The St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Sailing Association last Saturday, May 26 hosted the World Women’s Sailing Festival at the Blue Lagoon Marina and Hotel in which more than 40 women participated.

Regular sailor Shamesh Joseph with Kasey Robinson

According to a release from the Association, this global events bring together sailing communities from all backgrounds, cultures, and nations at the same time and aims to introduce women and girls across the globe to the sport of sailing.

The event drew participants from St Vincent, Bequia and Mayreau, as well as the USA, Canada and Venezuela. They were accompanied by events on the Caribbean Islands of Barbados, Sint Maarten, and Antigua and Barbuda.

It was exciting to see local female coaches, Scarlett Hadley and Lila Banfield in action. They both recently completed a World Sailing coaching course.With breezy conditions the sailors came off the water energized and wanting more.

Tabitha Lewis, a medical student on the island said, “I had a great time and loved every second. Our sail coach, Lila was so welcoming and absolutely professional”.

Coach Scarlett Hadley in action

Kate Punnet who sailed with her daughter Naia said: “It was a fantastic day! We had a great time”.

Members of the SVG Sailing Association’s Board Vanessa Hadley, and Sabrina Marks Dasent were part of the six strong female shore crew which is essential to the running of an event like this and described the event as “great”.

And , Anna Tunnicliffe, Olympic Sailing Gold medallist and niece of SVG Sailing Association President Jenny Trumble said, “It is incredible to see this event growing so strongly in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“Sailing is a sport which opens up so many opportunities for women, on and off the water, careers wise, health wise and for the buzz you get every time you are out on the water”.

The release notes that the SVG Sailing Association is gaining international recognition and has been asked to work with the Caribbean Sailing Association and World Sailing to help organise a Technical Coaching Course for Caribbean women later in the year.

Coach Lila Banfield in action