Midwest Women's Sailing Conference

05/11/2026

There are just 5 days left until the conference - and that means only 5 days left to bid on this special auction item from Larsen Marine!

You do not have to be present at the conference to win this item, so share with anyone who may be interested in this silent auction item.
This is truly an amazing offer - whether you want to use it for pre-race prep, or just head to Waukegan for a weekend with a bottom wash!

Ahoy sailors!! Only 13 days to go until the conference! The silent auction is always a big part of the conference and this year we have one item that is so special we are putting it online ahead of the conference to ensure everyone is aware of it! Below are details about it and a link to it as well.

Larsen Marine in Waukegan, IL has shown its support for the sailing community by donating 2 gift certificates for haul out, power bottom wash, and launch. This is perfect for a boat doing the Mac or the Hook!!

Here's the fine print:
Though intended for pre-Mac race, the service is good to July 31, 2026. You could use it because you just want a mid-season wash. Boat can be up to 48' and they warn that, with lake levels going up and down, if your draft is more than 10' you might not make it to the travel lift (not their fault). You must call the service department and make a reservation. Since other Mac boats will doing same, they suggest you call three weeks ahead. Reservations have times and, if you choose the last slot of the day, you might not get re-launched til next morning.

The retail value of this service for a 40' boat is $1405. Waukegan is a great stop before Chicago for boats doing the Mac or the Hook. Get last provisioning at the grocery (2.9 miles away), pick up or swap crew, or visit Chicago on the METRA (station 0.4 miles from marina).

You are bidding on ONE certificate. There are two certificates available.

https://midwestwomenssailing.betterworld.org/auctions/2026-mwsc-special-auction

05/03/2026

Ahoy sailors!! Only 13 days to go until the conference! The silent auction is always a big part of the conference and this year we have one item that is so special we are putting it online ahead of the conference to ensure everyone is aware of it! Below are details about it and a link to it as well.

Larsen Marine in Waukegan, IL has shown its support for the sailing community by donating 2 gift certificates for haul out, power bottom wash, and launch. This is perfect for a boat doing the Mac or the Hook!!

Here's the fine print:
Though intended for pre-Mac race, the service is good to July 31, 2026. You could use it because you just want a mid-season wash. Boat can be up to 48' and they warn that, with lake levels going up and down, if your draft is more than 10' you might not make it to the travel lift (not their fault). You must call the service department and make a reservation. Since other Mac boats will doing same, they suggest you call three weeks ahead. Reservations have times and, if you choose the last slot of the day, you might not get re-launched til next morning.

The retail value of this service for a 40' boat is $1405. Waukegan is a great stop before Chicago for boats doing the Mac or the Hook. Get last provisioning at the grocery (2.9 miles away), pick up or swap crew, or visit Chicago on the METRA (station 0.4 miles from marina).

You are bidding on ONE certificate. There are two certificates available.

https://midwestwomenssailing.betterworld.org/auctions/2026-mwsc-special-auction

04/11/2026

Classes for the Midwest Women’s Sailing Conference are filling fast—and remember, class placement is based on when you register. If there’s something you really want to take… don’t wait.

Register now:
https://midwestwomenssailing.org/

Just a glimpse at what’s waiting for you this year:

⚓ Advanced Sail Trim – take your performance to the next level
🌊 Weather on the Great Lakes (NOAA/NWS) – because guessing is not a strategy
🧭 Aids to Navigation & Chart Reading – red, green, and everything in between
🪢 Need to Know Knots – hands-on skills every sailor needs
🔌 All About Electrical (Hands-On!) – yes, you can actually understand your boat’s systems
⛵ Heavy Weather Emergency Sailing – be ready when it matters most
💬 Imposter Syndrome on the Water Panel – because confidence is a skill too
🌟 Big Audacious Adventures Panel – real stories from women who went for it

And that’s just scratching the surface…
From beginner-friendly sessions like Introduction to Sailing to advanced, hands-on technical workshops, there is truly something for every sailor.

⚠️ Popular classes WILL fill first—don’t miss out on the ones you’ve been eyeing.

Grab your spot, pick your classes, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend.

⛵ Learn more. Sail smarter. Show up stronger.

04/04/2026

⛵ Only 42 days to go until the conference!

If you haven’t registered yet, now’s the time—spots are filling quickly and you won’t want to miss this incredible weekend on and off the water.
👉 Register here:
https://midwestwomenssailing.org/

We are thrilled to introduce our 2026 Keynote Speaker: Pam Rice

Pam is a lifelong sailor who bought her first boat in 1972, and her journey on the water has been nothing short of inspiring. In addition to her sailing experience, she is a talented designer and author/illustrator of children’s books, bringing a unique blend of creativity, storytelling, and seamanship to everything she does.
Her perspective is one of passion, independence, and lifelong learning—qualities that resonate deeply within our sailing community. We were honored to have her stop by our booth at Yachtapalooza!

You won’t want to miss the opportunity to hear her story and kick off the conference with inspiration that will stay with you long after the weekend ends.

⚓ Come for the learning
🌊 Stay for the community
⛵ Leave inspired

We can’t wait to see you there!!