Want to get out on the water? Come sailing with qualified women skippers on the Ideal 18s!

Started in 2012, Ladies Sailing is open to all Club women and seeks to improve seamanship and on-the-water confidence through instruction, recreational sailing, and friendly competition. In addition, the social component of Ladies Sailing fosters friendships through social events and activities organized, led, and taught by the ladies themselves.

The Ladies Sailing program makes use of the 6 boat Club-owned Ideal 18 fleet. 2-3 women sail each boat, which are renowned for their ease of use, comfort, and practicality for instructional, competitive, and recreational sailing applications. During the boating season, Ladies Sailors (aka "Ideal Women") have a chalk talk in the clubhouse before riding the launch out to the Ideals. Accompanied by instructors in a powerboat, the sailors practice boat-handling, experiment with tactical situations, and compete over round-the-buoy courses set in the harbor. Returning to the clubhouse, the Lady Sailors debrief on their sailing experience and enjoy cocktails followed by an informal dinner, often with spouses and friends.

Other activities include excursions on member yachts, mid-winter planning meetings and get-togethers, awards dinners, and field trips to women sailing clinics in the northeast. Ladies Sailing takes place on Thursday evenings, 5-8 pm beginning late May. All skill levels welcome. Click to see an article about our Ideal Women in the Westerly Sun!

What the participants say

“I really like sailing with the ladies because I have met more club members in the last 2 months than in the 2 years we have been members. The boats are easy to rig and sail, easy on the body (no bruises), no getting wet (unless you chose to). It is something that the club offers beyond dining. Who won’t want to be called an “ideal woman”.

"The program gives access to the boats and everyone feels welcome no matter their sailing experience. I enjoy the company and dining with the group after sailing. This program recognizes that we are a club with more than just couples with their own boats.”