This year, World Sailing’s global women’s sailing festival, Steering the Course, focused on creating new pathways for women in Olympic sailing. After a successful week-long event in May, the festival continues its mission in various regions worldwide, including the Caribbean, South America, Europe, and the Middle East. These courses aim not only to promote the practice of sailing but also to support the dreams and aspirations of women in the sport globally.
In July, Barbados was one of the first nations to join this initiative by organizing a technical training course attended by 12 women. Led by World Sailing’s Para Sailing director, Hannah Stodel, with the support of Cat Duncan and the Barbados Sailing Association, the course included both theoretical and practical sessions, along with activities such as a beach clean-up. Upon completion of the program, participants received coaching certificates, marking a significant step in women’s sailing training.
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In South America, Bolivia hosted the first Technical Coaching Course, held in Cochabamba from September 16 to 22. Eleven women participated in this Level 1 course, which took place at the same venue that hosted the 2018 South American Games. Led by Coach Developer Maria Hackerott, the course focused on introductory sailing programs, working with local boats available, and providing valuable experience for aspiring female coaches.
Another significant milestone in this global festival was the first-ever IYK Opti-ILCA Women’s Cup 2024 in Turkey, organized by the Istanbul Sailing Sports Club. Held in the Kalamış Bay, this regatta marked the first time a women’s race was held in the Dinghy class. The event highlighted the club’s commitment to gender equality, with both the race committees and live commentators being predominantly led by women.
The Steering the Course calendar continues with notable events in October, such as women’s sailing training in South Africa, female sailors’ participation in the 56th Barcolana Regatta in Italy, and a series of clinics and conferences in Greece and the United Arab Emirates, all designed to further promote women’s leadership and participation in sailing globally.