Fiji lays strong foundations for sailing in the Pacific after inspirational Steering the Course debut

Marking a major milestone for the region, the country took part in World Sailing’s Steering the Course women’s sailing festival for the first time, connecting a new generation of sailors with the rich, living maritime heritage of the islands.

Hosted by the Fiji Yachting Association, activities included a ‘Fiji Steering the Course Night’ at Vuda Marina where a Women on Water session introduced just some of the possibilities for women in sailing. This was followed by a Raft-Up, sunset drinks and a Talanoa Circle – a traditional Pacific Islands concept for promoting inclusive, transparent, and participatory dialogue.

The organisers delivered a wonderful evening where short, inspiring stories from female sailors on topics such as confidence, their experience as a female yacht captain, traditional sailing and why sailing matters, were well received and aimed to strengthen the bond Fijians have with their ancestral knowledge, traditional navigation, and a deep respect for the ocean.

Participants relished the chance to share stories of navigating both high-level competition and grass-roots development in the Pacific.

Staged against the backdrop of Fiji’s vibrant maritime landscape, the gathering achieved exactly what the global initiative set out to do under this year’s theme of ‘Give to Gain’: break down traditional barriers and open the doors to the ocean for new sailors and women in the wider community.

Throughout the night, the atmosphere remained positive, inspiring and engaging, demonstrating a profound appetite for female-focused mentorship and sporting pathways in the region.

Organisers believe that this successful debut has laid a strong foundation for future initiatives in Fiji. Far from being a one-off celebration, the event is being viewed as a catalyst for long-term growth.

Lisa Philp, Secretary of the Fiji Yachting Association, said, “Steering the Course really resonated with us because it wasn’t just about sailing it was about creating a welcoming space where women and girls could connect, try something new, build confidence and feel like they belong on the water. In Fiji, many women already have a strong connection to the ocean, but opportunities to participate in sailing, coaching and leadership haven’t always been visible or accessible. Events like this help change that.

“One of the things we were most proud of was the atmosphere. It was relaxed, fun and inclusive, with participants ranging from experienced sailors to women who had never sailed before. We saw friendships formed, confidence grow and plenty of laughter throughout the afternoon and evening. Those moments are often the beginning of a much bigger journey.

“As a federation, we’re also committed to ensuring sailing is a safe and welcoming sport for everyone. Creating environments where participants feel respected, included and supported is fundamental to growing our sport, and initiatives like Steering the Course align beautifully with that vision.

“Looking ahead, we’d love to make Steering the Course an annual event in Fiji and continue expanding opportunities for women and girls not only as sailors, but as coaches, officials, volunteers and leaders within our sailing community. We’re a small nation, but we have an incredibly passionate community, and we believe that by creating positive first experiences and strong connections, we can inspire more women to stay involved in the sport for years to come.”

The overarching hope now is to build on this immense momentum and officially make Steering the Course an annual event within the Fijian sailing calendar, ensuring that the next generation of female sailors, coaches and leaders have a permanent platform to thrive.

Images courtesy of Fiji Yachting/RAW Fiji