Irish Sailing is pleased to announce the speakers for the inaugural Women on the Water Wavemakers Forum, bringing together women from sailing clubs around the country to share experiences, explore opportunities and discuss how to support and grow women's participation in the sport. The forum will feature speakers from across the Irish Sailing community, with sessions covering event organisation, media and storytelling, advocacy, participation programmes and the experiences of women in leadership roles.
The morning will open with words from Nancy Rooney of the Irish Sailing Board, followed by an appearance from award-winning poet Dr Eleanor Hooker. Oonagh Healy, Irish Sailing’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, will then share the Irish Sailing perspective on women’s participation and inclusion in the sport.
The programme will continue with Sonia Boehringer from Lough Derg Yacht Club will talk about the practicalities of running a Women on the Water event, followed by Jill Somerville who will discuss The Road to Women at the Helm.
The afternoon session will start off with a practical guide for media coverage & storytelling at sailing events given by Irish Sailing Communications Executive, Lisa Jean O’Reilly. Competetive sailor Nicole Hemeryck will then speak about the benefits of programmes and advocacy for young people in the sport, especially young women. Dearbháil Foley from Tralee Bay Sailing Club will then say a few words about Setting the Sail for women in sailing.
A panel discussion will bring together Rosemary Cadogan, Commodore of the National Yacht Club, and Mairéad Ní Cheallacháin, National Race Officer, to share their perspectives and experiences and the day will then conclude with a Q&A session with all speakers, followed by some closing words from former Irish Sailing President Sue Concannon.
We are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone to Lough Derg Yacht Club this Sunday for this inaugural event!
