The National Women's Sailing Association will take part in the 2026 Annapolis Sailboat Show from 15 to 18 October with a programme focused on education, networking and practical sailing support. The organisation is a programme of the Women's Sailing Foundation and works to help more women build confidence and experience on the water.
Its Annapolis presence will include panel participation, a social gathering and opportunities to meet experienced instructors. The programme sits alongside the wider show of sailing boats, equipment and cruising education at City Dock.
Practical questions are part of the programme
Kris Self is due to join a Cruisers University panel where sailors can ask practical questions about cruising and life aboard. She will also appear in an Ask Me Anything About Sailing session during the show weekend.
The format is intended to lower the barrier to asking questions that new sailors may otherwise avoid in a technical setting. That can be particularly useful for people considering their first boat or moving from crew roles toward more independent sailing.
Safety education remains a strong theme
Captain Debbie Huntsman will be available through the Aqua Map area and will discuss future NWSA safety training. Her background includes instruction through US Sailing, the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the National Safe Boating Council.
The association is also promoting a women-focused Offshore Safety at Sea programme planned for 2027. For Leisure Boat Guide readers, that connects show participation with practical seamanship rather than treating the event only as a sales exhibition.
Participation matters to the wider sailing market
Small sailing boats and cruising yachts depend on a steady flow of new participants who develop enough confidence to remain active. Programmes that support education and peer networks can help convert initial interest into long-term sailing involvement.
The Annapolis programme is not a product launch, but it is relevant industry news because participation shapes demand for training, clubs, equipment and boats. LBG will continue covering initiatives that make leisure boating more accessible as well as new hardware.