2019 Women's Sailing Conference

Official Newsletter of the National Women’s Sailing Association FALL 2019

President’s Message 2019 Women’s Sailing Conference June 1 Marblehead, MA Your board continues to of- The day went from sun and gentle Sailing Award to Pat Dieselman during fer year-round breezes, to fog and no wind, back to sun dinner. Pat is a role model particularly resources to and some wind, to end with a raw foggy for any woman taking up sailing as an enable, improve evening for the 18th conference at the adult. Pat caught up and passed many and advance Corinthian Yacht Club, in Marblehead, who grew up sailing. She has been skills and opportunities for our MA. Nevertheless the spirits of the 100 part of the conference committee and a members. We strive to adminis- women gathered to learn, share and get workshop leader for many years. She ter, plan, reinvent and begin new revved up for the summer were in high events, all with the goal to enrich has been involved with the local Adven- gear. Many new friendships or at least ® the lives of women and girls tureSail for many years as well. It was through education and access to acquaintances were made that day. The nice that her family was present for the the sport of sailing. women were primarily from the East presentation. Throughout the summer, Coast, and one of the registrants had NWSA and Women sailors from a guest coming from France, who also coast to coast have been sharing signed up! It appears she had a good the joys of sailing with under- time and took home a couple of raffle served girls by hosting an Adven- prizes. tureSail®, and young girls have The 20 different workshops, some received Learn to Sail Youth and on-the water and some on land, kept the Sue Corl Youth Scholarships. women occupied from 9 to 5. A former This Fall there are NWSA district Power Squadron commander women sailing events in Phoe- lead four workshops with the Boating nix, AZ and Port Townsend, WA. Look for two west coast Skills Virtual Trainer. Women enjoy events for women sailors this learning how something operates before month in Alameda, CA and in they get behind the wheel. And with the Corona Del Mar February 2020. virtual trainer, women could make a few Pat Dieselman and Corinthian Yacht Club We are happy to introduce Dr. bumps without doing damage to any Commodore Annie C. Harris Shirley Cassara, the 2020 chair one or anything! for the NWSA Women’s Sailing In between, women would check Haley Lhamon, of Bainbridge Island, Conference in Marblehead, MA the silent auction table which closed WA, brought the evening to a close with in June 2020. If you’d like to see down prior to dinner. Some really good a talk on the 2018 win at the R2AK an event in your area that will values were obtained while supporting event. The R2AK was only sail, row help expand opportunities for the AdventureSail® program. The 50+ women’s sailing, let us know so or paddle - no engines allowed on the raffle items were just as varied. Those we can help. boats, and they sailed a Melges 32. Team Through our social media we proceeds went to the Sue Corl Youth Sail Like A Girl with an all female crew helped bring attention to the in- Sailing Scholarship for an underserved won the grueling 750 mile race from ternational role sailing has taken teenage girl to advance her sailing expe- Port Townsend, WA, to Ketchikan, AK. in protecting our environment. rience. First time for a monohull to win. First Inspired by our participation in Debbie Huntsman thanked the Co- time for an all woman team to win. The greeting Greta Thunberg, we have rinthian Yacht Club for hosting the event photos, maps with trackers and videos plans and ambitions moving for- for the past 17 years. She presented the put attendees on the boat with Haley. An ward to make each NWSA event NWSA pennant to Annie Harris, Corin- inspiring end to an inspiring day. and program greener than ever. thian’s first female commodore. Fair winds, Huntsman also presented the 2019 Debbie Huntsman BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women’s See bio on Pat Dieselman on page 2 1 Pat Dieselman receives Leadership in Women’s Sailing

