Sailing Women’s Initiative for Sport and Empowerment
Sailwise Project is an initiative that aims at transforming the landscape of sailing for women and create equal opportunities in this sport.
12 Best Practices Booklet
Selected through specific criteria and methodology, this set of Best Practices aims at providing replicable and effective examples of women inclusion in sailing. It will help the development of an inclusive and impactful sailing education programm for women equipping instructors and trainers with new tips and practical examples on how to include more women in sailing.
Women’s Sailing Empowerment Program
Discover. Grow. Lead. Sail.
The Women’s Sailing Empowerment Program was created for women of all experience levels, from those stepping aboard for the first time to experienced sailors eager to strengthen their skills and confidence.
Whether your dream is to cruise, race, lead a crew, or simply enjoy the freedom of the sea, this program offers the tools, guidance, and inspiration to help you navigate your own path.
What’s Inside
Real Stories & Inspiration — Women from across Europe turning curiosity into confidence.
- Practical Skills & Exercises — Hands-on tips, checklists, and activities to apply on deck.
- Personal Goals & Motivation — Reflect, set intentions, and track your sailing journey.
- Guidance for Coaches & Crew Leaders — Inclusive teaching strategies and group dynamics.
- Mental & Emotional Wellbeing — Build confidence, manage fear, and thrive under pressure.
Developed within the SailWise project, the program draws on expertise from across Europe, combining knowledge from sailing, coaching, psychology, and mentoring to create an evidence-based and empowering resource for women in sailing worldwide.
The result is a truly inclusive and adaptable learning guide that celebrates diversity, supports personal growth, and inspires confidence both on and off the water.
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International Training Successfully Completed in Ancona
From 19–25 May 2026, participants from five European countries gathered in Ancona, Italy, for the SAILWISE International Training. Bringing together sailing instructors, sailors, aspiring skippers, leadership coaches, educators, and facilitators, the training created a unique space where sailing met personal development, empowerment, and inclusive coaching practices. Over five days, participants tested innovative tools designed to…
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Erasmus+ Sport Brings Partners Together Around SAILWISE
ACTIVE Austria hosted an engaging local event focused on opportunities within Erasmus+ Sport and the growing network of international cooperation in the sport sector, including the SAILWISE initiative. Sport clubs, NGOs, and associations working with diverse target groups, including women, joined the session to exchange ideas, connect with partners, and explore project results and upcoming activities. Special attention was given…
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New Survey on Women’s Participation in Sailing
As part of the SAILWISE project, our partners in Austria, Cyprus, Italy, Poland, and Slovakia carried out a survey to better understand women’s experiences in sailing. Conducted between June and November 2025 with 202 participants, the survey explored motivations, barriers, and learning preferences for women in sailing. The results will help shape a women-centred sailing curriculum and improve access to sailing…
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Sailwise at Newcomers Crew Training in Croatia
From October 1st to 25th, Sailwise had the exciting opportunity to be part of the Newcomers Crew Training hosted by Why Knot Ladies at Marina Punat, Croatia. The program gathered 20 enthusiastic women eager to learn and develop their sailing skills, creating the perfect environment to share our approach to modern sailing and crew management. During the training, we presented Sailwise’s methodology,…
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Sailwise Presented at International Partners Meeting
On 23rd September 2025, ACTIVE Austria hosted a meeting with international partners from Spain, Croatia, and Bulgaria, including sport clubs and a youth organization, to prepare for an upcoming inclusive sport event. The meeting brought together participants to present their profiles, share connections to sport, and exchange best practices. During the event, ACTIVE presented the Sailwise project, highlighting its outcomes…
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Sailwise Presented at the SHE&HIM Regatta 2025
On May 4th, 2025, Sailwise had the exciting opportunity to be presented during the annual SHE&HIM Regatta, hosted by Four Sailing. This unique and friendly race brings together crews consisting of one man and one woman, with the goal of switching roles on board and empowering women to take the helm. This year, 20 boats participated, with a total of 40 racers plus…
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Transnational Project Meeting in Krakow
On April 28–29, 2025, partners of the Sailing Women’s Initiative for Sport and Empowerment gathered in Krakow for a two-day transnational project meeting hosted by HORN Krakow. The program included a tour of the HORN facilities with an icebreaking treasure hunt activity, followed by working sessions focused on project management, coordination, and updates on key work packages.…
International Training Successfully Completed in Ancona
Discover. Grow. Lead. Sail.
From 19–25 May 2026, Ancona, Italy, hosted the SAILWISE International Training, bringing together a diverse group of participants from five European countries.
The group included sailing instructors, active sailors, aspiring skippers, as well as coaches and facilitators from other fields, including leadership development, personal growth, education, and non-formal learning.
What was tested?
Over five intensive days, participants tested and refined innovative educational tools designed to support women in sailing, strengthen confidence on and off the water, and promote more inclusive learning environments within the sport.
The program combined practical sailing experience with workshops, reflection activities, coaching techniques, and program-design sessions, creating a unique space for learning, collaboration, and exchange of expertise across disciplines.
What made the biggest impact on participants?
The evaluation results highlighted the training’s strong impact, practical relevance, and high potential for implementation in sailing clubs and training programs across Europe.
Participants particularly valued the combination of sailing practice with coaching, leadership, and empowerment methodologies that can be transferred far beyond the sailing context.
