Breaking Barriers and Building Connections: Empowering Female Sailors in Northern Ireland

Female sailors are finding their voices, their community, and their confidence on the water with Ballyholme Yacht Club and RYA Northern Ireland.

Photo credit - RYA Northern Ireland

Taking place on a sunny April weekend in 2024, 25 female sailors and 4 female coaches came together for an action-packed sailing camp complete with a range of activities from panel discussions to multiple boat class sailing experiences, making connections and learning skills along the way.

Reflecting on The Status Quo

In May 2023, RYA Northern Ireland commissioned groundbreaking research conducted by Dr. Emma Vickers, shining a spotlight on the gender disparity in sailing participation across the region.

Putting women at the heart of what they do, the research is part of RYA Northen Ireland’s ongoing ‘Navigating the Future’ strategy to create an active community working together on or around the water, where everyone has a place.

With only 3,467 of the 9,753 club members being female, the findings were clear: women and girls faced unique challenges that limited their progression in the sport.

Photo credit - RYA Northern Ireland

Reflecting on the key barriers that were identified within the research, included

• A lack of visible female role models in sailing.
• The male dominance of the sport, deterring female participation.
• Limited career opportunities for women in sailing, as perceived by female pathway squad members.
• A need for education on managing menstrual cycles during extended events on the water.
• The importance of female advocates and coaches equipped to address health topics, breaking taboos.

But these challenges sparked action.

A Weekend of Empowerment: The Female Focused Camp

Photo credit - RYA Northern Ireland

On April 27–28, 2024, the first-ever ‘Female Focused Camp’ was held at Ballyholme Yacht Club. This groundbreaking event, inspired by Dr. Vickers' research, brought together 25 young female sailors and four experienced female coaches to redefine what it means to be a woman in sailing.

Led by three-time Olympian Ali Young, the camp offered participants a chance to:

Train under an all-female coaching panel, including Robyn Phillips, Jenna Reid, and Charlotte Eadie—offering much-needed representation and role models.

Try out various boat classes, such as Toppers, ILCA, Feva, and 29ers, expanding their knowledge of pathway options in the sport.

Engage in tailored education sessions on menstrual cycle management while sailing, equipping them with knowledge essential for long days on the water.

“The themes for the weekend were around connection and being the best me,” Ali Young said. “We wanted them to connect and share some learnings and build some friendships across the sport. We also wanted them to learn how to build that drive to see how they can get the best out of themselves. Ultimately, when they build connections, enjoyment and positivity for the sport, that’s what will carry them on into the future”.

The camp's impact has been immediate and far-reaching. Feedback from participants shows a shift in knowledge, confidence, and camaraderie:

• 22% increase in participants rating their understanding of menstrual cycle management as “high.”
• 48% felt their sailing skills had significantly improved over the weekend.
• 88% built better connections with other female sailors.
• 100% would recommend the experience to others.

Female Focused Camp | RYA Northern Ireland

Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum

The Female Focused Camp is just the beginning. With initiatives like this, RYA Northern Ireland is committed to building a more inclusive sailing culture. Plans are underway to expand these opportunities, ensuring female sailors in Northern Ireland have the tools, representation, and encouragement they need to thrive. As these young women take to the water, they’re not just navigating their boats—they’re navigating change, proving that the future of sailing is bright, bold, and inclusive.