Photo Credit: NWSA

SPRINGFIELD, Va., Oct. 16, 2026 – The National Women’s Sailing Association (NWSA) has opened nominations for the 2027 BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award, which is co-sponsored by the Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) and the National Women’s Sailing Association. Since 1999, the national award has sought to recognize an individual from the United States with a record of achievement in inspiring, educating, and enriching the lives of women through sailing. Past recipients have included sailing instructors, writers, sailboat racers and cruisers, marine industry professionals, and boating club leaders from a wide variety of backgrounds.

“For more than 25 years, BoatUS has been proud to co-sponsor the National Women's Sailing Association's annual awards program, recognizing the remarkable women who are shaping the future of sailing through leadership, mentorship, competition, and service,” said Heather Lougheed, vice president of BoatUS Association.

Nominations are being accepted at the NWSA website linked here through February 1, 2027. The recipient will be announced at the June 2027 NWSA Women’s Sailing Conference in Boston, Mass. Questions may be sent to leadership@womensailing.org.

“We are proud to recognize an individual who has significantly impacted women’s sailing through their contributions to the sailing community and sport,” said NWSA President, Debby Grimm.

Grimm added, “We seek to introduce more women to sailing, a lifetime sport and healthy lifestyle to share with others. Sailing teaches leadership, S.T.E.M. skills, team building and promotes enjoyment of nature and responsibility. Both our organizations help nurture the skills and sense of community to help sailors grow throughout their boating lives.”

The 2026 honoree was Karen Prioleau, a lifelong educator who has inspired women to further their maritime education. After more than two decades at Orange Coast College, including skippering the S/V Alaska Eagle, she saw her female class attendance grow from zero to 40% female. Her instruction at US Sailing’s Safety at Sea programs and training for other ocean cruising and racing organizations has reached many sailors of all ages. To read about previous Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award recipients, visit https://www.womensailing.org/leadership-in-womens-sailing.php. 

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About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):

Celebrating 60 years, BoatUS is the nation’s largest advocacy, services and safety group with more than 740,000 dues-paying members. BoatUS is the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill, fighting for their rights. The TowBoatUS® fleet is available 24/7 to assist our members on the water when boats break down or run aground with some 660 vessels and 330-plus locations across North America, bringing our members safely back to the launch ramp, marina or dock. On the road, we are The Boat Owners Auto Club™, helping ensure roadside trailer and tow vehicle breakdowns won’t slow you down. BoatUS offers GEICO boat insurance policies that give boat owners affordable, specialized coverage and the superior service they need. Award-winning BoatUS Magazine is the largest circulation recreational marine publication in the U.S. with engaging content that speaks to the passion for boat ownership, while our 501(c)(3) nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water offers the nation’s only free online boating safety course and many other programs that keep boaters safe, and our waters clean. For more information, visit BoatUS.com.

About National Women’s Sailing Association:

Founded in 1990 by Hall of Fame sailor Doris Colgate, the National Women’s Sailing Association is a program of the Women’s Sailing Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit membership organization based in the U.S. It maintains the mission to offer support for women sailors of all ages and work to develop educational programs and venues for women; act as the informational clearinghouse for women who sail; enhance the life experiences of women through sailing and support individuals and organizations that involve women in sailing. The organization also seeks to enable women find community and mentorship among their peers, as well as create leadership opportunities. Through membership, donations and sponsorship, NWSA continues to maintain AdventureSail®, a program designed for underserved girls, the Learn to Sail Youth Sailing Scholarship, the Sue Corl Sailing Scholarship, Gail Hine NWSA Conference Scholarship and the BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award. For more information visit WomenSailing.org.