Women on Water

Inspiring Women

Antigua Sailing Week in partnership with the Antigua and Barbuda Sailing Association, the Antigua and Barbuda Marine Association and the National Sailing Academy are delighted to launch the Antigua and Barbuda Women in Sailing Mentorship Programme.

We are a still far from being gender equal on and off the water in sailing in not just Antigua and Barbuda, but worldwide. This new programme will demistify the sport and the industry and plans to introduce more girls and women into both.

We already have many women working in the industry as the leaders, but would like to see more, both on and off the water.

Over the last year ASW has worked with the National Sailing Academy and the Antigua and Barbuda Sailing Association on a fledgling Women’s Mentorship Programme with the objective of gaining gender equality in the sport of sailing. Of the programme, President of Antigua Sailing Week, Alison Sly-Adams, says, “For year two our focus is simply to introduce as many women as possible to grass-roots sailing in an enjoyable atmosphere. Dinghy sailing is fun, and lessons learned provide a solid foundation for moving onto other vessels. After that it’s up to the individual. If they want to further develop their interest either as recreation, sport or business, through their industry connections our mentors will be able to advise and help with that development.”

Meeting at the National Sailing Academy on Saturday afternoons, women of different ages and mixed abilities, from experienced to newbies, will head onto the water in dinghies with one objective – to have fun. The experience will take place in the safety of Falmouth Harbour with a coach boat in attendance. And, after sailing the team can relax together dockside over an optional sunset drink.

Rana-Jamila Lewis, ASW Events and Marketing Manager says, “In the run up to the first Antigua Sailing Week Women’s Race Day which was held on Thursday, May 5, 2022, organisers celebrated women already involved in sailing in Antigua and Barbuda, therefore exposing the different opportunities within the sport.” Key roles across the industry are already held by women and yet the grassroots programmes are still not balanced between male and female numbers.

Women on Water starts on Saturday 12th March at 4pm and will take place every Saturday at the same time. To register call or whatsapp +1 268 780-1345 or email watersports@nationalsailingacademy.org.

Read on for more information about the mentors.

Meet the Mentors