WOMEN AND SAILING

Women sailors from throughout the United States meet up in Newport Beach

Celtic Song and several of her crew participated in the 28th Annual Women’s Sailing Convention Feb. 4 hosted by the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club in Newport Beach.

We joined 227 women from 13 states, 49 percent of whom were there for the first time. Celtic Song was one of 18 boats that served as floating learning laboratories. We conducted a class on anchoring. I was one of 27 presenters who taught wide-ranging classes that included weather, rigging, navigation and boat mechanics among many others.

Our crew — Mora, Wendy and I — left San Diego Wednesday, Feb. 1 and motor sailed at about 6 knots. We anchored at Dana Point around midnight. Calm seas, sun and lots of dolphins kept us company.

We left Dana Point at 0800 with 15 knots of east wind that got us to Newport Harbor at 1030.

We left Newport about 2100 after the convention ended. Jean was at the helm with Jen, who has sailed out of Newport many times, guiding. The National Weather Service  predicted a 15-knot northwest wind with 20 knot gust. Instead, we had light winds.

Mora and Wendy took first watch; Jean and Diane were up next with Barb and Jen on deck for sunrise. Celtic Song was secure in her San Diego slip by about 1000.

It was a great few days of sailing, learning and meeting others passionate about sailing.

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Getting down and dirty with a winch

Lots to learn in the classroom and on the water