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2023 Annual National Women’s Sailing Conference

NEWPORT, R.I., April 18, 2023 — The National Women’s Sailing Association (NWSA) will offer its 2023 Annual National Women’s Sailing Conference at the Sail Newport Marine Education and Recreation Center, Saturday, June 3, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Newport, Rhode Island. The in-person event welcomes women sailors of all levels and ages, offering a range of workshops including the popular “Take the Helm” track, an introduction to sailing for women.

Memb NWSA 2023 Womens Sail Conference June 3 Newport RI photo 1 CREDIT NWSA
The deep and protected harbor of Newport, R.I., an East Coast sailing mecca, will be practice waters for the upcoming National Women’s Sailing Conference, June 3. (NWSA photo)

Programming will include a full day of classroom, dockside and on-water workshops taught by experienced female instructors from across the country. There are tracks for all levels plus additional courses to choose from. Sailors can learn the basics of boat electrical systems and sail trim, and practice navigation using either paper or electronic charts, overboard crew rescue, and more. Boats of various sizes will be available as floating classrooms.

An in-person pass to the event is $250 and includes breakfast and lunch, while a virtual attendance pass is $65. Both in-person and virtual attendees enjoy post-conference access to virtual panel discussions that include topics for cruisers, racers and do-it-yourselfers.

NWSA 2023 Womens Sail Conference June 3 Newport RI
It’s all about having fun and learning aboard with fellow women sailors in Newport, R.I., on Saturday, June 3 at the National Women’s Sailing Conference. (D. Huntsman photo)

A highlight of the event is the announcement and presentation of the 2023 Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award recipient, co-sponsored by NWSA and Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS). This award recognizes an individual with a record of achievement in inspiring, educating and enriching the lives of women through sailing.

Primary event sponsors include BoatUSAlexander/Ryan Marine Safety-Lalizas LifeSaving, and Dig Down Media. A scholarship fundraiser brunch will be held Sunday, June 4, in Newport, requiring advance tickets, but conference attendance is not required.

Register at nwsa.quvent.com. Send conference questions to conference@womensailing.org or call 985-247-8919. For information on NWSA membership, visit womensailing.org.

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    The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women.