2024 National Women's Sailing Conference

presented by allstate sugar bowl

Workshops

SCHEDULE OVERVIEW

Saturday, June 8, 2024 at Southern Yacht Club

8:30am – 9:30am       Registrant Check-in & Breakfast
9:30am – 12:10am    On-The-Water Morning
9:30am – 10:40am     On Land Session I
11:00am – 12:10pm    On Land Session II

12:30pm – 1:50pm    Luncheon & BoatUS/NWSA
Leadership in Womens Sailing Award presentation announcement

2:00pm – 4:40pm       On-The-Water Afternoon
2:00pm – 3:10pm       On Land Session III
3:30pm – 4:40pm       On Land Session IV

5:00pm – 7:00pm    Sharing Sailing Social and Fundraiser

Sunday, June 9, 2024 at New Orleans Yacht Club

9:30 – 11:30am   Going the Distance — Haley Lhamon and Beth Barry  moderated by Jodi Weinbecker    BUY TICKETS

Southern Yacht Club
105 N Roadway St.
New Orleans, LA 70124
(504) 288-4200

Community Sailing New Orleans
101 N Roadway St.
New Orleans, LA 70124
(504) 233-3292

HOW THE WORKSHOP SELECTION PROCESS WORKS:

  1. Browse the many topics being offered below
  2. Take note of the workshops you would like to attend
  3. CLICK ON Register and make your payment
  4. Check your email payment confirmation with the link to select your workshops.

Note: Workshops do have participant limitations. Register early and select your workshops as soon as you receive your confirmation via email of your registration payment.

ON LAND Sessions are open to ALL registrants. The Levels are there as a guide.

ON-THE-WATER Levels should be considered when self evaluating one’s skills and experience.

On-the-water sessions are divided into levels of experience and competency. The Take The Helm Sessions are on an Independence 20 (small boat with tiller).

Additionally, in order to allow as many people to be able to participate in on-the-water sessions, registrants are limited to ONE on-the-water session, morning or afternoon.

REGISTRATION

8:30am – 9:30 am

 

Welcome Breakfast

Welcome Breakfast

East Dining Room

8:30am – 9:30am (1hr)

Get the day started with a breakfast with new sailing friends. Time to familiarize yourself with the lay of he land., introduce yourself to your fellow conference attendees.

ON THE WATER (MORNING)

9:30am – 12:10pm

 

(SOLD OUT) Take The Helm®

(SOLD OUT) Take The Helm®

ON-THE-WATER

9:30am – 12:10pm
on a Independence 20 with CSNO Instructors

BEGINNER

Basic knots, how sails work, points of sail, parts of the boat, sail and control lines, balancing, raising/lowering sails, departing/approaching dock, steering, tacking, gybing, trimming, safety and overboard recovery, communication, situational awareness, and basic rules of the road

(SOLD OUT) SAIL TRIM: ASYMMETRICAL SPIN

(SOLD OUT) SAIL TRIM: ASYMMETRICAL SPIN

ON-THE-WATER

9:30am – 12:10pm
with Ellie McCulloch & Capt. Marcia Baker

INTERMEDIATE

For those familiar with sailing try out the asymmetrical spinnaker on a J80. At dock will demonstrate packing, rigging the chute, sprit pole. sail to hoist, gybe, and douse. During sailing we will focus on the basics of main, jib and asymmetrical spinnaker sail trim. The J80 sport boat is known for its spritely sailing and female-friendly operation. You will come away with a new appreciation of the ease of sailing this boat!

(SOLD OUT) Sail Trim: Asymmetrical Spin

(SOLD OUT) Sail Trim: Asymmetrical Spin

ON-THE-WATER

9:30am – 12:10pm
with Louise Bienvenu & Capt. Linda Thompson

ADVANCED

For sailors wanting more advanced training on the asymmetrical spinnaker on a J80 – this one is for you. Get out on the water learn more advanced sail trim on the Main, Jib and Spinnaker. Take the J80 sport boat through it’s paces and see what it can do! Learn from the Top Female Skipper on the Gulf Coast!