Growing up in Salem, Massachusetts, organized weekend cruises to Scituate Pat and her sisters and brother enjoyed for the Corinthian women. Pat was their summers “messing around in row- the first chairperson of the CYC Sailing boats or motor boats” and fishing. Sail- Committee established in 2003. A year ing was not part of her life. later, Pat joined the CYC race commit- A program of the In 1988 Pat met John Dieselman, a tee. She is currently Race Committee Women’s Sailing Foundation competitive sailor and owner of a J-29, Co-Chair with John. In that position, Pat Pegasus. That is when Pat began her organizes the summer schedule for the NWSA immersion into sailing and the sailing committee members, runs races, hosts P.O. Box 588 lifestyle. She took sailing lessons at several social events and coordinates Marblehead, MA 01945 Community Boating in Boston and spent with John the training program for com- email: [email protected] summers learning the ins and outs of mittee members. Pat is on the board of sailing and racing on Pegasus with John the Salem Chapter of Healing Winds Board of Directors and his sons. USA, an organization that offers sailing Debbie Huntsman, President When Pat and John married seven to individuals with cancer. Barbara Robinson, Treasurer years later, they traded the J-29 for a Pat was part of the initial NWSA Joyce Hersh, Secretary cruising boat. Together they explored Women’s Sailing Conference commit- Valli Cook Mass Bay, Buzzards Bay and Maine. tee in 2001, and has been part of that Susan Epstein They did bareboat-chartered sailing trips event and as a workshop leader for Gail Hine with the Blue Water Sailing Club (BWSC) many years. She has also volunteered Linda Newland, Immediate to Turkey, Croatia, Greece, France and in NWSA’s winter workshops for women Past President the BVI’s. in Marblehead. Elise Read Pat realized that most of the BWSC Pat has been volunteering at the Amye Sinclair women had never taken their boats AdventureSail® event for young girls Wendy Swanson out without their husband. Thus, she at risk at Courageous Sailing Center for Susannah Winder initiated week long cruises for women more than 20 years. She also organized empowering them to take the helm. Blue an AdventureSail® out of the Corinthian Water Women Cruises have been an Yacht Club with other women boat Advisory Council annual event for the past 23 year. Pat owners for a day sail to Misery Island. Betsy Alison became the first female Race Commit- Although Pat and John no longer have Janet Baxter tee Chairperson of BWSC, and then she a boat, Pat continues to sail with others. Bernadette Bernon went on to be commodore a few years She encourages women to move beyond Doris Colgate later. their comfort zone and give back to the Nancy Erley When Pat and John became mem- sport which has become her passion. Sally Helme bers of Corinthian Yacht Club (CYC), Pat J.J. Fetter Linda Lindquist-Bishop Barbara Marrett Cassara Volunteers for Conference Funraiser Kristan McClintock Shirley Cassara, Ed.D., long-term Cassara stated, “I am humbled Sheila McCurdy member of NWSA and enthusiastic and honored to Vicki Sodaro conference attendee — almost since the step into Joan u u u beginning — knows the value of the (Thayer)’s confidence and empowerment she has skilled Membership allows us to gained and how they accumulate and Sperrys to provide the seminars and are enriched with each new conference. carry the workshops to all members. “It has allowed me to bravely expand conference Current members get first my adventures on the water from din- forward.” notification of events. We ghies to crewing on a tall ship, and to appreciate your continued volunteering to help children with their support. nautical knowledge and skills.” www.womensailing.org https://www.womensailing.org/events-education/womens-sailing-conference/ 2 18 AWESOME YEARS!

Dear WSF Board members (up to 6/1/19!)

