California On The Horizon

The Southern California Yachting Association, will hold its 24th Annual Women’s Sailing Convention on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013 at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club, Corona del Mar. Primary sponsor is BoatU.S. This event is open to all women interested in sailing from novice / beginner to expert. The conference is regularly attended by many Arizona women as well as Californians and others from across the United States.

Multi-Workshop Format

The event maintains its multi-workshop format: Attendees select a combination workshops in areas that best fits their interest and ability, such as: Welcome Aboard (for beginners), Diesels, Going Up the Mast, Introduction to Racing, Tactics, Docking, Overboard Procedures, Suddenly Singlehanded Interactive, Weather, Sail Trim, Basic Navigation, Maintenance Mania, DIY Canvas Projects, How to Heave a Line, Nighttime Sailing & Navigation, Hassel-Free Heads, Spinnaker Rigging, Offshore Cruising, and Introduction to Sailing.

The Melanie Patterson Memorial Race (BCYC) will be held in conjunction with the WSC Race workshop, in Harbor 20’s. All 30 of the workshops are presented by top women sailors from all over Southern California, many of whom are USCG Licensed Captains.

Pettibone Featured Speaker

To top off the event in the evening, veteran of two America’s Cups and two Volvo Ocean Races, world-class sailor Katie Pettibone will be the featured speaker after dinner. In addition she spent 14 days in June on the Arabian peninsula, where the Omani government was promoting the Sail Arabia race to begin training local crews (including women) to participate in world sailing events. Katie was among an international crew on Farr 30’s sailing through the Straits of Hormuz. She will be a very exciting speaker!

According to producer/director Gail Hine, “This event gives women an opportunity to meet many other women sailors, find out about existing women’s sailing organizations in their area, instructional programs available, and many other areas of interest for those who would like to do more — racing, cruising and day sailing. We have something meaningful for everyone.

New Areas Offered

For those who are already involved but desire more, we will offer some new areas of inspiration and instruction along with excellent networking opportunities.” Attendees have reported that this convention was one of their most rewarding boating experiences and the very best-organized event they have ever attended. It’s a sell-out every year. Rain will not cancel or diminish this event.

To Reserve Your Place

To obtain a reservation form (prepaid-registrations are required as space is limited to approximately 250), write Gail Hine, SCYA Women’s Sailing Convention, 23414 Mt. Ashland Ct., Murrieta CA 92562; 951-677-8121); email: Gail @scya.org or on the web at http://wsscyaweb.org/ (available after 12/10/12). The convention fee of $185.00 includes workshops, breakfast, lunch, dinner, souvenirs and handouts. There is early bird registration discount of $10 (12/10-12/31/12) for online registrations at http://wsscyaweb.org/.