Sail Nova Scotia – Women’s Program Initiatives 2024

The 2024 sailing season will soon be upon us. Keep checking here for initiatives planned for the season. If your club is proposing Women’s initiatives this season please contact us so that we can share your programs with the Nova Scotia women’s sailing community.
Contact Information:
Frank Denis
902-425-5450 ext 312
[email protected]

Congratulations to Captain Val Doan on being named the Pamela Lerch Cup winner in 2023.

Lesley was instrumental in getting more women on the water at the LaHave River Yacht Club in Bridgewater last year and we’re excited to hear she’ll be getting more women on the water in 2024! 

WOW! Bursaries
Every year Sail Nova Scotia awards up to 3 bursaries to support women in sailing. Each bursary is worth up to $300 each. Applications may be submitted at any time and are reviewed in September. You can find the application form here.

WOW! Women on Water was formed in 2007 in memory of Pamela Lerch and is committed to developing the potential of women in Nova Scotia through the sport of sailing, as well as promoting and improving the health of women through effective mentoring and education.

A fund has been established which aims to;
– encourage more women in Nova Scotia to become active in the sport of sailing;
– assist women to continue their sailing education whether it be through the participation or instruction;
– encourage women’s health through involvement in the sport of sailing and other health-related activities.

Pamela Lerch’s WOW! Cup
This WOW! memorial program’s cup will award the successful recipient who demonstrates outstanding achievement in sailing education, leadership, mentorship and health promotion.

This cup is one way that WOW! initiatives help increase women’s participation in sailing education, mentorship and health promotion.

Who is eligible for nomination?
Nova Scotia-based women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and mentorship, and who have contributed greatly to the education and health promotion of other members of the Nova Scotia sailing community.

What is the deadline for nominations?
Applications and nominations will be accepted between the beginning of August and the end of October of each year.

When is the cup presented?
The successful recipient will be notified within one month after the close of nominations. This cup will be presented at the end of November of each year.

If you’re interested in nominating someone for the Pamela Lerch Cup please send their bio to Sail Nova Scotia [email protected]

 Women’s Sailing Program Curriculum

This guide, developed by Melanie Goodday, is designed to assist clubs to develop their Women’s Program.