Raising the sails, tying knots and a “man overboard” recovery. These are all things Courtney Power-Freeman now knows how to do, thanks to her involvement in the Women in Wind club.”The most important thing about this group is the community aspect and connecting people with each other,” Power-Freeman said.The club is part of the Community Sailing Center’s effort to break down barriers and empower women to learn the ropes of sailing with one another on Lake Champlain.”They’re very passionate,” said Women in Wind’s own Hannah Walton. “They’re a very dedicated group of people.”Walton helped found the club with Power-Freeman just two years ago. They wanted to give the ladies a chance at the helm, in an industry that is, for the majority, male-dominated. Since they started the club, 64 people have joined in on the fun.”It’s really good to have a space where women can support each other in this sport,” Walton said.It is held every Monday, rain or shine. With Burlington in the midst of a heat wave, and the haze on the horizons from wildfire smoke, they have had to spend some afternoons back on the docks.”You kind of just have to take what Mother Nature gives you,” Walton said. “Obviously, it’s really challenging when it’s warm out or when there is poor air quality and things like that. You have to adjust.”The club is always looking for new recruits, so if you are itching to set sail with this crew, the doors are always open.”We’re an open, inclusive and inviting group. I heard we’re pretty cool too,” Power-Freeman said, jokingly. If you are interested in joining their ranks, more information can be found on the Sailing Center website.
Raising the sails, tying knots and a “man overboard” recovery. These are all things Courtney Power-Freeman now knows how to do, thanks to her involvement in the Women in Wind club.
“The most important thing about this group is the community aspect and connecting people with each other,” Power-Freeman said.
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The club is part of the Community Sailing Center’s effort to break down barriers and empower women to learn the ropes of sailing with one another on Lake Champlain.
“They’re very passionate,” said Women in Wind’s own Hannah Walton. “They’re a very dedicated group of people.”
Walton helped found the club with Power-Freeman just two years ago. They wanted to give the ladies a chance at the helm, in an industry that is, for the majority, male-dominated. Since they started the club, 64 people have joined in on the fun.
“It’s really good to have a space where women can support each other in this sport,” Walton said.
It is held every Monday, rain or shine. With Burlington in the midst of a heat wave, and the haze on the horizons from wildfire smoke, they have had to spend some afternoons back on the docks.
“You kind of just have to take what Mother Nature gives you,” Walton said. “Obviously, it’s really challenging when it’s warm out or when there is poor air quality and things like that. You have to adjust.”
The club is always looking for new recruits, so if you are itching to set sail with this crew, the doors are always open.
“We’re an open, inclusive and inviting group. I heard we’re pretty cool too,” Power-Freeman said, jokingly.
If you are interested in joining their ranks, more information can be found on the Sailing Center website.
