Leadership. Communication. Collaboration.
Sailing isn’t just a sport; it’s a life-changing experience that builds self-confidence, leadership skills, and strength. Women in Wind (WIW) cultivates alliances between people who identify as women in our community through the transformative experience of sailing. Sailing utilizes progressive skill building and a positive learning environment to empower women and girls through innovative, customized programs.
It’s an experience with lasting impact that includes personal challenges and time for reflection. In each session, participants lead, communicate, and learn from their peers, providing each student with opportunities for success.
Women in Wind Events
Join us for a festive experience on the waterfront! Events include on-water recreation (sailing or paddling, weather dependent) around Burlington Bay as well as on-shore activities like yoga. Afterwards participants meet on the deck for refreshments, and time to connect with each other.
Future Women in Wind Events to come in 2023!
For Women:
Women in Wind First Sail
Women Only: First Sail
If you aren’t sure if sailing is right for you or if you do not have time for a full course, this is the program that will get you out on the water. In partnership with US Sailing’s First Sail program, we are offering several opportunities throughout the summer for you to have your first sail.
Women Only: First Sail with Foam Brewers
Want to try sailing? Love local beer? Come on down to the waterfront for our First Sail program in partnership with our neighbors Foam Brewers. We will sail in the afternoon and walk over to Foam Brewers to enjoy a tasty local post-sail beverage as a crew.
Women in Wind Learn to Sail
Women Only: Dinghy Learn-to-sail Course
Sailing dinghies offers an excellent opportunity to get an active, hands-on introduction to the sport of sailing. These fun vessels seat 2 adults and bring you close to the water, allowing you to feel how the waves and wind affect the boat immediately.
Women Only: Keelboat Learn-to-sail Course
If you have never experienced big-boat sailing or enjoy the more relaxed side of the sport, then keelboats are the right boat for you. Along with several other adult students and an instructor, you will be aboard a 23-foot Sonar keelboat, all learning how to sail together.
For Girls:
Yogirls and Sailing
Girls Only Yoga and Sailing
Through yoga and sailing, our campers will connect to both the land and the lake environments as they practice balance, gain strength and become more flexible in the outdoors. Campers will start their day with yoga both on land and on SUPs and learn the basics of sailing in the afternoon. Ages 8-10.
Women in Science and Sailing
Femme-identifying STEM and Sailing
Take science to the lake with this Community Sailing Center and Lake Champlain Sea Grant – UVM Extension partner camp for girls, trans-women, and non-binary femme-identifying youth. Spend the mornings with the basics of sailing at the Sailing Center followed by afternoons in the lab or aboard a research vessel gathering data and learning about the Lake Champlain watershed from women scientists. Ages 11-15.
Girls Only Jr. Big Boat
Femme-identifying Big Boat Sailing
Learn the basics of Big Boat Sailing aboard a 33-Foot Tartan Ten. Sailors will spend the week on board the larger keelboat learning the new crew roles and skipper responsibilities that go beyond those needed to sail small boats. For girls, trans-women, and non-binary femme-identifying youth. Ages 12-16.
Contact
If you have questions about Women in Wind programs for 2023, please contact Education Manager Hannah Walton at (802) 864-2499 or hannah@communitysailingcenter.org
