Steering the Course 2025 concludes with a celebration of women in sailing

In Sydney, Australia, the Ladies of the Sea Coaching Regatta held at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron on 3 October welcomed over 130 participants to enjoy expert on-water and off-water coaching from experienced yachtswomen for a windward/leeward race series on Sydney Harbour.  

In total, the 2025 Ladies of the Sea Coaching Regatta brought together 19 boats from 23 clubs across Australia for a weekend of learning, racing, and camaraderie. 

 

The following day, Sint Maarten Yacht Club hosted an Open House to introduce as many women from across the island to sailing. Over 100 people took the chance to learn the basics of sailing and get out onto the clear blue Caribbean waters.  

 

Dhuha Albeshr from the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation presented on the National Female Programme covering their four key areas of activation in participation, performance, coaching and officiating.  

Catch up on the webinar here:

Fiona Kidd, World Sailing’s Head of International Development, said, “Steering the Course continues to make an important positive impact on the lives of women around the world. The exposure to a new sport, new courses and new pathways create opportunities for a career, lifelong learning, and the chance to inspire others. 

“Each year the numbers of women of all ages getting involved are increasing at all levels of the sport and for many, activities like those organised during Steering the Course are the launchpad for further exploration within the sport.” 

World Sailing also helped support the development of sailing around the world during Steering the Course with several training programmes in Asia and the Caribbean. 

This summer, the Andrew Lewis Sailing Academy in Trinidad and Tobago joined Steering the Course by hosting an all-female week of sailing camp directed by Alexis Harridan, who has previously completed the World Sailing Level 1 Technical Course for Coaches.

From 30 June to 22 August, the club taught 46 females to sail, from which two female ILCA 4 racing sailors have been discovered. The club aims to continue pushing female empowerment in sport as Coach Alexis starts her new initiative entitled “the Girl’s Sailing Club” which will provide support community engagement and develop female participation in the sport locally at both primary and secondary school level. 

From 15-21 September, the Penghu Guanyinting Sailing Centre in Chinese Taipei hosted a Steering the Course Technical Course for Coaches Level 2 where 12 women completed the newly updated Technical Course for Coaches Level 2, learning about coaching racing sailors and ensuring effective coaching practices. 

Coach developer, Tania Elias Calles, who delivered the course noted, “Overall this TCC Level 2 in Pneghu was an extraordinary experience. The diversity of the group created a rich learning environment that led to noticeable growth and transformation in all participants.” 

At the same time, the Women’s Networking Event held in Cowes, Isle of Wight, with Musto and hosted by Dee Caffari MBE welcomed over 20 female athletes as part of the Offshore Double Handed World Championship activities. 

One of the final events of the first Steering the Course festivals this year was a special National Race Officer Training Programme – Level 1 in Algeria. Seventeen women successfully completed the programme held at the Ecole de Voile in Algiers. The women came together across two days to take the first part of the new World Sailing National Programme, developing their skills in Race Management practising taking wind readings, using race committee equipment and reflecting on the Racing Rules of Sailing. 

This programme was funded by World Sailing and run as part of Steering the Course to develop the skills of female sailors in Algeria. 

In Hong Kong, China, the Hebe Haven Yacht Club held a three-day Umpire Clinic from 3–5 October, also funded by World Sailing and run through Steering the Course, consisting of one day in the classroom and two days on the water umpiring Optimist team racing. The nine female participants, with a wide age and experience range, eight of whom were local and one from China, were coached by Chris Atkins (GBR), David Pyron (USA) and David Fan (HKG).  

Despite the challenging weather, the group was a great mix of those with racing experience and coaching/officiating experience, which enabled them to cover both classroom sessions and some practical on the water learning before the weather set in. Video footage then provided practical teaching support. 

Towards the end of October, the Royal Cape Yacht Club in Cape Town, South Africa, will continue its Ullman Sails Women’s series. Race Day 1 brought together 26 boats and more than 120 women.  

 

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The Seychelles Yachting Association will also be holding a special Steering the Course regatta on Sunday 26 October to build on the legacy of the Level 1 Technical Course for Coaches held on the island last year and the progress so far. 

The second festival of the year took the total of nations participating in Steering the Course to 30, with 38 individuals taking part in World Sailing Officials Courses and a further 25 completing World Sailing Coaching Courses.