Following a successful application, Galway Hooker Sailing Club was delighted to be awarded €2,546 to pursue its Women In Sailing Proposal. Their aims are to provide subsidised sailing courses to encourage more female helms, establish in-house female sailing instructors and to launch an annual Women at the Helm Race.
All female crew were invited to register their interest in sailing courses and instructor training with remaining places filled by male crew. A Hawk 15 was rented for training, with instruction led by Trish Kineen and Malachy Kinsella.
An expression of interest was circulated among all crew members, inviting female sailors to apply for instructor training. Three members initially applied; however, one subsequently withdrew. At present, efforts are ongoing to secure a Keelboat Instructor who is available and willing to deliver the course. Any remaining places will then be offered to the wider crew. The long-term objective is to develop female in-house instructors, providing visible role models at the helm and reinforcing the belief that “if they can see it, they can be it.”
The club aims to establish a Women at the Helm Hooker Race or form an all-female racing crew to compete in in-house club races, with the purpose of developing racing skills and techniques. Unfortunately, adverse weather conditions prevented this from taking place during the current season. However, through the sailing courses and upskilling opportunities delivered this year, a strong foundation has been laid to enable its introduction in the coming season.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive with most crew commenting on the relaxed environment and the hands-on approach. 95% of participants said they would be interested in attending a course to upskill again.