Boating is no longer just reserved for the men of this world. An increasing number of women have developed a passion for sailing and are starting to take command of the helm. Here’s how to get involved as a woman and fulfill your boating dreams.

For a long time, both men and women have enjoyed being out on the water, but in different ways. Previously, the stereotypical woman was ignorant of how to operate a boat and lacked the confidence to take full command, leaving all responsibility to the men at the helm, while she sunned herself on deck or entertained the kids. The role of a woman, if any, was to handle the lines while her husband shouted commands.

Fast forward to the present day and women are increasingly getting involved in all aspects of boating, from racing to pleasure sailing, and the idea that they are second-in-command is being left behind.

They did it, so can you
Women of all ages are now making names for themselves on the boating scene. Norwegian Marit Stromoy is one such example, having built a successful and rewarded career in F1 powerboat racing since 1989, achieving World Record speeds in 1992. She is one of the only female drivers competing in this year’s F1H20 powerboat racing World Championships, representing the Azerbaijan Team.

American yachtswoman Maureen McKinnon-Tucker is another success story. Although in a wheelchair, she sails competitively and won a silver medal in 2007 as the first woman in the U.S. Disabled Sailing Team and a gold medal in the Beijing Paralympic Games in 2008. She was also honored with the annual Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award in 2009 (co-sponsored by Boat U.S. and the National Women’s Sailing Association) presented to inspiring females.

The more mature woman is also opting for a life on the water. Jeanne Socrates, a 67-year-old grandmother, is attempting to sail solo around the world, starting at Canada´s Victoria Harbour. Following her husband’s death in 2003, she took charge of the helm herself. Despite some frustrating setbacks last year, she continues in her quest with a passion unusual for a lady who learnt the ropes at the age of 51.

On the water, Mars vs Venus
Men and women generally have different priorities and ideals on board. Men typically take responsibility for the technical aspects such as engine monitoring and maintenance while women think more about the aesthetics. Additionally, men tend to be more adventurous and willing to sail solo while women prefer security and companionship when out on a boat. When difficulties arise, they react differently; women tend to feel embarrassed while men get frustrated. This stems from the fact that most men love a challenge while women prefer to be properly trained.

Like driving a car, some women even argue that boats are handled better and gentler under their control; they do not gun the engines to make a maneuver in tight quarters or try to show off their knowledge or skills.

Although females are starting to find their own place in the boating world, it doesn’t mean that men and women can’t co-exist peacefully on board. It’s just a question of establishing each other’s roles and tasks. The dynamic depends on many variables such as the type and size of the boat.

Make it happen
There is a natural trend for women to learn the ins and outs of boating from her husband or other men, but they need their own training too, something that appeals to their individual needs and sensibilities. And there are an increasing number of women-only courses out there to meet the demand.

Dream or Two Ltd, an RYA (Royal Yachting Association) accredited Training Centre, offers sailing courses run by female skippers who provide holistic training specific to women’s needs. They are mainly focused on building confidence when in command of a vessel. For them, the main reasons that women take the course are that sailing challenges them, puts them in control and takes them out of their routine, while providing both mental and physical exercise.

Woman in Boating, a program run by Sea Ray, also teaches women the boating ropes. Their comprehensive courses work on improving women’s confidence and abilities through practical classes and theory seminars in which they focus on docking, anchoring and driving.

In the US, Sea Sense runs private “On Your Own Boat” ladies only courses or private teaching personalized to your needs. The Boat Owners Association of the United States also has a Woman In Boating division which operates a full calendar of sailing conferences, workshops and conventions aimed at woman, as well as providing the latest news related to the female boating community.

Finally, there’s some good reading material out there to help women on their way to the helm. “It’s Your Boat Too: A Woman’s Guide to Greater Enjoyment on the Water” by Suzanne Giesemann encourages women to take a bigger role on board by addressing common fears and self-limiting attitudes. She shares the nautical knowledge necessary to become a safer, more competent, and confident female boater.

www.sailingwomen.co.uk
www.searay.com
www.boatus.com/Women/WBTraining.asp
www.seasenseboating.com

Images by: Portugal Women’s Sailing Team’s Photos