If This Makes You Angry…
Ginny Gerlach, 2013 - Organiser, Keppel and Fitzroy Delta Assoc.
Image Vanessa Hunter
IF THIS interview MAKES YOU ANGRY, that’s okay. It makes me really angry too.
But anger doesn’t change anything. only actions do.
Ginny Gerlach and I share a core passion - to see more women on water. It’s as simple and as complicated as that. Our passion certainly comes out in this interview.
While Ginny sees the world of sailing and learning through cruising, I believe in our modern world of travel restrictions and busy lives, increasing the number of female sailors will be achieved via racing and greater club involvement.
Now you may be wondering what does any of this have to so with SWS. Good question. There is no doubt the broad landscape of the classic is dominated by men. However, on a smaller scale, can I encourage you to take a look at your current crew roster or the people helping out on your restoration project.
Think about how many women you invite to speak on your panels, or join your club and it’s board and committee. When it comes to your own involvement in the world of sailing, can you see any space for greater female involvement? Because that’s what it’s all about - actively seeking out involvement and in return women having the confidence to grasp the opportunity to be involved.
I apologise in advance for my use of the f-bomb. However when it comes campaigning for more women to be able, invited and encouraged to learn how to sail; to be active members of clubs, to cruise in greater numbers, I make no apologies
At SWS, we believe sailing is the greatest experience on the planet. However when it comes to seeing more women active on water, there remains a need for change, for real change, both structural and behavioural from men and women alike - not token, not added in as an after thought but fundamental actions at the heart of any strategic plan.
The potential benefits of supporting this direction are vast. Greater involvement of women sees obvious growth in club memberships with the flow-on effect impacting every aspect of our incredibly industry. In reshaping how we teach and communicate, imagine the positives of not only fresh energy, new ways of being and thinking but true and real impact on bottom-lines. Can you show me a General Manager who doesn’t hope to report positive movement north on a balance sheet?
It all starts with a smile and a very simple question - Would you like to learn to sail?
WARNING - this conversations
offers solutions.
GINNY GERLACH - credentials - world cruiser, environmental campaigner, female leader in the construction industry, established her business, Cruisability, to teach couples how to prepare for extended ocean journeys everything from shopping for supplies to respectful communication. Ginny now lives in Tassie and is the founder of Flying - Friday Ladies Yachting.
EDITOR // Sal Balharrie
I look forward to your comments. Please let me know what you think and if you’re a woman looking for ways to learn how to sail, or a great bloke keen to help, get in touch. I’d be delighted to help you, connect you and promote you.