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In honor of Women’s History Month, Marinalife celebrates the rise of ladies stepping into leadership roles in the marine industry, from women superyacht captains to avid female anglers. This spring and summer season is the perfect time to catch women’s fishing tournaments, networking events and educational programs along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Whether they support a charitable cause or educate all levels of boaters, the following events encourage women to get out on the water and show off their skills.
Narragansett Sailing School
Warwick, RI, April 13
Meet fellow female anglers and dive into educational topics and classes at this New England event. Learn about boat systems, navigation, sailboat racing and even sew upholstery for your boat.
Downtown Sailing Center
Baltimore, MD, begins April 15 (held first and third Mondays, May – September)
This sailing school aims to create an inclusive environment for women boaters of all skill levels. Learn to sail, brush up on your skills, or get competitive and join a race clinic. The program offers two levels: beginner and racing.
Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!
Fort Lauderdale, FL, April 19 – 21
Known as the “No-Yelling School of Fishing,” this organization hosts seminars, tournaments and immersion-based educational programs for lady anglers. The Saltwater Seminar provides classes, one-on-one sessions with pro instructors and a great opportunity to network.
Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!
South Tavernier, FL, May 17 – 19
This fun, “non-intimidating” tournament hosts two days of Florida Keys fishing for prizes. Catch mahi, king mackerel and tuna along the waters of Islamorada on your own boat or grab a spot on one of the reserved charters. Kickoff begins at Tavernier Florida Elks Lodge.
National Women’s Sailing Association (NWSA)
New Orleans, LA, June 8
In 1990, a group of women sailors and enthusiasts created this nonprofit to provide hands-on workshops and educational programs for lady mariners of all levels. This year marks the 25th anniversary of producing a conference held for women sailors, by women sailors. Hosted at the Southern Yacht Club along Lake Pontchartrain, join this wonderful opportunity to explore workshops, help support all-girls sailing scholarship programs and meet industry experts.
Old Salt Fishing Foundation
St. Petersburg, FL, June 20 & 22
For the past 35 years, this tournament has not only gathered gals from all over for a fun-filled day of competing, but it has also raised awareness and funds to support women’s health. The event kicks off with a dinner on Thursday, then weigh-in at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille at St. Pete Pier on Saturday. Proceeds support work by Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation.
Saltwater Sweeties
Aransas Pass, TX, July 12 – 13
Over 250 ladies come together for a chance to reel in a whopper along the southern shores of Texas at this annual event. The tournament is a fundraiser for the Coastal Bend Guides Association supporting Driscoll Children’s Hospital Chemo Kids and local communities.
Ocean City Marlin Club
Ocean City, MD, August 2 – 3
Just days before hosting the White Marlin Open, one of the world’s largest billfish tournaments, this beach town celebrates fisherwomen with their own exclusive Atlantic tournament. Join fellow female anglers for a chance to win prizes and benefit the OCMC Auxiliary Scholarship Fund.
Wine, Women & Fishing
Virginia Beach, VA, August 17 – 18
Have you ever seen an all-women fleet of ladies in pink reeling in a big one? Well, this is your chance! The Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation has raised more than $1 million for breast cancer research at Eastern Virginia Medical School. This tournament is open to all levels and encourages decorated boats and colorful ensembles.
For more on ladies-only fishing programs, check out our recent article on women and fishing.
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