I was so tied up with post conference matters that I had not taken time to share my appreciation for yet another WOWZR! (Women on the Water Zonie Regatta) sponsored by Tumbleweed Sailing thoughtful recognition until November 1-3 at Pleasant Harbor Marina near Phoenix, Arizona. Includes: Daily now. Thank you for the Lake Pleasant park entry, step-aboard sailing on one design boats (Etchells and J24s), lovely artist’s proof “Honor” meals, race seminars, on-the-water coaching, regatta entry and more! done by our most talented (Transportation and lodging are not included.) Early bird registration $275. Registra- president, Debbie, on my re- tion October 1–27- $295. tirement from the 18 years of As you may know, NWSA promotes and coordinates sailing opportunities, educa- chairing the NWSA Women’s tion and events designed for women and taught by women sailors across the nation. Sailing Conference. The print WOWZR offers a unique chance for ‘landlocked’ women lake sailors in the Southwest is on my wall where I see it (and beyond) to get high quality hands-on coaching. every day. Towards that goal, NWSA and Tumbleweed Sailing have collaborated on WOWZR, The journey has been a weekend step-aboard event designed to help women become better sailors while full of adventure and chal- learning about rules and issues associated with sailboat racing and regattas and pro- lenge. Each year was dif- vide on-board coaching. ferent, but the enthusiasm Friday afternoon, WOWZR participants will meet and greet a group of amazing and appreciation received coaches and immediately begin learning with seminars at a spaghetti dinner. A lake for running the conference orientation and local knowledge discussion will follow while sailors digest, catch up kept me coming back. Of and become acquainted with new friends. The day will end overlooking a beautiful course, I never did this sunset on the desert lake. alone. The conference takes Saturday will begin with breakfast and a morning of seminars ranging from ba- a lot of committed women sics to advanced sailboat racing, matching the participant’s skill level. Sail trim, crew to pull it off, and 24/7 365 positioning, tactics, racing rules and other topics will fill the morning. Lunch will be watchfulness. Sue Corl and I a grabn’go. Then women cast off the lines for familiarization and fun practice aboard were very fortunate to have Etchells or J-24 racing sailboats. The afternoon will be spent learning from one an- started off on the right foot, other under the tutelage of nationally known women coaches at a very low ratio for thanks to the graciousness of ease of learning. Gail, the master of women’s Sailors will return to slips and valet treatment – no boat work or clean up -- shut- conventions. It was an honor tles will carry participants to dinner and social mixer. Review of the day’s activity and and a privilege to have had practice will be featured with commentary, praise and critiques by coaches. Q & A will the support to do the con- help WOWZR participants understand the good, the bad and the excellent. After a ference for this amount of skipper’s meeting, (also a learning experience) it’s off for a good night’s sleep. time. I will support the next Sunday’s racing! To accommodate travelers, we will begin early with a grabn’go conference chair as much as breakfast at the lake. Stroll or catch shuttles to the waiting boats. The first start will needed. be no later then 9:15 am as we try to get three (or more) full races in. No races will Sincerely, start after 2:00 pm. Racers will be met dockside by Sea Scouts (who are chartering us Joan Thayer the boats) and will take care of putting the boats away. Shuttles will transport sailors Chair to enjoy an awards presentation, food and MORE FUN. 18th Women’s Sailing We hope sailors will return to WOWZR annually to continually improve their Conference National Women’s Sailing sailboat racing skills. Check out the coaching talent, get information and registrer at Association https://www.womensailing.org/women-on-the-water-zonie-regatta/ A program of the Women’s Sail- ing Foundation 3 A Remarkable NWSA members organize and join flotilla to Young Woman greet Greta Thunberg. By Barbara Robertson, NWSA Treasurer

“Amye Sinclair (new member of NWSA Board of Directors), did a fantastic job to organize the welcoming committee and distributing the sails with the goals. Several NWSA members were able to get on boats to join in the celebratory flotilla for Greta’s sail into NY harbor. We know Nancie Rinaldi. joined the group... Our boat’s goal was “gender equality,” and there was a woman at the helm. For those who haven’t been here, sailing in NY harbor is special. I treasure every time I have seen Lady Liberty while under sail. So glad to have that thrilling moment.”

NWSA was invited to help promote a welcome flotilla for Greta Thunberg and Team Malizia upon their entry into the New York Harbor. After a two-week Atlantic crossing on s/v Malizia II, a IMOCA 60 foiling monohull, the 16-year-old Swedish climate campaigner Thunberg arrived in New York on Au- gust 28, 2019 to participate Coastal Safety at Sea in the United Nations Climate Workshop Change Conference. While there she was October 26 slated to speak with world leaders about climate change Sponsored by and the need to unite to help Northwest Maritime Center make a change. Alongside our Board Port Townsend, WA Member and flotilla organiser Take advantage of a great price for BOTH US Sailing Coastal Safety at Sea online course Ayme Sinclair, boats from (includes videos, test and certification) and a full-day of Coastal Safety skills learning lead Sailors NYC, North Cove Sail- by Sheila McCurdy, our 2018 Leadership in Women’s Sailing awardee, and local Capt. ing, Hudson River Community Nancy Erley, world-class sailor and outstanding NWSA Conference presenter! Sailing, New City Kids: Jersey Course cost is $125 for US Sailing members and and $135 for non-members. The City, Hoboken Sailing Club, fees include all instruction including; access to the US Sailing online Coastal Safety at Sea and True North Sailing made course, lunch, a light snack, and a 2019/2020 (good through April) NWSA membership up the welcoming flotilla. for non members. The flotilla was organized with the UN Sustainable Development Goals Action Campaign and the generous support of many companies and organizations from the sailing community. NWSA board member, Barbara Rob- ertson and member Nancie Rinaldi also sailed in the welcoming flotilla. 4 at Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club Newport Beach CA

