Park City Sailing is launching a Women &Wind Series
Park City Sailing Association has been sailing on the Jordanelle for just over 10 years. During that time the club has seen growth. Association representative Casey Marsh says they’re now focused on increasing participation among women.
“We’ve had our organization out at the Jordanelle for quite some time now, but it’s been heavily dominated by males and so we really want to get some females on the water. So, we put together this program which is available to any ability level. It’s a light lesson with some social aspect involved. We have a lesson out on the boats from 6:00-8:00 pm and then we come back to the little picnic area at the new building out there for a social hour.” Marsh explained further, “This coming Wednesday we’re going to have Sally Barkow come out. She is a female Olympic sailor as well as being a part of a Volvo Ocean Race team. She is leading the charge for women empowerment, so she was the perfect fit to get other women involved.”
The Volvo Ocean Race is a yacht race aorund the world. Sally Barkow will participate in a Q&A following the lesson on the water.
“She raced for about 10 years with the Olympics. Then she moved on from there to Volvo ocean racing, which is a huge event. They rose to the top with an all-female crew. It’s pretty special to have a summer Olympian.”
Marsh says that Park City Sailing is hoping to attract more women of all ages.
“We’re going to try and have different events along with our Women Wednesday programs. (Sally Barkow) will be coming out to do a Q&A that’s open to all ability levels and all ages. So, we really hope to get some of the young female athletes in town out as well.” Marsh continued, “It’s a great time for mothers and daughters to come out to the lake and inspire that next generation.”
Some may wonder if mountain lakes are the best location for sailing. Marsh says the mountain conditions, including the wind, give sailors a good variety.
“It’s actually a good thing. It teaches you a lot of different skill sets, and it teaches you to learn on the fly. The instructors that we have out on the lessons are well-capable to handle all the guests that we have. It makes it kind of fun, that you get a little bit of everything while you’re out on the water.”
The event is open to those both in and outside of the association.
“The event this week on Wednesday had been sold out but we just opened up some new spots in the boats so that we can have more women out in the boats as part of the lesson.” Marsh said, “You can just join us for the social hour afterwards if you don’t make it in to one of the lessons. You don’t have to be a member of our organization to be a part of this event. This is open to everyone.”
