WHO WE ARE
The National Women's Sailing Association is a program of the USA registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Women's Sailing Foundation, Inc. established in 1990. We are a membership group of women sailors and sailing enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. We welcome sailors of all levels, skills and interests to our membership.
Women of all backgrounds are welcome and are encouraged to join us.
OUR MISSION
To enrich the lives of women of all ages through education and access to the sport of sailing. We focus on the following four areas:
- Develop educational programs and venues for women
- Act as the informational clearinghouse for women who sail
- Enhance the life experiences of women through sailing
- Support individuals and organizations that involve women in sailing
NWSA social for women at the Annapolis Sailboat Show
Annapolis Sailboat Show is October 15–18 at City Dock in Annapolis, Maryland. The show brings four days of boats, equipment, education, demonstrations and NWSA is offering women an opportunity to build lasting connections on and off the water.
Use discount code 26NWSA for $5 off on tickets. Visit us at the Aqua Map tent
Meet at NWSA's Social Hour sponsored by Aqua Map after a full day of learning and exploring the show. Plan to join NWSA and your sister sailors for a sure-to-be-fun social.
Friday, October 16
5:00–6:30 p.m.
Seminar Tent (near the No Wake Zone)
At this informal gathering reconnect with members of the sailing community, meet new sailors, and continue the conversation sparked by the day’s activities. Whether you are a longtime NWSA member, a first-time attendee at one of our events stop by.
Register now for International Safety at Sea presented by NWSA
Thursday, June 10 • Boston, MA
Moderated by Capt. Sheila McCurdy and Capt. Debbie Huntsman
with Lili Colby from Mustang Survival
Presented by NWSA, this US Sailing sanctioned International Safety at Sea hands-on only training (1-day), is presented by women for women. Prepare yourself, your crew and your equiptment for venturing offshore.
Excercises include crew overboard prevention and rescue, in-water lifejacket performance, fire fighting and prevention, using flares and signaling for help, damage control, liferaft familiarization and other valuable crew training tips and exercises. With the required prerequisites, this course will gain sailors a US Sailing International Safety at Sea certification, good for five years and required for many offshore races. A wonderful, lasting asset for cruisers and new sailors to aquire.
Early bird discounts are available. Space is limited for this highly valued course.
It's time to craft a great nomination for your sailing hero for 2027. Nominations are accepted through February 1, 2027.
Plan your 2027 AdventureSail
AdventureSail® has been a jewel in the crown of WSF/NWSA for three decades! It was designed to foster the next generation of female sailors. We understand the importance of providing opportunities for sailing early. And we know that barriers preventing all young women and girls from making it to the water must be overcome.
Towards that goal, NWSA has partnered with US Sailing. Together we are expanding the program to include US Sailing’s community sailing centers nationwide.
We can help your organization explore ways to make sailing more accessible to young women ages 9-14. All girls deserve the opportunity to learn to love sailing the way we do.
Learn MoreEvents
Women's Diesel Maintenance (Master Class) - Cruisers U, Annapolis
NWSA Social Hour at Annapolis Sailboat Show Sponsored by Aqua Map, 5-6:30 pm
Women's Panel at Cruisers University, Annapolis, MD - 12:30 pm
Ruth Beals Women at the Helm - Peoria, AZ
NWSA at Aqua Map Booth, Annapolis Sailboat Show, 2-4 pm
NWSA News
NWSA at 2026 Annapolis Sailboat Show - Oct. 15-18 - Discount Available
October 2026 NWSA Newsletter "Take the Helm"
Nominations Open for 2027 BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women's Sailing Award
2027 NWSA Women's Sailing Conference Planned June 12-13 with Pre-conference workshops Jun 10-11
View More
The official publication of National Women’s Sailing Association is published monthly. Discover what we have done, what we are planning and what other women sailors are doing to encourage, educate and advance women in sailing.
Benefits of Membership
- Discounted pricing for the Annual Conference and Early Bird Workshop Selection
- Access to exclusive events and content, like video interviews, video educational instruction
- Member Directory for networking and easy communication between members
- Discount offers to products and services from our sponsors and affiliates