www.sailingconventionforwomen.com Events for Contact: Gail Hine - 24926 Hayes Avenue • Murrieta • CA92562 • 951-677-8121 • [email protected] Women Sailors The Sailing Convention for Women Canvas Projects, How to Heave a Line, Nightime Sailing and Navigation, Winch September 21-22, 2019 presented by Gail Hine will be held on Workshop, Spinnaker Rigging, Offshore NorCal Women’s Sailing Saturday, February 1, 2020 at the Bahia Cruising, and Introduction to Sailing. Seminar Corinthian Yacht Club in Corona del Mar, Many of our instructors have been at Island Yacht Club California. volunteering and imparting their wis- Alameda, CA We’re expecting over 200 gals from perhaps a dozen states across the US... dom for many years. Prior attendees October 26, 2019 gathered to renew old friendships and know that these fantastic mentors have Coastal Safety at Sea make new ones! so much knowlege and enthusiasm to at Northwest Maritime Center Last year’s workshops included sev- impart, they come back for more and Port Townsend, WA eral new subjects — Art of Motorsailing, more. Avoid Mishaps & Mayhem Aboard, How Our featured speaker at dinner has November 1-2, 2019 to Talk Like a Sailor, and many popular yet to be selected. History tells that she WOWZR repeaters. Convention favorites are: be very inspiring! with Tumbleweed Sailing Welcome Aboard for beginners, Diesels, For more information, Phoenix, AZ Going Up the Mast, Docking, Suddenly [email protected] See write up on page 3 Singlehanded, Weather, Sail Trim, Basic or call 951-677-8121. Navigation, Maintenance Mania, DIY February 1, 2020 Gail Hine presents Sailing Convention for Women at Bahia Corinthian YC Newport Beach, CA

Visit us on Facebook https://www.facebook. com/Womens-Sailing- FoundationNational- Womens-Sailing-Associa- tion-175044185840300/

Check out our website and blog https://www.womensailing. org/blog/ Pictures from prior Conventions 4 5 BoatU.S. and NorCA Women’s Sailing Seminar - Sept 21-22 The Northern California 27th Annual WSS will be NWSA held at Island Yacht Club in Alameda on September NWSA participates in the 21 and 22. This is in the San Francisco Bay Area. BoatU.S. Cooperating Mary Quigley and Linda Newland started this af- Group Program. That means ter attending and getting inspired by Gail Hine’s that NWSA members are Women’s Sailing Convention in Southern California. We loved the concept of women learning about sail- eligible for BoatU.S. mem- ing from other women! Over the years we have fol- bership at $15, rather than lowed that path and have been inspired ourselves in the regular annual $24 dues watching the enthusiasm as women connect with other women in learning, making rate. We receive announce- new friends and networking to sail together. ments with information that We offer a fun, educational and inspiring full weekend of workshops and water we pass on to you the mem- activities for women of all levels. Breakfast, lunch and after seminar appetizer buffets ber through our own website are all included plus great raffle prizes. or our e-Breeze emails. All course tracks are $295.00/person if registering before September 8, 2019. Other benefits include: “Bring a friend” discount of $250.75/person if signing up with two or more people. • 24/7 Towing Dispatch to The fee goes up to $325.00/person after September 7. over 600 towboats 300+ ports Check out this video link: https?//www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTlhuaM2UYQ • Roadside Assistance while and then go to our registration page for more details on the offered courses: https:// trailering your boat www.iyc.org/womens-sailing-seminar/wss-registration/ • Discounts on fuel, transient Your WSS registration fee covers two full days including our Saturday work- slips, repairs and more at shops, breakfasts, lunches, one raffle ticket, after seminar appetizer buffets, a binder 1,000+ boating businesses with class handouts and goodies from our sponsors – plus Sunday sailing and racing • 6 issues the award-winning on San Francisco Bay! BoatUS Magazine • Access to Boat Insurance Accepting Nominations for the Leadership in from dedicated experts • The Boater’s Advocate - Women’s Sailing Award from local issues to Capitol Hill The National Women Sailing Association is now accepting nominations for the Lead- • Highest level of shopping ership in Women’s Sailing Award on or before February 1, 2020. rewards West Marine As many of you know, the Leadership in Women’ s Sailing Award, co-sponsored • Travel discounts from Star by NWSA and BoatU.S. is given annually to a person who has a record of achieve- Clippers, The Moorings and ment for inspiring, educating and enriching the lives of women through sailing. more Since year 1999, seventeen (17) individuals have been recognized for achieve- • Discount on custom boat ments and in supporting women in the sport of sailing. lettering and registration To make a nomination go to https://www.womensailing.org/who-we-are/leadership-in-womens-sailing-award/. For questions on making a nomination or more number information email Val Cook at [email protected]. You can sign up for a BoatU.S. membership on line at Guidelines for Nominations www.boatus.com/member. • The recipient can be a man or a woman who has made a lasting impact on women Give NWSA’s Group ID and sailing. number GA 84104B when • The recipient has multiple accomplishments which include sailing endeavors, over prompted to receive the spe- a period of years in the US. cial discounted rate. • Her/his work can be local, regional, or national, and should have a significant im- Or call BoatU.S. member- pact beyond a local area. ship services toll free number • Her/his work should have advanced the sport of sailing and expanded opportuni- 800-395-2628. ties for women, helped educate women or otherwise enriched women’s lives through sailing in the US. • This award is to be considered (a sort of) “lifetime achievement award.” • Her/his impact on supporting or educating women in the sport of sailing is more than a personal accomplishment in competitive racing.