(SOLD OUT) Crew Positions: Symmetrical Spin

(SOLD OUT) Crew Positions: Symmetrical Spin

ON-THE-WATER

9:30am – 12:10pm
with Capt. Erica Trejo

INTERMEDIATE

Sailing on a J/30, the intermediate / advanced sailors with some racing experience will practice the teamwork and crew coordination that is essential when flying a symmetrical spin. Practice each position – bow, trimmer, skipper, tactician – and fine tune your spinnaker choreography.

(SOLD OUT) Docking Do's & Don'ts

(SOLD OUT) Docking Do's & Don'ts

ON-THE-WATER

9:30am – 12:10pm
with Capt. Naomi Emmerson

INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED

Do your palms sweat every time you need to leave the slip under power? Not sure how to use spring lines or steer in reverse with a tiller? We’ll get you comfortable, communicative, competent and confident docking a sailboat under power, and how to be a great dockhand for your helmsman.

SESSION I

ON LAND  9:30am – 10:40am (70 minutes)

 

THE PROTEST ROOM

THE PROTEST ROOM

Learn About All Things Race Committee

9:30am – 10:40am (70 minutes) In Classroom
with Donna Sue Marks

INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED

Learn how to get involved in Race Committee and how to prepare, file and attend a protest. One of the best ways to learn more about sailboat racing is by getting involved with the Race Committee! This seminar will review RC duties and how you can help. It will also cover the sailing racer’s biggest fear- PROTESTING. An overview of the Right to Protest, Requirements and the Protest Hearing Process to help ease your protest anxiety.

Using A Nautical Chart

Using A Nautical Chart

9:30am – 10:40am (70 minutes) In Classroom
with Pat Dieselman and Capt. Sue LaVoie

ALL LEVELS

How to read a nautical paper chart. Symbols, colors, depths, bottom, compass rose and headings, aids to navigation, and scale. Rules of the Road and tides awareness. Same knowledge needed to read electronic charts. Introduction demonstration to plotting a course, waypoints and calculating speed, course and time for ETA.

Happy Engine, Happy Sailor

Happy Engine, Happy Sailor

A Guide to Outboard Engine Maintenance

9:30am – 10:40am (70 minutes) In Classroom
with Aga Kasprzak

ALL LEVELS

These valuable little things can become big problems if not maintained and serviced regularly. Learn about the elements that make them purr! Oil changes, spare plug inspections, carburetor troubleshooting and fuel supply issues.

SAILING IS FOR EVERYONE

SAILING IS FOR EVERYONE

Casting a Wider Net of Inclusion

9:30am – 10:40am (70 minutes) In Classroom
with Capt. Marie Rogers and Capt. Jodi Weinbecker

ALL LEVELS

Inspire girls and women of all ages, races, and backgrounds to try sailing and to keep sailing for a lifetime. Marie and Jodi have both been involved in creating inclusion and diversity in the sport from youth through adults. How to… Set an example, invite others to join, rebrand the sport as open to everyone, break down the barriers to joining clubs, give opportunities to youth in sailing and celebrate the success of girls, women, and diversity.

GET SAILING, KEEP SAILING

GET SAILING, KEEP SAILING

Tips for Newbies on Becoming Great Crew

9:30am – 10:40am (70 minutes) In Classroom
with Menette Burns

BEGINNERS

Knots; Terms; Resources to get started and keep sailing. Where to find boating access, rent or buy a boat. Available sailing certifications, educational outlets, charter requirements, to one day even getting your Captain’s License! How to connect with other sailors. AND MORE!

SESSION II

ON LAND     11:00am – 12:10pm (70 minutes)

 

Building Crew Competency

Building Crew Competency

11:00am – 12:10pm (70 minutes) In Classroom
with Capt. Lisa Goodwin

ALL LEVELS

Technical, mental, physical, and emotion proficiencies discussed. Necessity of honest self-assessment. Theory vs Practice. Learning Resources and Opportunities. The importance of Mentorship. The Benefits of Continued Study and Learning. Whether you are crew who is new to offshore sailing, experienced but wanting to fill in some knowledge gaps, or a skipper who is mentoring skill development for his team, there will be some takeaways for everyone.

