Windward Women of Halifax Sailing Association Hosts Florida Women’s Sailing Association to Promote Women’s Sailing on Florida’s East Coast
DAYTONA, FL. On the evening of February 22, 2023, the Windward Women, the women’s
sailing group of Halifax Sailing Association (HSA) hosted the leadership of Florida Women’s
Sailing Association (FWSA) and women sailors from sailing clubs all along the east coast of
Florida for an informational and networking presentation to promote women’s sailing in
Florida. The event, open to the public, was held at Ormond Beach Public Library. Florida
Women’s Sailing Association representatives and guests also visited the Halifax Sailing
Association’s site on the Halifax River in Daytona the following day to meet and spend time on
the water with HSA members.
Kathy Sinnett, chair of the Windward Women, reports that the event was very successful with
twenty-five women attending the event from St. Augustine, New Smyrna Beach and the
Orlando area along with four representatives of FWSA from the West Coast of Florida. The
informal event included introductions of attendees and of women’s sailing programs in Daytona
Beach (Windward Women) and St. Augustine (St. Augustine Sailing Sisters) and a presentation
on the FWSA. FWSA invited individuals and women’s sailing groups to join the FWSA to
formally grow the network of women’s programs in the state. Many women stayed afterwards
for dinner at the nearby Ormond Garage restaurant. The event was advertised through social
media, club websites and by posting at the local Halifax Harbor Marina.
The next steps include connecting women with sailing classes, programs and to start visiting,
sailing and competing with each other. Within the following week, several women signed up for
sailing lessons or membership at the Halifax Sailing Association, citing the welcoming and
supportive atmosphere. Kathy Sinnett states she continues to get calls from women who could
not attend the networking event and want to get involved. “The response to this event has
been fantastic. It’s clear that there is a desire and need for opportunities for women to sail”.
About Windward Women and Halifax Sailing Association
The Windward Women, created at the Halifax Sailing Association of Daytona Beach, is a group
open to all women members who strive to develop sailing skills and confidence on the water
through instruction, recreational sailing, and competition within a friendly and supportive
environment. The social component of the Windward Women fosters friendships through
events, on-the-water activities, and general club participation, including leadership roles and
community engagement.
Halifax Sailing Association has dedicated itself to promoting the sport of sailing and the values
of camaraderie and community since 1957. HSA is one of the oldest and most active sailing
clubs in Central Florida. Our facility is located on the Halifax River, close to downtown Daytona
Beach. HSA sponsors many races and other sailing activities and provides opportunities to
introduce children and adults to this sport year after year. We also provide affordable sailing
lessons so new sailors can learn to sail the safe and correct way from experienced, certified
sailing instructors. More information may be found at Windward Women's page
at www.halifaxsailing.org.
About Florida Women’s Sailing Association
Florida Women’s Sailing Association (FWSA) was founded in 1973 to promote and to encourage
the growth of women’s sailing groups in Florida. Nine member clubs from the west coast of
Florida are active members of FWSA. More information may be found at www.fwsa.net.
FWSA Officers: Beth Owens, Lynne Randall, Ann Carroll, Joy Sheets
Welcome by Lisa Herbster, HSA Commodore & Kathy Sinnett, chair Windward Women