Ready to bring these ideas into your own sailing community?
The SAILWISE Toolkit, developed through research, international collaboration, and the testing of these activities during the training, will soon be available for download here.
Stay tuned and be among the first to access a collection of practical, tested tools for creating more inclusive and empowering opportunities for women in sailing.
About project
The Sailwise Project is designed to promote gender equality and sustainability by empowering women in sailing and addressing the challenge of gender disparity that still persists in this sport across Europe.
By analyzing best practices in sports and addressing the barriers and gaps that currently discourage women from participating in sailing, the project aims to create a female sailing community through the development of targeted and accessible training programs, focused on skill development, education, and mentoring in collaboration with stakeholders and technical experts.
These tools will be made available to help increase female participation in sailing and reduce dropout rates. Through a wide range of activities on social media and awareness campaigns, the project will highlight opportunities, achievements, and the benefits of female participation—enhancing the representation of women in communication and marketing, and creating a safe and supportive community for aspiring sailors.
The project concludes with a final conference in Cyprus to showcase results and achievements.
Got questions?
Our thanks belongs to partners of the project
Little bit about our Partners
Why Knot Ladies
Why Knot Ladies is a vibrant sailing community dedicated to empowering women in sailing and beyond. Their mission is to bring more women into sailing on the sea, providing them with the skills, confidence, and support they need to navigate open waters.
The primary focus is on charter racing in Croatia, offering hands-on training and professional coaching tailored to both beginners and experienced sailors. Through their structured programs and regatta participation, Why KnotLadies create an environment where women can challenge themselves, push their limits, and build strong sailing teams.
Their main goal is not only to make sailing on the sea more accessible to women but also to foster a community where they feel encouraged, empowered, and inspired. Whether it’s mastering the art of competitive racing, refining seamanship skills, or simply experiencing the thrill of sailing, Why Knot Ladies is here to support their journey every step of the way.
ACTIVE Austria
ACTIVE Austria is dedicated to fostering inclusive and equitable environments in sports, with a strong focus on empowering women and breaking down barriers to participation. Recognizing the challenges many women face in accessing safe and supportive spaces for physical activity, ACTIVE Austria takes a proactive approach to ensure every individual feels welcome and valued. Through innovative programs, workshops, and community-led initiatives, they work tirelessly to promote gender equality, challenge outdated stereotypes, and create pathways for women to fully engage in sports. Their commitment extends beyond athletic performance, emphasizing personal growth, confidence, and well-being. ACTIVE Austria collaborates with local organizations, leaders, and stakeholders to build sustainable networks of support, ensuring long-term impact and meaningful change. By championing diversity and inclusion in every aspect of their work, ACTIVE Austria inspires communities across the nation to reimagine what is possible when everyone is given the chance to thrive in a safe and empowering space.
Active Zone Outdoor
Active Zone Outdoor is a Cyprus-based non-profit organization established in Larnaca in 2019, focused on promoting mental health, well-being, and active citizenship among youth and people with fewer opportunities through sports and outdoor activities. AZO integrates sea-related activities like Stand Up Paddle, sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing into its programs, offering inclusive opportunities for diverse groups to explore these sports. The organization has implemented EU-funded projects, such as the Solidarity Project SEA4IN, adapting sea sports for individuals with visual impairments. AZO also organizes events on sailing boats, combining team-building with an introduction to sailing. Through policy papers, AZO advocates for ocean literacy and the promotion of sea sports, emphasizing their role in fostering mental health, environmental awareness, and active citizenship. AZO’s mission aligns with European values, supporting youth engagement and the protection of natural areas within the Natura 2000 network.
FourSailing
Scuola di Vela Four Sailing is a sailing association involved in various nautical activities such as sailing courses, sailing school to Croatia and courses for obtaining nautical licences for both sail and motor boats. Besides conventional sailing instruction, Four Sailing aims at creating a community open to all ages and genders and united by passion for sailing, navigation and environmental conservation.Through social events members are engaged in networking, knowledge exchange and personal enrichment. Experiences like yoga&sail, sailing retreats to the Conero Riviera, wine tasting and book reading on board are organized to create a soft environment particularly attractive to women as it blends the act of sailing with physical wellness and leisure. Through the collaboration with high schools, Four Sailing also aims at introducing students to the world of sailing since early age involving them in all roles on board without gender distinction – a different approach that appeals to a diverse audience, reinforcing community bond and fostering equal and inclusive participation.
Horn Kraków Sailing Club
The Horn Kraków Sailing Club is a leading sailing organization in southern Poland and one of the best and most comprehensive clubs in the country. The club’s mission is “Sailing is health and a way of life.”
The club offers a diverse range of sailing programs for all ages and interests. Youth programs cater to various boat classes, while seniors can enjoy sailing alongside activities like language and computer classes, cooking, arts and crafts, and yoga. The club also fosters community engagement through family sailing programs, school and youth organization partnerships, and migrant integration programs using watersports.
Furthermore, the club promotes youth development and environmental awareness with summer camps that focus on integration and sustainability. They also offer environmental workshops and are actively involved in innovative programs, such as incorporating virtual reality into sailing training and integrating mindfulness and yoga into sports training. Through Erasmus+ and EEA programs HORN brings new value to eduaction and European sailing and water sports.