NWSA/SCYA Women's Sailing Conference
March 20–22, 2026 • Long Beach Yacht Club, California
NWSA and SCYA will co-host the 2026 Women's Conference in Southern California in collaboration with historic Long Beach Yacht Club (LBYC).
The 2026 Women's Conference is being produced in the spirit and support of Gail Hine, who held conventions in the area for more than 30 years. A hallmark of these conventions was the opportunity for women from across the nation to convene once a year for camaraderie, networking and to advance their skillset in order to continue growing the community and advance the sport of sailing.
In 2026, the goal is to continue this tradition in a way that is sustainable and enduring. SCYA has turned to local Southern California (SoCal) women's sailing associations and groups within it's member clubs to identify and include key leadership in the 2026 planning effort and beyond. By collaborating with local, regional and national organizations, the 2026 Women's Sailing Conference promises to bring together the best-of-the-best instructors, event planners, and venue to kick-off a new era of exciting women's conferences the SoCal community can look forward to each year. We are grateful for the support of the National Women's Sailing Association to help re-establish this event for the SoCal Area J community in 2026!
National Women’s Sailing Association and Southern California Yachting Association - working together
EVENT OVERVIEW
- Two-day experience designed for women sailors of all experience levels
- Combination of chalk-talk and on-the-water activities
- Exploring hosting a "mini regatta" as an encapsulation of the weekend, including a new, perpetual trophy!
- Up-leveling general knowledge, technical and leadership skills
- Cultivate community, camaraderie, and the spirit of giving-back
- Promote local women’s sailing organizations throughout Area J
- Awards luncheon, highlighting distinguished women leaders with a legacy of growing the SoCal women's sailing community
Our workshops are led by enthusiastic and highly skilled women sail instructors and captains who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and expertise.
If you’re not a member yet, join us now to secure your first class choices in early January, 2026. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with fellow women sailors! If you are not a NWSA member, join now to get your first class choices in early January, 2026.
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Whether you are an absolute beginner or you are working on your race start strategy, we eager to share sailing with you!
Schedule at a Glance
Friday, March 20th
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Saturday, March 21st
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Sunday, March 22nd
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SUPPORT THE CONFERENCE
We are so grateful for the continued support of conference sponsors. Each year we are able to offer more opportunities for companies, organizations, brands and individuals to reach a targeted audience of women sailing enthusiasts. See our 2026 list of Sponsor Benefits by clicking the button on the right.
The Women's Sailing Foundation will hold an NWSA AdventureSail and Scholarship Fundraiser on Saturday evening. Silent Auction and Raffle items of all nautical interest are welcome such as art, jewelry, sailing vacations, sailing school certificates, nautical gear, books and more. Donor names will be acknowledged on the conference website.
Have an item to donate to help raise funds at our raffle or silent auction? You may click the button on the right to get to the donor form.
BE A PRESENTER OR INSTRUCTOR
Our conference attendees come from across the nation to be inspired by the expertise, wisdom and experience of our women volunteer instructors and special interest presenters.
Please, consider putting forth your ideas and skills to participate in our next conference.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 CONFERENCE SPONSORS
Master Sponsor
Captain Sponsors
Skipper Sponsors
Crew Sponsors
Deck Sponsors
2026 In-Kind Conference Supporters
2026 Silent Auction and Raffle Fundraiser Donors
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