NCWSA is a woman's sailboat racing organization. We are not a 'learn to sail' club, and don't have a program that gives any certificates for skills learned. Our training is on the race course! We are always looking for experienced sailors. And, we need people with genuine enthusiasm that can be dedicated to developing and improving skills and contributing to their team. There is a wide variety of skill levels on our racing boats, and some fleets are better able to handle less experienced members. One of our goals is to increase the experience level of women sailors, so we welcome women of all skill levels, that will try hard to get there.

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The cost to join NCWSA is $45/yr, or $20/yr if you are a woman under 18 yrs. old.

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We encourage potential new members to participate in the off-racing-season meetings, to become familiar with NCWSA, with the women, and the expectations- and then join when you are ready to commit to a racing season. We'd like everyone that wants to race to be 'on-board' well before the racing season starts, if at all possible. You will not be able to race with NCWSA unless your dues are paid in full, and all the proper forms completed. In April each year we have a 'meet the fleet' meeting to try to match members with teams on boats.

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NCWSA fleets have their first practice race (usually) the last Tuesday evening in May, and race every other Tuesday evening until September. The first warning is at 6:55 p.m. Many teams practice on the alternate Tuesday evenings. The racing schedule is published on the web site www.ncwsa.net.

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NCWSA general membership meetings are October-May. We meet the first Tuesday of every month except January, for seminars, speakers, education and fun! The meetings are at Edgewater Yacht Club, and are at 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

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Yes, the general membership meetings that are held the first Tuesday of the Month from October through May (excluding January) are open to anyone. These meetings are educational - with great agendas and good speakers. It is a good time to become familiar with NCWSA if you are thinking of joining, or wanting to participate in sailing activities during the months that are too cold to sail here on Lake Erie! Call NCWSA, and attend with a member for a great introduction!

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First and most important - bring your enthusiasm and dedication and hard work ethic! Then, you will need a good pair of non-skid, non dark-soled shoes, sailing gloves, and we prefer you have your own life jacket. Then other personal items you take on the boat are weather-dependent. Foul weather gear, or clothes you can get wet in and still stay warm, or sun glasses, sun screen, hat etc. Most boats allow you to take on a small bag that you pack prudently!

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Meet the Fleet night with NCWSA (in April) is a chance for women that are not already committed to a boat, to find an oppportunity to get on a boat and become a team member for the racing season. Each fleet does a small presentation on the pro's and con's of their type of boat, and what they are looking for for the season. Each fleet sets up a table of information, also. Then, with a crew member resume, or skipper resume in hand, you can meet the fleet captains and other members, and express your interest!

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Not to worry. Contact NCWSA, fill out your forms, we will keep track of you!

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We are crazy about sailing, and racing in particular. Many people are working hard to keep this organization vibrant and rewarding for its members. Edgewater Yacht Club is generous as our host organization - our Race Committee gives much time and effort for us to have a remarkable racing program - our boat owners and coaches donate time and effort. NCWSA expects some committment in return. We need many volunteers to keep our program successful, so please be willing to sign up to help this group when you get a chance.

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If you are that unsure about racing, why not start with our Racing Prep boats? We hope that you graduate from there, but that is a place to get to know the boats and the water. We encourage you not to give up. If you join with little sailing or racing experience, and don't like being out on the lake, there may be nothing we can do! Remember that as soon as you commit to the racing program, you become part of a team that is already depending on you. Please honestly speak with your fleet captain if there are any problems - because there may be a chance we can get you into an environment more fitting for you. Also, when you first walk into a membership meeting, it may seem overwhelming, as your first impression may be that you see all established sailing teams. Be brave and outgoing because we DO welcome you. Persevere. This is the best women's sailing organization on the Great Lakes, and one of the best and most fun opportunites you can ever have. Join when you are ready, because only under special circumstances can we refund your money.

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