The Official
Website of the
International
Sailing Federation

BAXTER, a member of the ISAF Women's Sailing Committee and Women's Forum, was instrumental in preparing US SAILING for the 21st century with a comprehensive reorganization of the group. In accepting the award, BAXTER spoke graciously about how sailing has enriched her life and cemented friendships that last a lifetime. She has raced in 27 Chicago-to-Mackinac races and excelled in racing Lasers, Etchells, as well as offshore boats. She is a member of the Chicago Yacht Club.

The award is co-sponsored by BoatU.S. and the National Women's Sailing Association (NWSA) and honours a male or female who has a record of achievement in giving something back to the sport of sailing as well as inspiring and educating women. 'Janet BAXTER, in taking such a high-profile leadership position at US SAILING, shows that women can excel at every level - both on the water and in the board rooms,' said Elaine DICKINSON of BoatU.S. in presenting the award with NWSA President Valli COOK.

Like Clockwork

The 2 June Women's Sailing Conference was organized by the NWSA and gives women sailors, from novices to experts, an opportunity to network with other women while learning new skills or brushing up on old ones. The conference ran like clockwork as women took to the water for hands-on training sessions in man overboard, racing skills, spinnaker and up the mast. Land-based workshops included diesel engines, knots, anchoring, marine electronics and cruising preparation. With nearly 100% female instructors, many of them U.S. Coast Guard-licensed operators, this year's students showed the same enthusiasm as in years past.

Following a gala dinner, featured speaker Maureen MCKINNON-TUCKER described how she found a way to hold onto her passion for sailboat racing even after she suffered a paralyzing accident. She is the first woman named to the US Disabled Sailing Team and is vying for a berth in the 2008 Paralympic Games in China. Some 60 prizes were raffled off, including an inflatable boat donated by West Marine. The raffle raised $2,500 for the AdventureSail programme for at-risk girls and boys, which NWSA also sponsors.

The conference is one of several women's events sponsored by BoatU.S. (Boat Owners Association of The United States). To find out more visit www.boatus.com/women.

ISAF has a keen and long standing commitment to Women's Sailing, and both the ISAF Women's Sailing Committee and ISAF Women's Forum focus on the development of women's sailing.