Sharing Sailing Makes the World a Better Place
By Marshall Williamson
Arizona Yacht Club isn’t alone in dealing with the challenges of maintaining and growing our membership, sharing our sport with newbies, and keeping sailing alive, vibrant, and relevant for the next generation of sailors. Yacht clubs everywhere face similar problems and grapple with the same questions … Why do yacht clubs seem to be dying? What can be done to bring young adults and families into our club? How can I get my spouse interested in sailing? How do I make sailing fun for my kids? What is all this talk about diversity in sailing?
Meet Marie Rogers, our August guest speaker and recent former commodore of the historic 120-year old Los Angeles Yacht Club , where she tackled these issues and founded LAYC’s Community Sailing Program. Marie will share her experiences in broadening the reach, and increasing the membership, of LAYC.
Join us on Zoom Tuesday, August 10, at 7PM. Guests are always welcome.
About Marie: Marie began her sailing life as an adult, sailing as first mate with her husband, Bill. Wanting to sail with friends even when Bill wasn’t available, she bought a Cal 25 and mastered it. Her boat soon became the platform for LAYC programs, including a revamped “Women on The Water” program and the new Community Sailing at Los Angeles Yacht Club.
In addition to serving as LAYC’s 2019 Commodore – only the 2nd woman to do so, and the very first woman of color to hold the position – Marie is also the Director and Chair of the Southern California Yachting Association’s Inclusive Boating Committee. And she was just named as this year’s Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS)/National Women’s Sailing Association (NWSA) Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award honoree, which recognizes an individual with a record of achievement in inspiring, educating, and enriching the lives of women through sailing. Her transformation from adult novice sailor to expert included sailing lessons, studies of weather, navigation, and diesel mechanics, and earning her USCG captain’s license. She enjoys coastal racing aboard “Marie”, a Nelson Marek 55, and aboard her J/29 “Rush Street”. Marie also teaches sailing a several locations in Southern California. Oh, and then there’s the day job … she’s a teacher for kids in the entertainment industry!