From first sail to the helm: the women building confidence on the water at North Sails Cowes Week

North Sails Cowes Week Women's Day © Sunsail

North Sails Cowes Week Women's Day © Sunsail

North Sails Cowes Week Women's Day © Sunsail

From first sail to the helm: the women building confidence on the water at North Sails Cowes Week

An all-female crew took to the water at North Sails Cowes Week Women's Day on 4 August 2026. Backed by Sunsail and supported by partners including Prometheus Sailing and the RYA, the day brought together women from across the sailing community - from club sailors, volunteers and industry professionals to skippers and those simply looking to spend more time on the water.

Women's Day at Cowes Week

While their sailing journeys may be different, their stories may echo those of many women across the sport: discovering sailing at a young age, stepping away as life changes, finding confidence on the water and looking for ways to stay involved. Together, they highlight the role community, opportunity and support play in helping women find - and keep - their place in sailing.

Among the crew was Ella Robbins, 28, who learnt to sail at Banbury Sailing Club at the age of 10 and remained an active member of the volunteer-run club through university. Inspired by the sailing community she grew up in, she qualified as an RYA Dinghy Instructor at 17 and went on to support others getting on the water.

Now looking to reconnect with the sport, Ella's story reflects an experience shared by many young sailors who step away as life changes, but continue to look for opportunities to stay involved in a sport that has shaped much of their lives.

Reflecting on the Day Ella said:
"Sailing has been a huge part of my life since I was young, but like many people, there have been times when other commitments have taken priority. Being part of this crew has reminded me how much I enjoy being on the water and how important the sailing community is. Days like this show that there are still opportunities to get involved, make new connections and build confidence, whatever stage of your sailing journey you're at."

Leading the crew was skipper Pippa, whose lifelong connection to the water reflects the many different ways people can build a life in sailing. After discovering dinghy sailing at the age of nine, she spent over a decade competing nationally and internationally before moving into instructing, coaching and sail training.

Having worked across yacht charter, sail training and powerboat training, Pippa has helped countless people experience the joy of being on the water. Her story highlights how sailing can evolve from a childhood hobby into a lifelong passion, career and community.

Also on board was Meredith Bailey, 25, a sailor and volunteer from Otley Sailing Club, one of Sunsail's Funding the Future-supported clubs. Through her work in sailability, Meredith represents the volunteers who help make sailing accessible and inclusive for others.

Meredith Bailey said:
"Being part of Women's Day was incredibly inspiring. Through volunteering I've seen how powerful getting people on the water can be, whether they're trying sailing for the first time or returning after years away. With only a handful of all-female crews taking part this year, the day highlighted just how important confidence, community and encouragement are in helping more women feel that sailing is a sport they belong in. I hope it inspires even more women and girls to get on the water and take part in the future".

Together, the crew reflected the many different ways women can be part of sailing — from grassroots clubs and volunteering to instructing, returning to the water and leading at the helm. Their stories show that sailing is not only about racing or qualifications, but also confidence, community and finding your place on the water.

For Lucy Castle, 29, Marketing Executive at Sunsail, the day reflected a lifelong connection to sailing. Having learnt to sail through a small local club, working in the marine industry has helped her reconnect with the sport and reinforced the importance of creating opportunities that help more women stay involved.

"I grew up sailing through a small local club, but I hadn't been out racing properly for a while. You don't need to be an expert to get involved or come back to sailing; you just need the confidence to give it a go. Last year, I was inspired to hear how some of the women who joined us had gone on to get back into racing and become more involved in the sport. Women's Day at Cowes Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate women in sailing, but it shouldn't be a tick-box exercise. There is still more we can do to help women feel welcome, supported and confident enough to stay involved for the long term. And it's great to be part of that."

Racing at Cowes

Women's Day also aligns with Sunsail and RYA's Funding the Future initiative, which this year focused on supporting club projects that encourage more women and girls to get on the water and stay involved in sailing. The day reinforced that focus, showing how confidence, community and opportunity help people find - and keep - their place in the sport.

While their backgrounds differ, each woman's story highlights the role local sailing communities play in helping people discover, enjoy and remain connected to the sport.

This year's Women's Day the Cowes Week fleet included 20% female skippers, compared with a regatta average of around 1-2%.

Cowes Week 2026

Sara Sutcliffe, RYA CEO commented:
"Creating opportunities for women and girls to enjoy, participate in and explore everything the water has to offer is a key priority for the RYA. Through initiatives such as JUMP and the Female Futures Group, we are creating more pathways for women across sailing and the wider marine industry. We're delighted to share this commitment with our partners and to be working with Sunsail on initiatives such as Funding the Future and Cowes Week to help more women thrive in sailing. Days like this help inspire, connect and support the next generation of women in the sport."

Simon Boulding, Managing Director of Prometheus Sailing commented:
"Prometheus Sailing and our Chief Instructor Karen Rawson has mentored female sailing for many years, and we are delighted to be involved in this initiative by Sunsail. Stakeholders in the sailing industry need to work together, using initiatives such as this, to encourage more female participation in the sport of sailing."