In spite of the progress made in recent years, women’s participation in sailing still remains disproportionately low compared to their male counterparts. While there are undoubtedly talented and passionate female sailors across the globe, the numbers often don’t reflect the true potential and interest that women have in the sport.

Initiatives aimed at increasing women’s participation in sailing are crucial to addressing this disparity. In light of this, the Royal Malta Yacht Club launched a new initiative – Ladies that Launch – aimed at promoting women’s sailing on the club’s brand-new fleet of RS Quests.

The initiative consists of a two hour session on the Club’s brand new and versatile RS Quests.  The choice of the RS Quests as the fleet for this initiative is strategic, as they provide the perfect platform for beginners to learn. Moreover, the inclusivity and accessibility of the RS Quests align perfectly with the initiative’s goal of breaking down barriers to entry for women in sailing.    After the sailing lessons, ladies are invited to stay for lunch at the Club’s restaurant, Port 21,  to mingle and connect with each other. This informal gathering provides an opportunity to build rapport and friendships, both on and off the water.

Aptly beginning on the 8th of March, International Women’s Day, this initiative marks a significant step forward in advancing gender equality in the sport of sailing and is built around World Sailing’s initiative, Steering the Course, which seeks to introduce sailing as a recreational activity to new participants amongst other activities surrounding this initiative.  

“The timing of the initiative’s launch on International Women’s Day is symbolic, underlining the commitment of the sailing community to gender equality and the empowerment of women” remarked David Cremona, Commodore of the Royal Malta Yacht Club