A STITCH IN TIME

A STITCH IN TIME

Learn to Sew Canvas & Repair Sails

11:00am – 12:10pm (70 minutes) In Classroom
with Denise Avellina

ALL LEVELS

Hand sewing techniques for rigging, replacing lines and emergency sail repair, whipping bitter ends, seizing two lines together, basic splicing. Sail repair techniques and sewing canvas with sewing machine and sewing palm. A sewing palm is recommended for this class. Needles and thread will be provided.

Cruising Tips & Tricks

Cruising Tips & Tricks

11:00am – 12:10pm (70 minutes) In Classroom
with Kris Self

ALL LEVELS

Cruise planning, provisioning, boat maintenance, what to look for, what has been done, what needs to be done, crew safety, crew comfort, weather resources and preparing for weather. Questions about the boat and crew before you board, crew briefing. Matching boat to cruising area, crew size and weather expected. Safety resources, first aid, shade, water, adequate rest. Fun required.

HOSES, PUMPS, WIRES AND VALVES

HOSES, PUMPS, WIRES AND VALVES

Getting to Know Your Boat Systems

11:00am – 12:10pm (70 minutes) in Classroom
with Guenevere Rae

ALL LEVELS

How boat systems work. Electrical (from fuse box to device), diesel engine connections, fuel (from fill valve to exhaust), water (pumps, valves, pipes). Inspecting and troubleshooting. Determine electrical needs. Converting DC-AC/AC-DC, inverters, alternators, batteries (lead acid to lithium) house and starting. Hands-on: basic wire stripping, terminal attachment, heat shrink, circuit breaker and fuse types, how to test for volts and resistance

Overboard Crew Recovery

Overboard Crew Recovery

All Levels

11:00am – 12:10pm (70 minutes) Outside / Dockside
with Capt. Debbie Huntsman

Will cover prevention and stress how practice-makes-perfect to mark and to return to a crew in the water. We will specifically cover the Lifesling. Learn a tested method where even a 100lb crew can lift a 250lb injured big fella back on deck — without assistance. This recovery has been successfully tested for COB recovery, while alone. For women who doublehand, this is a MUST know skill.

Luncheon & Award Presentation

Luncheon & Award Presentation

East Dining Room

12:30pm – 1:50pm (1hr 20 min.)

BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award

ON THE WATER (AFTERNOON)

2:00pm – 4:40pm

 

(SOLD OUT) Take The Helm®

(SOLD OUT) Take The Helm®

ON-THE-WATER

2:00pm – 4:40pm
on a Independence 20 with CSNO

BEGINNER

Basic knots, how sails work, points of sail, parts of the boat, sail and control lines, balancing, raising/lowering sails, departing/approaching dock, steering, tacking, gybing, trimming, safety and overboard recovery, communication, situational awareness, and basic rules of the road

(SOLD OUT) SAIL TRIM: ASYMMETRICAL SPIN

(SOLD OUT) SAIL TRIM: ASYMMETRICAL SPIN

ON-THE-WATER

2:00pm – 4:40pm
with Ellie McCulloch & Capt. Marcia Baker

INTERMEDIATE

For those familiar with sailing try out the asymmetrical spinnaker on a J/80. At dock will demonstrate packing, rigging the chute, sprit pole. sail to hoist, gybe, and douse. During sailing we will focus on the basics of main, jib and asymmetrical spinnaker sail trim. The J80 sport boat is known for its spritely sailing and female-friendly operation. You will come away with a new appreciation of the ease of sailing this boat!

(SOLD OUT) Sail Trim: AsymMETRICAL Spin

(SOLD OUT) Sail Trim: AsymMETRICAL Spin

ON-THE-WATER

2:00pm – 4:40pm
with Louise Bienvenu & Capt. Linda Thompson

ADVANCED

For those familiar with sailing try out the asymmetrical spinnaker on a J/80. At dock will demonstrate packing, rigging the chute, sprit pole. sail to hoist, gybe, and douse. During sailing we will focus on the basics of main, jib and asymmetrical spinnaker sail trim. The J80 sport boat is known for its spritely sailing and female-friendly operation. You will come away with a new appreciation of the ease of sailing this boat and asymmetrical spinnaker.

