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A number of females across the country have been introduced to sailing over the last few days as part of World Sailing's Steer the Course Sailing Festival.
A handful of clubs took advantage of the initiative to host various events, although this was limited by the lockdown in Auckland, with festivities ranging from have a go days to quiz nights.
Great Escape Sailing in the Bay of Islands welcomed 17 newcomers to sailing across three days while the Nelson Yacht Club attracted 30 for their casual sailing day last weekend.
"We had a fantastic few days out sailing this weekend," Julie Kidman from Great Escapes said. [We had] a really simple easy plan - meet at the Opua Cruising Club dock at 10am, bring your lunch and water bottles then head out for a day in the bay, returning to the club dock around 3pm.
"All the women said they really enjoyed it and would like to do more sailing. We had a range of experience aboard, generally those new to the sport, but we also had a boat owner and a couple of women who had sailed with their partners but perhaps never participated as much as they would have like to."
Everyone was invited to the Opua Cruising Club on Saturday afternoon, when Kidman explained what other opportunities there were for more sailing, such as crewing for club races, doing a formal sail training course, or simply taking the opportunity to sail on as many different boats as possible.
The Nelson Yacht Club hosted a casual sailing day on Saturday, when 30 sailors of all abilities and ages were treated to sunshine and a 10-knot breeze. Many went for a sail in 420s used for schools teams racing before enjoying a BBQ on the deck afterwards.
"Everyone had a great day and a few even found new crew," Rebecca Davies from Nelson said.
The aim of Steering the Course is to introduce women and girls across the globe to the sport of sailing, as well as encourage alternative pathways for those already within the sport, such as coaching or officiating.
The Southern Hemisphere edition of the festival runs until October 10, although it's hoped many of the events planned for the Auckland region will be staged at a later date once club activity is allowed.
You can find out more about Steering the Course here or contact Yachting New Zealand national sport development director Raynor Haagh by email.
