Sailing Convention for Women Turns 30
The Sailing Convention for Women is celebrating its 30th year. Presented by Gail Hine, it will be held on Saturday, February 1, at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club in Corona del Mar (that’s in Newport Beach). The event is sponsored by BoatUS and marine-related companies. The daylong, ladies-only series of shore- and boat-based workshops offers 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 cruising and daysailing, and find out about women’s sailing organizations and instructional programs available,” said Hine, the Convention’s creator/director. “We have something meaningful for everyone. One attendant said, ‘It was the best day of my life!’”
Attendees select a combination of workshops in areas that best fit their interest and ability. Top women sailors from all over Southern California and outside California serve as instructors. Many hold USCG Captain’s Licenses.
Workshops include:
- Welcome Aboard for Beginners
- Introduction to Sailing
- Diesels
- Going Up the Mast, Docking
- Suddenly Singlehanded
- Weather
- Sail Trim
- Basic Navigation
- Electronic Navigation
- Electrical Systems
- DIY Canvas Projects
- How to Heave a Line
- Nighttime Navigation
- Winch Workshop
- Spinnaker Rigging
- Offshore Cruising
- How to Avoid Mistakes
- The Art of Motorsailing
Featured Speaker
Haley Lhamon, a member of the 2018 eight-woman team who won the fourth Race to Alaska, will speak at dinner. In the R2AK, the boats are not allowed to use motors and can get no support along the way. It’s an adventure that’s 750 wild and treacherous cold-water miles long. From Port Townsend, WA, to Ketchikan, AK, Team First Federal Sail Like a Girl planned well, practiced, and had pre-race support from families and friends to win with the first all-women team. It was also the first time a monohull had won (a Melges 32). Haley grew up in a big family in Texas. She learned to sail early; became a winning competitive youth sailor; has sailed in many exotic lands, such as Europe, South America and New Zealand; attended Stanford University, where she met her husband; and settled in Washington state, where she has promoted youth sailing.
The convention registration fee of $235 includes workshops, breakfast, lunch, dinner, souvenirs and handouts. Prepaid registrations are required, as space is limited to approximately 240 participants. To get a reservation form, email [email protected] or call (951) 677-8121, or book online at www.sailingconventionforwomen.com.