Crew Positions: Asymmetrical Spin

Crew Positions: Asymmetrical Spin

ON-THE-WATER

2:00pm – 4:40pm (2 hrs  40 min) 
with Elise Read & Capt. Erica Trejo

INTERMEDIATE

From skipper to foredeck, you will learn each crew position to fly an asymmetrical spinnaker. Practice verbal and hand signal communications. 5 Person Crew Positions and their roles: Bow, Mast, Pit, Trimmer, Skipper. Basic racing rules. Additional roles of navigator, tactician and spinnaker packer.

CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR SKILLS

CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR SKILLS

ON-THE-WATER

2:00pm – 4:40pm (2 hrs  40 min) 
with Capt. Jodi Weinbecker

ADVANCED

Are you ready to teach? This session will help you prepare for the on the water skills necessary to pass the US Sailing Basic Keelboat course. (for most, this is the hardest part of becoming an instructor!) Skills to practice: Docking, tacking, jibing, stopping, reefing, backing the boat, and overboard rescue. All to be performed single handed!

SESSION III

ON LAND    2:00pm – 3:10pm (70 minutes)

 

Racing

Racing

Strategy & Tactics

2:00pm – 3:10pm (70 minutes) In Classroom
with Hayley Lhamon

INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED

What is the difference between strategy and tactics and how can they help you have a successful race? We’ll discuss solid strategies for predeparture, prestart, start, and around the racecourse. While talking tactics, we’ll review basic racing rules so that you can minimize distraction and spend more time following your game plan!

A STITCH IN TIME

A STITCH IN TIME

Learn to Sew Canvas & Repair Sails

2:00pm – 3:10pm (70 minutes) In Classroom
with Denise Avellina

ALL LEVELS

Hand sewing techniques for rigging, replacing lines and emergency sail repair, whipping bitter ends, seizing two lines together, basic splicing. Sail repair techniques and sewing canvas with sewing machine. A sewing palm is recommended for the class. Needles and thread will be provided.

CRACKS, CHIPS & CHUNKS

CRACKS, CHIPS & CHUNKS

Techniques in Fiberglass Repair

2:00pm – 3:10pm (70 minutes) In Classroom
with Monica Morgan

ALL LEVELS

How to decide if DIY repair is possible How to approach different size repairs in different places of hull or deck. What to use – epoxy, vinylester, polyester resins? Materials and conditions needed for best results and strength. Finish techniques including color matching and wet sanding techniques.

Cruising The Gulf Coast

Cruising The Gulf Coast

Tips From An Insider

2:00pm – 3:10pm (70 minutes) In Classroom
with Patti Jane Golden

ALL LEVELS

Sailing the Northern Gulf Coast from New Orleans to Carrabelle, Florida: The waters and weather patterns, the anchorages and harbors, the races and regattas, the hidden gems, especially the chain of barrier islands from Mississippi to Florida with their state and national parks, historic sites, abundant wildlife, and white sandy beaches..

Sailing In Heavy Weather

Sailing In Heavy Weather

Staying in Control to Sail Safe

2:00pm – 3:10pm (70 minutes) In Classroom
with Capt. Lisa Goodwin

INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED

What is heavy weather (HW) and how to prepare for it, stay in control, and sail safely. Risk Assessment and Mitigating Risks; The Importance of Practice and Equipment Shake Down; Crew Resources; Effective Communication, Observation; Good Watch Keeping Habits; High Winds vs. Big Seas; Creating HW Plan. A bridge/captain’s approach to HW mngmnt. We will touch on reefing, storm sails and other HW tools.

GOING UP THE MAST IN A BOSUN CHAIR

GOING UP THE MAST IN A BOSUN CHAIR

Safety in Numbers

2:00pm – 3:10pm (70 minutes) Dockside
with Capt. Naomi Emmerson

ALL LEVELS

Have you ever sky-ed a halyard or needed to install an antenna? If you are not afraid of heights and want to DIY we will go over equipment, help, lines and gear to ensure safety aloft. We will work as a team (cranking, lookout, communication) to get a few in the bosuns chair and raised just aloft of the boom. Tying secure knots, hoisting equipment, proper handling of tools while aloft.

