation, and understanding boat systems. There is something for everyone!
Not only will this conference be about learning and empowerment, but attendees can also look forward to delicious breakfast and lunch options provided throughout the event. Additionally, a post-event fundraising raffle and silent auction will benefit girls’ scholarships as well as the NWSA AdventureSail Program. This is a great chance to support future generations of female sailors while having some fun!
During lunch on Saturday, the spotlight will shine on the recipient of the 2025 BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award. This accolade recognizes extraordinary contributions to women’s sailing, and the announcement will surely make a memorable moment during the event.
If you’re eager to participate, don’t miss the chance to register early, with Early Bird Registration opening on March 1. For those curious about the conference updates, signing up for the NWSA eNewsletter is a great way to stay informed.
In the spirit of sailing, the University of South Florida sailing team is hosting the first cross-regional women’s team race on February 24-25, 2024. Teams from prestigious institutions like MIT and Hawaii will be competing, showcasing the exciting growth of women’s participation in the sport. Not to mention, the USF sailing program holds a commendable No. 16 national ranking and has reached the national finals in 10 of the last 11 years!
This year, the Florida Women’s Sailing Association awarded the young sailor’s spotlight, naming Dorothy Mendelblatt as the 2024 Young Woman Sailor of the Year. Dorothy is on her way to becoming a future Yale University student and is an inspiration for aspiring young sailors everywhere.
Looking ahead, nominations for the 2025 BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award will remain open until February 1, 2025. So if you know someone who has made a significant impact in women’s sailing, consider nominating them before the deadline.
With so much happening, the 2025 NWSA conference at the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg promises to be a celebration of community and empowerment for women in sailing — an event not to be missed!
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