SCYA has supported women's sailing by presenting the Women's Sailing Convention since 1989.  The convention is a top-notch educational opportunity for women to enhance their sailing skills on the water as well as in the classroom.  The convention was created by Gail Hine, who continues to chair the event.  Thanks to the support of co-chair Kathie Ohmer, Nina Manning and many others, the event just gets better every year.

The convention packs a lot into a 12-hour day: 2 morning sessions and 2 afternoon sessions with over 25 workshop/seminar offerings, breakfast, lunch and dinner, a first-rate speaker and, of course, the ever-popular raffle with dozens of prizes.

Workshops vary by year, with a large selection for the novice to advanced sailor and topics of interest to day sailors, cruisers, and racers. A sample of workshops includes: Weather Wise, Sail Trim, Medical Tips, Offshore Cruising, Spinnaker Trim, Knot Know-How, Dabble in Diesels, Provisioning, Going Up the Mast, Racing Tactics, Suddenly Single Handed, Basic Navigation 101, Intermediate Sailing, Welcome Aboard, Spinnaker Rigging, Crew Overboard, Docking, Weather, and many others.

All coaches are women and may come from as far away as Australia and New York.  In addition to the distant travelers, a number of coaches and volunteers are from the SCYA Member Club WORSA.  Nearly half of the coaches are licensed USCG Captains, and the convention is fortunate to have a US Sailing Judge (also a WORSA member) teach the Racing Rules workshops.

The convention is held the first Saturday of February at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club.  Come join the more than 250 women who attend the convention each year -- in 2009 celebrating it's 20th annual event!

Contact Gail Hine for more information.

Planning meetings start in September, and enthusiastic volunteers are always welcome.