SESSION IV

ON LAND    3:30pm – 4:40pm (70 minutes)

 

STAYING CONNECTED

STAYING CONNECTED

Intro to Electronic and Communication Equipment

3:30pm – 4:40pm (70 minutes) In Classroom
with Capt. Beth Berry

ALL LEVELS

Electronic options for getting weather, navigating, tracking and communications for near coastal and offshore. GPS, AIS, VHF, EPIRB/PLB, Phone Apps, Navionics, Saavy Naavy, Aquamap, iNavX, Starlink, Iridium Go, SPOT, and others!.

USING A NAUTICAL CHART

USING A NAUTICAL CHART

3:30pm – 4:40pm (70 minutes) In Classroom
with Pat Dieselman and Capt. Sue LaVoie

ALL LEVELS

How to read a nautical paper chart. Symbols, colors, depths, bottom, compass rose and headings, aids to navigation, and scale. Rules of the Road and tides awareness. Same knowledge needed to read electronic charts. Introduction demonstration to plotting a course, waypoints and calculating speed, course and time for ETA.

HAPPY MOTOR, HAPPY SAILOR

HAPPY MOTOR, HAPPY SAILOR

Guide to Outboard Engine Maintenance

3:30pm – 4:40pm (70 minutes) In Classroom
with Aga Kasprzak

ALL LEVELS

These valuable little things can become big problems if not maintained and serviced regularly. Learn about the elements that make them purr! Oil changes, spare plug inspections, carburetor troubleshooting and fuel supply issues.

GET SAILING, KEEP SAILING

GET SAILING, KEEP SAILING

Tips for Newbies on Becoming Great Crew

3:30am – 4:40am (70 minutes) In Classroom
with Menette Burns

BEGINNERS

Knots; Terms; Resources to get started and keep sailing. Where to find boating access, rent or buy a boat. Available sailing certifications, educational outlets, charter requirements, to one day even getting your Captain’s License! How to connect with other sailors. AND MORE!

EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE

EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE

Stowage Secrets for Cruisers

3:30pm – 4:40pm (70 minutes) In Classroom
with Patti Jane Golden

ALL LEVELS

Being able to immediately locate tools, medicines, spare parts and emergency items is a matter of safety. This dockside class will address: Stowing all necessary items in a logical, appropriate, and accessible location so that they can be found in a hurry. Creating visual aids and helpful references. Provisioning do’s and don’ts. Proper use of topside compartments. Patti Jane Golden will show how she does it on her 40-foot sailboat.

Avoid Mayhem, Minimize Mishaps!

Avoid Mayhem, Minimize Mishaps!

3:30pm – 4:40pm (70 minutes) Outside/ Dockside
with Capt. Debbie Huntsman

ALL LEVELS

Avoid Mayhem and Mishaps — S#$% happens, but with a few fundamental practices and prevention planning the stuff can stay small, or better yet, be avoided. Learn practical safety hacks and mayhem avoidance skills..

Sharing Sailing Social & Fundraiser

Sharing Sailing Social & Fundraiser

East Dining Room

5:00pm – 7:00pm (2 hrs)

Gather for some snacks and a beverage to share your sailing stories from the day’s events with newly formed friendships. Help raise funds for our scholarships and AdventureSail program by taking part in our fabulous raffle.

ON LAND SESSIONS

Levels are indicated as a guide. All sessions are open to all registrants.

8:30a - 9:30a
9:30a - 10:40a
11:00a - 12:10p
12:30p - 1:50p
2:00p - 3:10p
3:30p - 4:40p
5:00p - 7:00p
TULLIS ROOM
PROTEST ROOM
Donna Sue Marks
CRUISING TIPS & TRICKS
Kris Self
LUNCH
CRUISING THE GULF COAST
Patti Jane Golden
COMMS & ELECTRONICS
Capt. Beth Berry
FUNDRAISER
BALDWIN
GET SAILING KEEP SAILING
Menette Burns
CREW COMPETENCY
Capt. Lisa Goodwin
LUNCH
SAILING IN HEAVY WEATHER
Capt. Lisa Goodwin
GET SAILING, KEEP SAILING
Menette Burns
FUNDRAISER
EAST DECK
OUTBOARD ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Aga Kasprzak
LUNCH
FIBERGLASS REPAIR
Monica Morgan
OUTBOARD ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Aga Kasprzak
FUNDRAISER
EAST DINING RM
BREAKFAST
SAILING IS FOR EVERYONE
Marie Rogers & Jodi Weinbecker
HOSES, PUMPS, WIRES AND VALVES
Guenevere Rae
LUNCH
RACING
Haley Lhamon
FUNDRAISER
GRILL
USING A NAUTICAL CHART
Pat Dieselman & Capt. Sue Lavoie
SEWING CANVAS & SAIL REPAIR
Denise Avellina & Joelle Harris
LUNCH
SEWING CANVAS & SAIL REPAIR
Denise Avellina & Joelle Harris
USING A NAUTICAL CHART
Pat Dieselman & Capt. Sue Lavoie
FUNDRAISER
DOCKSIDE: Hinckley-Bermuda 40
OVERBOARD RECOVERY
Capt. Debbie Huntsman
LUNCH
STOWAGE SECRETS FOR CRUISERS
Patti Jane Golden
FUNDRAISER
DOCKSIDE: Dragonfly 32
LUNCH
AVOIDING MAYHEM
Capt. Debbie Huntsman
FUNDRAISER
DOCKSIDE: J/30
LUNCH
GOING UP THE MAST
Capt. Naomi Emmerson
FUNDRAISER

