2021 NWSA Women’s Sailing Conference in Chicago
Our conference at Jackson Park Yacht Club on Lake Michigan was a huge success in a wonderful location with a warm and welcoming club. Checkout the workshops that were presented both in person and virtually! Also, CLICK HERE to see the fabulous presenters that offered their time and expertise!
SHARING SAILING
Join three women who are serious about sharing sailing and learn why they have such a passion. This is a great seminar for any woman who loves taking other people out to discover the joys of sailing and for women who teach or coach sailing, or aspire to do so.
ROGERS / POMMERT / STEPHENS — MAINROOM — 9:30AM
VIRTUAL CONFERENCE LIVE FEED
GETTING TO THE REGATTA
Learn about all the steps to get to the start line prepared to race. Discussion will include: Selecting the regattas you are interested in sailing, the NOR/sailing instructions and registering for a race, getting your boat ready to race, having the right crew to handle the boat in expected conditions, communications with crew prior to race day, and much more.
GRIMM — BELOW VERANDA — 9:30AM
TRIM JIB & SPINNAKER*
It is simply a question of pulling in or let out a rope attached to a sail to make the boat go faster or slower. Learn tips and practice trimming a jib and spinnaker. Also learn how to pack, launch, and take down a spinnaker. Must be an intermediate sailor. Weather dependent for spinnaker flying. Lifejacket required.
GARBACZ — MEET @DOCK — MORNING or AFTERNOON
AVOIDING MAYHEM & MISSTEPS
Learn practices to assure you stay on the boat, keep water out of the boat, refrain from burning the boat down, and respect the weather. It’s all about prevention! Learn to recognize trouble early and de-escalate problems quickly. Use lines, cleats and fenders to avoid common injuries. As a savvy boater you’ll reduce chances of injury or damage while underway, keeping sailing FUN! Lifejacket required.
HUNTSMAN — DOCKSIDE — 11:05AM*
DIESEL BASICS
Learn about the most common diesel engine problems and how to fix them. Learn names and terms; examine the engine and parts. Communicate with knowledge and confidence if you make a call for assistance.
BURLINGAME — FRONT LOT — 9:30AM and 1:45PM
REEFING*
Reducing the exposed area of a given sail is a skill which can keep a fun sail fun. It is prudent seamanship to understand and learn steps to take to reduce sail before you are overpowered in a blow. Done dockside. Lifejacket required.
ROGERS — DOCKSIDE — 11:05AM
HOW TO USE A NAVIGATION CHART
Ever wonder what all those symbols and lines on navigation charts mean? This workshop will decipher the mystery. You will learn how navigational charts are telling you much more valuable information than you imagine. Fun and hands-on!
LAVOIE / DIESELMAN — VERANDA — 9:30AM
WELCOME ABOARD*
For those with no or very limited sailing experience. Feel how the wind moves the boat, learn what to expect when the wind picks up and the boat begins to lean to one side. Learn basic parts of the boat and the sails and what all those lines are on the boat. Sailing is fun! Lifejacket required.
BARTLOW / TREJO — MEET @DOCK — MORNING 9:30AM–12:10PM
CHARTING A COURSE
This workshop is for women who already know how to read a chart (its a nice follow up to How to Use a Navigation Chart) and have the ability to find latitude/longitude. You will use the magnetic compass and examine direction, distance and time and how they work together to chart your course.
LAVOIE / DIESELMAN — VERANDA— 11:05AM
KNOTS: WHICH, WHY AND WHEN
Learn basic knots that will keep your boat safe, tidy, and working. Learn how to use cleats correctly on both floats and piers, as well as how not to use them. This is a fun and interactive workshop with oppertunity to socialize while you learn.
GUNASENA — GINPOLE — 9:30 and 11:30AM
DINGHY CAPTAIN*
Driving, using reverse, knowing landing etiquette — Gain confidence for zipping around a harbor or anchorage in your dinghy. Learn how to start and stop the motor as well as tie up to a big boat or a dock. Yes! You can do all this after you take this hands-on workshop. Learn tips for starting stubborn outboards too. Lifejacket and lanyard use required. Download Handout
ROBERTSON / DIESELMAN — 9:30AM and 3:20PM
SUSTAINABLE SAILING
We all love our beautiful oceans, lakes and ponds and the amazing critters that inhabit them. Learn from a trio of professionals the practical ways you can help protect our waterways. The scientist, environmentalist and marina manager will discuss how sailors can practice more sustainable boating.
MILLER / MYATT / RUSTIN — 11:05AM VIRTUAL CONFERENCE FEED
DOCKING*
Not quite sure about how to get your boat moored up to a dock or safely in a slip? Want to reduce docking drama. Come learn the details of basic boat handling and using wind and current to help you moor your boat up like a boss! Lifejacket required.
