Women’s Sailing Program 2025

The Women’s Sailing Program eight-week session is half-way through. We have several new members joining our classes and new beginning sailors as well.

Our Monday 1:00PM class is small but energetic. Jack Frost and Bill Jones have been mentoring. David Dorrance has been terrific handling the safety boat and laying courses for the sailing lessons. The CT River has been full of debris and in some cases large trees. So not only do we look out for other boaters on the water but what is under the water with only a tiny tip of a branch showing. Very tricky.

The Monday 5:00PM class is well attended. We have had Mari Dow, Marily McKinnon, Joan Kirsch, and Mary Guidotti, Pru Rice mentoring the group. Some of the boats/sailors do not always need a mentor. I think the emphasis we are placing on helping the women become more confident is exciting to see. It is also true that the 5PM class is always on watch for river debris. A few giant fish have been jumping – perhaps to escape big floating trees?

The next 4-week session starting July 16th is all about the skill of racing an Ideal 18 and the knowledge of the Racing Rules of Sailing. We have all heard “OH no, I don’t like to race” but guess what, all we have heard is “Can we do one more race?” What is great about this 4-week class starting July 16th is that it will help prepare the women to enter the EYC Women’s Racing Championship in August. Last year it was a lot of fun and some light competition created many smiles.

We are excited to announce that the Essex Yacht Club is continuing the tradition of offering a sailing program exclusively for women members aged 18 and over. The program will be taught by two experienced Certified Level One instructors, and we have eight ideal 18-foot keel sailboats available for use.

If you feel like partaking in some fun sailing, we accept drop ins when we have room. A single class is $25. If you are interested, please contact Mary Guidotti [email protected] and see if there is space. 1:00PM will almost always have room. The 5:00PM class is full but people are traveling so you may luck out and you can join us for dinner.

MORE DETAILS BELOW

Sessions Offered
Two 8-week sessions focused on learning how to sail.
Two 4-week sessions focused on advanced sailing skills and racing.

We welcome sailors of all levels.

Each class will emphasize consistent practice, breaking down complex maneuvers into smaller, manageable steps. We’ll encourage feedback, prioritize tasks, minimize distractions, and set clear, achievable goals to track your progress.

Class Schedule

First 8-Week Class
Started Monday, June 9th
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00pm and 5:00pm - 7:00pm (followed by dinner)

More Sailing
First 4-Week Class (Advanced Sailing Skills):

Started Wednesday, June 18th
Time: 4:00pm

Second 4-Week Class (Racing Skills):

Begins Wednesday, July 16th
Time: 4:00pm

Space is limited, so don’t hesitate!

Questions? Email Deb Pearl: [email protected]