PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL WOMEN’S SAILING ASSOCIATION
Jackson Park Yacht Club in Chicago’s South Side will be host to this year’s 20th annual Women’s Sailing Conference event from the National Women’s Sailing Association (NWSA). The theme for this year’s event, sponsored by BoatUS, is “Sharing Sailing,” highlighting the fact that minority sailors only represent a small fraction of sailors nationwide. The event opens up further opportunities for minorities to get involved.
Jackson Park Yacht Club represents the largest community of minority sailors in the nation, with 300 of its 400 members being Black. The conference will bring a full day of fun, camaraderie and unparalleled learning opportunities both on and off the water, and for the first time ever the event will be held in-person and online.
“Join an amazing group of fabulous women as we attend a day long, enriching sailing event, hear inspirational women speakers who are national leaders in the sport, and make new friends along the way,” says conference Co-Chair Capt. Chiaka Patterson. “There is something for everyone whether you are completely new to sailing, intermediate, or advanced in your knowledge.”
Sessions include diesel engine basics, knot tying, reefing, racing and more, and there will also be talks from various presenters, including 2021 Women’s Sailing Award honoree, avid West Coast sailboat racer and the first Black woman to serve as commodore of the historic Los Angeles Yacht Club, Capt. Marie Rogers.
Arrive in time for the welcome mixer on Friday evening, and enjoy a continental breakfast and lunch on Saturday between sessions and presentations.
In-person conference attendance is $210 ($170 for NWSA members), and online only passes are $75 ($35 for NWSA members). To register go to nwsa.quvent.com.
