NWSA/SCYA Women's Sailing Conference Registration Open Until March 10

2026 NWSA/SCYA Women's Sailing Conference © NWSA

The National Women's Sailing Association (NWSA) and Southern California Yachting Association (SCYA) have collaborated to bring the Women's Sailing Conference to Long Beach, California. Both organizations are delighted to return to Southern California, where the founder of this women's sailing convention model, Gail Hine, conducted her conventions for over three decades.

Women and marine sponsors have expressed their desire for the conference to return to an area with a rich history of celebrating women's sailing. The historic Long Beach Yacht Club will be the primary venue for the conference from March 20-22, 2026.

The conference model is designed to bring together women instructors and students of varying skill levels for on-water and classroom courses, networking events, and camaraderie. This year's conference introduces new events, including an awards ceremony honoring distinguished women leaders who have demonstrated significant leadership to the growth of the southern California women's sailing community.

Saturday luncheon's keynote speaker is Allison Bell, who paints the perspective, "Taking a Winch Handle to the (Fiber)Glass Ceiling". Bell is the first female skipper to win Transpacific Yacht Race, Los Angeles to Honolulu, aboard her Cal 40 Restless. As a third-generation sailor Alli started with a family support team, then directed a thorough refit, coordinated team building and safety trainings for her crew. As commodore of the San Diego Yacht Club and vice commodore of the Transpacific Yacht Club, she balances time between sailing and as an independent consultant specializing in strategic planning, project management, facilitation, and research and evaluation.

The gathering starts Friday with an opening reception hosted by Women's Sailing Association, Long Beach (WSA-LB).

Saturday's programming encompasses a comprehensive day of classroom, dockside, and on-the-water workshops conducted by best-in-class female instructors and captains from various regions nationwide. Women have the flexibility to select a combination of classes that align with their skill requirements or opt for a specialized track, such as race management, advancing leadership in racing, or introductory courses for novice sailors. Everyone is invited to the luncheon and the day will be capped off with a happy hour and optional dinner.

Classes will resume on Sunday with extended class durations, enhanced networking opportunities, and increased hands-on sailing experiences on keelboats and dinghies. A social hour will sail into recognition for students achievements.

Registration continues until March 10, with next regular rate deadline of February 18. Registration includes access to all three days of the event, which encompasses the Friday reception, Saturday breakfast, lunch, and the NWSA AdventureSail fundraiser, Mustang Survival Fashion Show as well as Sunday breakfast, lunch and awards hours. Optional tickets to Saturday dinner will be available on a first-come basis.

The associations are proud to announce Captain Sponsor BoatUS, Skipper Sponsors Mustang Survival and Aqua Map and Crew Sponsor Belize Sailing Vacations. A full list of conference sponsors, in-kind supporters and fundraiser donors will be acknowledged on the conference website. Developments will be announced in NWSA and SCYA eNewsletters. Details will be announced on the conference website and NWSA website WomenSailing.org. Direct questions about conference registration or sponsorship opportunities to or .