Just for the Ladies: Sailing Convention for Women Feb. 1, 2020, Corona del Mar, California

On water workshops are offered at the Sailing Convention for Women on Feb. 1 at Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club in Corona del Mar, California © Sailing Convention for Women

Where do women sailors go to learn? The answer is a place where they can enjoy the camaraderie of other women sailors, learn from top instructors both on the water and in the classroom, and have plenty of fun. For 30 years that place has been the Sailing Convention for Women presented by Gail Hine, to be held next on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club in Corona del Mar, California.

"The Convention gives women an opportunity to meet other women sailors, discuss options for more cruising and day sailing, find out about existing women's sailing organizations in their area as well as instructional programs available," said Hine, the Convention's Creator/Director. "We have something meaningful for everyone. One of our previous attendees enjoyed the program so much that said it was the best day of her life. We really try to make it that kind of experience for everyone."

Sponsored by BoatUS and a host of other local businesses and marine-related companies, the daylong, ladies-only series of shore-and-boat-based workshops offer beginners to experts a welcoming environment to learn more about all topics sailing.

Attendees select a combination of workshops in areas that best fits their interest and ability. Course instructors are top women sailors, many of whom are U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captains. Workshops include: Welcome Aboard for Beginners, Diesels, Going Up the Mast, Docking, Suddenly Singlehanded, Weather, Sail Trim, Basic Navigation, Electronic Navigation, Electrical Systems, DIY Canvas Projects, How to Heave a Line, Nighttime Navigation, Winch Workshop, Spinnaker Rigging, Offshore Cruising, How to Avoid Mistakes, the Art of Motorsailing, and Introduction to Sailing.

Capping the event, the dinner's featured speaker will be Haley Lhamon, a member of the 2018 eight-member team of women who won the 2018 R2AK (Race to Alaska). Known as one of the most challenging on water races in America that takes place over 750-miles of cold, treacherous waters up the famed Inside Passage, R2AK participants may not use a motor and are literally on their own - no support along the way is permitted.

From Port Townsend, Washington to Ketchikan, Alaska, Lhamon's "Sail Like a Girl" team planned well, practiced, and had plenty of moral support from families and friends to win with the first all-women team and first monohull, a Melges 32. Lhamon grew up in Texas in a big family and learned to sail at a young age, becoming a winning competitive youth sailor and later cruising distant waters in Europe, South America and New Zealand. A Stanford University graduate, Lhamon now resides in Washington State where she has been a strong promoter of youth sailing.

The early bird convention registration fee is $219, which increases $235 after Dec. 31. The fee includes workshops, breakfast, lunch, dinner, souvenirs and handouts. Prepaid-registrations are required as space is limited to approximately 240 attendees. To obtain a reservation form, email gail@sailingconventionforwomen or call 951-677-8121. Bookings can be made online on/after December 10, 2019 at SailingConventionforWomen.com.