MARBLEHEAD, Mass., April 12, 2010 -- Whether one is new to sailing or looking to sharpen racing starts or navigation skills, the ninth annual Women's Sailing Conference has something for everyone as the event returns to Corinthian Yacht Club in scenic Marblehead, MA, on Saturday, June 5.  The learning event is for women only.

Sponsored by BoatUS and organized by the National Women's Sailing Association , conference topics include introduction to sailing and racing, diesel engine troubleshooting, boat systems, knots, charting, crew overboard, night sailing, suddenly single-handed, spinnakers and more.

The conference includes continental breakfast, buffet lunch, handouts, raffle prizes and a gala dinner with guest speaker Kathy Parsons, who has lived aboard a sailboat for 20 years cruising the US, Bahamas, Central America and the Caribbean.  Kathy is the author of the popular language guides for boaters and most recently co-founded the Web site www.WomenandCruising.com which grew out of a series of popular Women and Cruising Seminars held at regional boat shows.

"This is a fun, relaxed training opportunity for women boaters at any level," said Elaine Dickinson, who heads the women’s outreach effort for BoatUS. “Even seasoned sailors learn something new or work on a special skill, and have a great time too. . The Corinthian Yacht Club has outstanding facilities and is the ideal setting for an enjoyable day on and off the water."

The cost is $115 for NWSA members and $150 for non-members ($15 additional after May 22). The event is limited to 150, and usually sells out. For details or to download a registration form, go to www.BoatUS.com/women/womens_sailing.asp . Conference Co-Chairs can also be contacted: Joan Thayer at 781-631-2084, joan_thayer@comcast.net and Marcia Bennet, marcia.bennet@verizon.net, 781-631-0612.

BoatUS also sponsors two West Coast women’s sailing conferences, the BoatUS Santa Maria Cup women’s match race, and offers an informational women's boating Web site at www.BoatUS.com/women .

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About BoatUS:

BoatUS – Boat Owners Association of The United States – is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing over half a million members with government representation, programs and money saving services. For membership information visit www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.