In 2019, Wendy Sarnoff raced in the Transpac and was struck by the gender gap at the awards ceremony: 869 men and only 29 women completed the race, with just one woman on the navigation podium. Fast-forward to 2025, and we finally celebrated a female winner—a sign of progress, but there’s still work to do. While there are fantastic organizations supporting women sailors, such as Women on Water (WOW), the Women’s Sailing Association (WSA), the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association, and more, the numbers remain low across sailing and the maritime industry. Considering that 90% of the world’s goods are shipped by sea, it’s surprising that only 1.9% of maritime jobs are held by women, with just 0.12% serving as officers.
The incredible women already on the water make the sailing community vibrant, but it’s time to broaden the horizon. What keeps more women from sailing, racing, or pursuing maritime careers? Join us at our September general membership meeting, where Captain Wendy Sarnoff will help us create possibilities through engaging conversation and work to change the narrative.
Ladies—bring your friends! Men—bring every woman you know: daughters, nieces, and colleagues. Together, we can grow participation, inspire the next generation, and make sailing and the maritime industry more inclusive.
Join us on Tuesday, September 9, at 7pm. Doors open at 6pm, so arrive early for socializing and dinner. Guests are welcome!
FUNDRAISING FOR ASF: At the September meeting, 20% of food, non-alcoholic beverages, and gameplay will be donated back to the Arizona Sailing Foundation as part of our Spirit Night. Please plan to join us for dinner and help raise money for ASF!
Location: Dave and Busters in Tempe Marketplace (in the Showroom)
2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy / Suite 1100 / Tempe AZ 85281
Captain Wendy Sarnoff currently teaches in the maritime industry. She holds her 100 Ton MMC license, with sailing and towing endorsements, as well as USCG Train-the-Trainer certification. Capt. Wendy is an avid ocean racer and sailor. She instructs for US Sailing, serving as a Moderator in Training, delivering Safety-at-Sea courses and programs. She is a senior Master Instructor with American Sailing & American (Power) Boating. Capt. Wendy holds RYA and International Sailing License Credentials with a Master’s degree in Maritime Curriculum Development.