ON THE WATER SESSIONS

Registrants may choose only ONE on-the-water session. Level of Competency should be self-evaluated for these workshops.

9:30a - 12:10p
TYPE OF BOAT
WORKSHOP
INSTRUCTOR
LUNCHEON 12:30p - 1:50p
2:00p - 4:40p
TYPE OF BOAT
WORKSHOP
INSTRUCTOR
5:00p - 7:00p
BOAT A-1
INDEPENDENCE 20
TAKE THE HELM® (beg)
CSNO
LUNCH
INDEPENDENCE 20
TAKE THE HELM (beg)
CSNO
FUNDRAISER
BOAT A-2
INDEPENDENCE 20
TAKE THE HELM® (beg)
CSNO
LUNCH
INDEPENDENCE 20
TAKE THE HELM (beg)
CSNO
FUNDRAISER
BOAT A-3
INDEPENDENCE 20
TAKE THE HELM® (beg)
CSNO
LUNCH
INDEPENDENCE 20
TAKE THE HELM (beg)
CSNO
FUNDRAISER
BOAT A-4
INDEPENDENCE 20
TAKE THE HELM® (beg)
CSNO
LUNCH
INDEPENDENCE 20
TAKE THE HELM (beg)
CSNO
FUNDRAISER
BOAT A-5
INDEPENDENCE 20
TAKE THE HELM® (beg)
CSNO
LUNCH
INDEPENDENCE 20
TAKE THE HELM (beg)
CSNO
FUNDRAISER
BOAT B
J/80
SAIL TRIM: Asym (int)
McCulloch & Baker
LUNCH
J/80
SAIL TRIM: Asym (int)
McCulloch & Baker
FUNDRAISER
BOAT C
J/80
SAIL TRIM: Asym (adv)
Bienvenu & Thompson
LUNCH
J/80
SAIL TRIM: Asym (adv)
Bienvenu & Thompson
FUNDRAISER
BOAT D
J/80
------
------
LUNCH
J/80
CREW POSITIONS: Asym (int)
Read & Trejo
FUNDRAISER
BOAT E
J/30
CREW POSITIONS: Sym Spin (int)
Capt. Erica Trejo
LUNCH
FUNDRAISER
BOAT F
J/24
DOCKING (int)
Capt. Naomi Emmerson
LUNCH
J/24
CERT. INSTRUCTOR. SKILLS (adv)
Capt. Jodi Weinbecker
FUNDRAISER

JOIN US SUNDAY, JUNE 9

GOING THE DISTANCE

A round-table event with special ocean racing guests

Haley Lhamon and Beth Berry

Moderator: Jodi Weinbecker

Join us for Brunch to hear their wisdom, lessons learn, advice and adventures!

A Q&A will follow. Cash bar.

 

Date: Sunday, June 9th, 2024

Time: 9:30 am – 11:30 am

Location: New Orleans Yacht Club

403 N Roadway St. New Orleans LA 70124

Cost: $25

BUY A TICKET

Thank You To Our 2024 Conference

Title Sponsor

Admiral Sponsor
Captain Sponsor
Skipper Sponsors
Crew Sponsors