66 Congratulations AdventureSail® - Boston, MA - Courageous SC

Ella Beauregard is the 2019 Sue Corl Youth Sailing Scholarship recipient

u u u AdventureSail® in the Virgin Isl. Learn to Sail Scholarship recipients in St. Croix, VI were Sidney James and Isabel Melendrez.

June 8, 2019 Charlestown, MA - Under blue skies and a good breeze, 20 pairs of big and little sisters from the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston gathered at Coura- Sidney James brings boat back. geous Sailing Center for a few hours of sailing in Rhodes 19s. There was a lot of traffic in Boston Harbor with ferries coming and going, sail and power boats eager to take advantage of the first good day of the summer. Most of the girls accepted the offer to steer the boat, while others were just as happy to enjoy the ocean. At noon the boats returned to shore where burgers, chips, oranges and of course, chocolate chip cookies were waiting Eating outside under the sun was a real treat. A group photo was taken and then those who wished to stay learned some basic knots and their applications. The final treat of the day was a lesson in making a Sailor’s Bracelet. We are grateful to Courageous Sailing Center for the use of the facility and the boats. We thank our 10 skippers who came from various parts of the Boston area to share their love of sailing with the girls. Everyone went away smiling. Isabel Melendrez at the helm. 7 Host an AdventureSail® Program St. Croix YC hosts ® We are looking for volunteers to co-host AdventureSail® programs anywhere in the 1st AdventureSail U.S. where there is a community sailing program or sailing club that has access to St. Croix Yacht Club held a suitable sailboats and volunteer women sailors to serve as skippers and positive role Girls’ Introduction to Sail- models. ing Day on May 4th. The Our outreach program is designed to introduce girls ages 9-14, who are in need event was sponsored by the of a positive learning experience, to a team-building atmosphere where they can Women’s Sailing Foundation build self-confidence to overcome adverse living conditions.This is a one-day event and allowed the club to pro- combining team-building activities, introduction to basic sailing theory and a sailing vide a free day of sailing to experience where they can take turns at the helm and/or crew under the mentorship girls from all across the island of an experienced woman skipper. between ages 9 to 12. Twelve If you are interested in working with us to organize an AdventureSail® day in girls participated. your area, please contact Val Cook at [email protected]. It was a beautiful day for sailing in the Caribbean, with 10-15 kt breezes and sun- shine. The girls arrived at 9 AM for check-in where they received the AdventureSail® shirts as well as SCYC water bottles and dry bags. After a brief introduction of all the wonderful volunteers and safety rules of the club, the girls got to know each other a little better by playing a fun “human knot” icebreaker, then were fitted for lifejackets.he rest of the morning was spent sailing on two Rhodes 19s and two Optis. The girls split into three groups, with two groups of four girls sailing on the Rhodes with volunteer skippers Meg Deegan, Deborah Swanson and Lake Sanford. The other group of four girls were able to try out the Optis with our high school sailor volunteers and organizer SCYC Summer Waterfront Manager Kelley Severns. Each girl on the Rhodes got a chance to “drive” at the tiller as well as crew with the main sheet as they sailed around Teague Bay. Girls on the Optis were able to learn about wind direction, tiller steering and tacking during a land drill and then were able

