'It is a fact that men and women are 'wired' differently. Sailing has been designed by men for men,' says SCOTT-MACKIE. 'The committee is looking at providing women with want they want in terms of introductory pathways - making sailing accessible, removing the mystique and translating the jargon. To retain numbers we will repackage sailing. Sailing is not just about being personally fit - it's a 'thinking' and socializing activity too.'
SCOTT-MACKIE has invited a group of women to join the Yachting New Zealand (YNZ) Women on Water Committee which will discuss the issues surrounding women and sailing with the objective of providing the YNZ Board with a strategy in five months time. Each is selected for the unique perspective they offer to the task of deciding how the national body can make the sport of sailing more accessible to women.
'There is significant opportunity for sailing to become more attractive to women,' says Yachting New Zealand's Chief Executive, Des BRENNAN. 'This initiative is complex and is of great value to our sport.'
Wide Range Of Interests
The ten member Committee has representatives from the wide range of interest groups that women in sailing encompasses. From sailing school director, Penny WHITING to 2005 New Zealand Youth representative Georgina HILL, to ISAF Women's Sailing Committee Chair Adrienne GREENWOOD. Jan DAWSON, keelboat racer and formerly on the Women's Yachting Trust NZ is involved as are Kate SPACKMAN, Ngaire MONK and Mary Ellen BATCHELOR from Canterbury, Otago and Taranaki respectively. Solo ocean racer and product of the RYA system Emma RICHARDS is on the committee and so is current YNZ Olympic Squad sailor, Raynor SMEAL.
The Committee is responsible for reporting back to the Yachting New Zealand Board with suggestions for an on going strategy in August this year.
One News told the story last night. View the short clip on the TVNZ website HERE under Videos.