BARTLOW / TREJO — MEET @DOCK — AFTERNOON 1:45–4:00PM
CHICAGO-MACKINAC RACE STORIED
Historic. Always different. Two to five glorious days on Lake Michigan, racing from Chicago to Mackinac Island, Michigan. This presenter has sailed in 45 of them, she knows how you can get started and will cover: self management, what to watch for, needed gear and dining and the wonderful experience on the Island after the finish. Experiences from 33 feet to 70 feet; plenty to tell!
TURLUCK — MAINROOM — 11:05
PREP FOR NEAR SHORE SAIL
Going sailing is not far removed from taking a trip in a small airplane. A well prepared boat, skipper and crew will assure the sail is safe, even if unexpected things happen. Margaret Pommert will show us some practices to adapt to keep passengers and the skipper happy, even if there is a mishap.
POMMERT — TBD — 1:45PM
FIRE, FLARES & CALLING FOR HELP
Hands-on lesson with the flares and extinguishers you should carry on your boat. Learn about different types of flares and their use. Fire extinguishers are everywhere, not just on your boat. Understanding how to douse a fire, how and when use an extinguisher are life-saving skills. Demonstrations will get you aquainted with safe-handling tips before you try it yourself.
HUNTSMAN — BEACH — 1:45PM
LOOK OUTSIDE THE BOAT
Sailing is not all about the boat. For many women, sailing offers a “happy place,” chances for personal growth, challenges outside the confines of work and a relief from the stresses of modern life. Learn ways to make the most of your time on your boat.
STEPHENS — LOWER VERANDA — 1:45PM
YOUR BEST BOAT
Picking your best boat is like picking a partner. There is a lot to consider and mistakes can be painful. On the other hand, a good choice can bring a tremendous amount of joy. You can select a small fixer upper, or a sparkling, big, new yacht. There’s a lot to consider: budget, storage, water access site, cruising, racing, day sailing, overnighter, bunks/galley/head(!), trailers, maintenance and more. This workshop will help you make a good boat choice. Guidance and a few guard rails from two presenters will aid in your next step towards your first or next boat. The best boat to fit your needs, budget and skill sets is out there.
PATTERSON / TURLUCK — TBD — 1:45PM
VIRTUAL CONFERENCE LIVE FEED
CREW POSITIONS*
Most boats take more than one person to sail. There are some boats that take a crew or team of sailors with different skills. A captain, helmsperson, trimmer, tactician, navigator, cook, lookout, engineer, foredeck, middle, snacktician, and squirrel are all jobs on sailboats. Learn where you can fit in. Lifejacket required.
GRIMM — DOCKSIDE — 1:45PM
RULES OF THE ROAD
There are no lanes, curbs, traffic lights or stop signs to regulate traffic, yet boats have navigated for longer than automobiles under an elegant set of rules (which were the basis for many auto traffic rules) to keep from crashing into each other. Learn the basics of who is stand on and who is give way under different situations.
LAVOIE — SOUTHLAWN — 1:45PM
UH OH!
At the close of the conference you may use some of your newly gained knowledge to help a newly formed crew get out of a bit of a pickle. This is not only a fun game so you can mingle and get to know a few other women sailors, but an exercise on crew coordination — collectively putting your heads together to problem solve. Instructors will help your crew determine if you are on a solid decision making path to best resolve your problem.
VARIOUS LOCATIONS — VARIOUS MODERATORS — 3:20PM
VIRTUAL CONFERENCE LIVE FEED
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Friday, Spetember 10, 5:30 – 6:30PM
Meet and Greet, no host Happy Hour
Saturday, September 11
9:30 – 10:55AM
Sharing Sailing Panel
Diesel Basics
Getting to the Regatta
How to use a Chart
Dinghy Captain
Knots
11:05AM – 12:25PM
Reefing*
Sustainable Sailing Panel
Chicago Mackinac Race
Avoiding Mayhem & Missteps*
Charting a Course
Knots
12:30 – 1:30PM
Lunch
1:00PM
Boat US / NWSA
Leadership in Women’s Sailing
Sharing Sailing Keynote
Marie Rogers
VIEW LIVE
1:45–3:10PM
Preparing for a Coastal Cruise
Look Outside the Boat
Your Best Boat Panel
Diesel Basics
Crew Positions*
Rules of the Road
Fire, Flares and Calling for Help
3:20–4:25PM
Uh Oh!
Developing Good
Decisionmaking
Dinghy Captain*
Raffle Drawing
9:30AM – 12:20PM
Welcome Aboard*
Jib Trim and Spinnaker*
12:30 – 1:30PM
Lunch / Award
VIEW KEYNOTE LIVE
1:45 – 4:45PM
Docking•
Jib Trim and Spinnaker•
5:00 – 6:00PM
Mix and mingle with presenters and your new friends.
Buy raffle tickets until 5:15!
6:00PM
Raffle drawing and fare thee well.