No Pressure Learning At Women's Sailing Conference, June 7

 Whether one is new to sailing or looking to sharpen racing starts or navigation skills, the seventh annual Women's Sailing Conference has something for everyone as the event returns to Corinthian Yacht Club in scenic Marblehead, Mass., on Saturday, June 7.

The all-day workshops specifically for women are sponsored by BoatU.S. and organized by the National Women's Sailing Association. Topics include docking techniques, spinnakers, diesel engines, suddenly singlehanded, using spring lines, safety gear, planning for a coastal cruise as well as recovering crew overboard, a race committee primer and more.

The conference includes continental breakfast, box lunch, numerous handouts, and a gala dinner with a guest speaker and raffle prizes. This year's speaker is Maureen "Moe" Roddy a world-class sailor, mother and cardiac surgical nurse who launched the Red Dress Racing Campaign to raise awareness about women's cardiac disease and inspire women to take control of their health.

Roddy and her racing partner were the first all-women's team to complete the Bermuda One Two, a grueling race in which Roddy raced solo from Newport to Bermuda, then back to Newport with her crew. Moe campaigns her boat under the Red Dress banner.

"For women new to boating this is a fun, relaxed training opportunity," said Elaine Dickinson, who heads the women's outreach effort for BoatU.S. "Even seasoned sailors learn something new or work on a special skill, and have a great time too. Our host, the Corinthian Yacht Club, let the women take over the club for the day and everything's first class."

The cost is $115 for NWSA members and $150 for non-members.  The event is limited to 150, and usually sells out. For details or to register go to http://www.WomenSailing.org or call (866) 631-6972.

BoatU.S. also sponsors two West Coast women's sailing seminars, the BoatU.S. Santa Maria Cup, and offers an informational women's boating Web site at http://www.BoatUS.com/women