NWSA/SCYA Women's Sailing Conference
March 20–22, 2026 • Long Beach Yacht Club, California

NWSA and SCYA co-hosted the 2026 Women's Sailing Conference in Southern California in collaboration with historic Long Beach Yacht Club (LBYC).

The 2026 Women's Conference was 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.

The goal was to continue this tradition in a way that is sustainable and enduring. SCYA turned to local Southern California (SoCal) women's sailing associations and groups within it's member clubs and identifed and included key leadership in the 2026 planning effort and beyond. By collaborating with local, regional and national organizations, the future of the Southern California Women's Sailing Conference promises to bring together the best-of-the-best instructors, event planners and has kicked-off a new era of exciting women's conferences the SoCal community can look forward to each year. NWSA offered help to 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 delivered for women sailors of all experience levels
Combination of chalk-talk and on-the-water activities
Hosted a "mini regatta" as an encapsulation of the weekend
Up-leveled general knowledge, technical and leadership skills
Cultivated community, camaraderie, and the spirit of giving-back
Promoted local women’s sailing organizations in SoCal
Highlighted distinguished women leaders with a legacy of growing a SoCal women's sailing community

All workshops were led by enthusiastic and highly skilled women sail instructors and captains who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and expertise.