Continued on page 9 8 8 Continued from page 8... Blecher wins US Women’s Match Racing to try their hand at a capsize Allie Blecher (Long Beach, Calif.) won spot against her at every start, but she recovery and finally sail the the 17th U.S. Women’s Match Racing had the boatspeed. We knew we were Opti themselves with an in- Championship held August 16-18 in able to sail against her. This year we structor. Detroit, MI. Blecher topped the final were coming in for the win. This one is A great lunch of pasta match 2-0 overGiselle Camet Nyenhuis a highlight, top of the list right now.” and salad was served from (San Diego, Calif.). With the win Blecher is eligible to the SCYC Galley while the Blecher, the 2010 Quantum Col- be invited to the 2019 U.S. Match Rac- girls listened to the high legiate Female Sailor of the Year and ing Championship hosted by St. Francis school sailor volunteers, Elys- a member of the US Sailing Team in Yacht Club on October 3-6, 2019. The sa Franklin, Ariana Schwartz 2013, won the Allegra Knapp Mertz U.S. Women’s Match Racing Champi- and Alex Tonintalk about Trophy for the first time in her second onship grew out of the U.S. Women’s their experiences sailing and attempt. She finished runner-up in last Open Championship regatta that was opportunities they have had year’s championship held in San Fran- founded in 1974 for fleet racing in dou- to travel to regattas. cisco. This year she won an abbreviated blehanded and singlehanded divisions. After lunch the girls ro- final that was reduced to a best-of-three The Allegra Knapp Mertz Trophy is tated groups with those that from a best-of-five due to thunder- presented to the winner in honor of Al- sailed on the Rhodes in the storms in the Detroit area. legra Knapp Mertz, a four-time winner mornings trying out the Op- “This is a good one. This is the of the U.S. Women’s National Cham- tis in the afternoons and the highlight of our season. We’ve been pionship and many years of service as morning Opti group getting the working towards this one in particular,” Chairperson of the Women’s Champion- chance to sail on the Rhodes. said Blecher, who works as a sustain- ship Committee. The Adams Memorial We rounded out the ment integration project manager for Trophy is presented to the runner-up in day with a fun swim in the Northrup Grumman in El Segundo, honor of Mrs. Henry (Adams) Morgan. bay and a bounce on the Calif. Her crew included main trimmer Janel Zarkowsky (Annpolis, Md.) club “bongo” water trampo- and tactician Beka Schiff (Los Ange- finished third after winning a one race line. Finally as parents and les, Calif.), trimmer Krysia Pohl (San sail-off against Marilyn Cassedy (Lawn- guardians arrived, each girl Francisco, Calif.), and bowperson Ali dale, Calif.), who finished fourth. Liz received a certificate of par- Blumenthal (Bellport, N.Y.). Hjorth (Marina Del Rey, Calif.) won the ticipation as well as a folder “Last year we were sort of new consolation round to place fifth overall, with information on the SCYC to match racing, it was our first time followed by Stephanie Wondolleck (San Summer programs and the facing Nicole (Breault, three time win- Rafael, Calif.) in sixth and Bridget Gro- NWSA junior membership ner),” said Blecher. “We were in a good bel (Chicago, Ill.) in seventh. and scholarship information. Overall the girls had a fun and safe day of sailing and most all reported that they loved it and wanted to sail more in the summer! It was a successful day of introducing young ladies of St. Croix to sailing! Additionally two girls attending St. Croix’s first event received Learn to Youth Sail- ing Scholarships. What a great start!