SAILWISE
Online Conference
Towards Inclusive Sailing for Women
Ideas, resources and international cooperation for a more inclusive future on the water.
Women at the helm
Join sailing professionals, coaches, organisations and women from across Europe for an interactive conference dedicated to making sailing more accessible, inclusive and empowering for women.
Discover the results of the SAILWISE project, explore tested educational resources and help shape the future of European cooperation in inclusive sailing.
Who is it for? Women in sailing, coaches and instructors, sailing clubs and federations, project organisations, and everyone interested in inclusive sport.
Participation is completely free and places are limited. After registration, we will send you the link to join the online conference. For questions or technical support before the event, contact project@sailwise.whyknotladies.com.
Practical ideas you can use
A clearer view of the barriers
Understand what still limits women’s participation in sailing and which inclusive approaches can make a real difference.
Tested resources for practice
Discover the SAILWISE curriculum, empowerment programme, activities, digital learning platform and toolkit for clubs and educators.
A European network for action
Exchange ideas with sailors, coaches and organisations, and identify opportunities for cooperation beyond the conference.
From insight to action
Scroll horizontally to explore the programme →
Welcome and Opening
Active Zone Outdoor · CyprusA concise introduction to the SAILWISE consortium, the purpose of the conference and the journey from project results to future cooperation. The session also includes a live poll to get to know the audience and its connection to sailing.
Project coordinator representing Active Zone Outdoor, the Cypriot organisation leading the SAILWISE partnership and its work in inclusive outdoor education.
Why Women in Sailing?
Why Knot Ladies · SlovakiaAn evidence-based look at women’s participation in sailing: the barriers that still keep women ashore, the value of visible role models and how inclusive coaching and supportive crews can build confidence and long-term engagement.
Founder and President of Why Knot Ladies, a women’s sailing community developing confidence, leadership and supportive crews on and off the water.
SAILWISE Results and Resources
ACTIVE AustriaA guided tour of the project’s needs assessment, training curriculum and non-formal empowerment activities. Participants will also learn where to find the digital learning platform, downloadable resources and practical tools for their own organisations.
Mark Gomilko is a Project Assistant at ACTIVE Austria, supporting EU-funded projects focused on youth participation and social inclusion. He organises activities, coordinates with partners and stakeholders, and contributes to project monitoring and reporting. He has an academic background in psychology and social sciences.
International Training in Italy
4 Sailing ASD · ItalyA practical case study from the international Train-the-Trainers activity in Italy: its objectives and structure, hands-on workshops, on-water learning, toolkit testing and the lessons that can help sailing clubs replicate the approach.
Paola is Vice President of FourSailing and a Level 1 FIV-certified Sailing Instructor, combining her passion for sailing with a strong commitment to sport and international collaboration. Within the association, she leads Erasmus+ Sport European projects. She brings 25 years of corporate experience in international business, primarily in Channel and Export Management.
Panel Discussion: Creating Inclusive Sailing Opportunities
How can we make sailing more inclusive for women? Petra Kliba will share her perspective on barriers to participation, confidence-building through coaching, support beyond beginner programmes, the role of clubs and federations, and opportunities for stronger European cooperation.
Moderated by Andreas Andreou · Active Zone Outdoor
An accomplished Croatian offshore sailor, certified sailing coach and advocate for women in sailing. A multiple Croatian National Champion, she became ORC Double-Handed Offshore European Champion in 2024 and World Champion in 2025.
Breakout Rooms: From Ideas to Action
All SAILWISE partnersIn facilitated groups of 8–12, participants explore future European cooperation and concrete project opportunities. Each group turns discussion into priorities and shares a focused two-minute summary in the final plenary.
Facilitators from the partner organisations will guide each group, capture its conclusions and connect ideas with possible next steps.
Conclusions and Closing Remarks
SAILWISE PartnershipA final synthesis of the conference’s key messages and the recommendations emerging from the breakout rooms, followed by an invitation to use the project resources, continue European collaboration and complete the evaluation.
Representatives of the partnership will connect the day’s insights with practical resources, future opportunities and the next steps after the conference.
Five countries, one shared course
Active Zone Outdoor
CyprusProject coordination, inclusion and outdoor education.
ACTIVE Austria
AustriaInclusive sport, equality and European cooperation.
FourSailing
ItalyPractical sailing education and instructor expertise.
HORN Kraków
PolandCommunity sailing and education across generations.
Why Knot Ladies
SlovakiaWomen’s confidence, leadership and supportive crews.
Everything you need to know
Who is the conference for?
Women in sailing, coaches and instructors, sailing clubs and federations, project organisations, and everyone interested in inclusive sport.
Is participation free?
Yes. Participation is completely free, but places are limited.
When and where will the conference take place?
The online conference takes place on 23 September 2026, from 16:00 to 19:30 CET, via Zoom.
What is the working language?
The conference will be held in English.
How can I register?
Use the Registration here button or email project@sailwise.whyknotladies.com. Registration closes on 22 September 2026 at 12:00 CET.
How will I receive the Zoom link?
After your registration is confirmed, we will send the Zoom access link to your email address.
I have basic sailing experience and would like to become more involved. Is this conference for me?
Absolutely. The conference is also designed for women who are beginners or have some sailing experience and would like to discover new ways to participate, develop their skills, build confidence and connect with sailing communities and organisations across Europe.
Will participants receive a certificate?
Yes. Participants who attend the conference will receive a digital Certificate of Participation after the event.
Who can I contact with questions or technical difficulties?
Please contact project@sailwise.whyknotladies.com before the conference.
Reserve your place on board
The conference will be held in English on Zoom. Participation is free, but places are limited. Registration closes on 22 September 2026 at 12:00 CET.
Register directly through the Registration here button or by e-mail at project@sailwise.whyknotladies.com. After registration, we will send you the Zoom link. Participants who attend the conference will receive a digital Certificate of Participation after the event. You can also use this e-mail for questions or technical support before the conference.
Registration hereEmail usFunded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.