Conference

Riverport Women's Sailing Conference

Hosted by the Sailing School at Hudson River Maritime Museum and Kingston Sailing Club, the Riverport Women's Sailing Conference is held in-person, on land at HRMM in Kingston, New York. This annual gathering of sailors and aspiring sailors welcomes people who have not traditionally been able to learn to sail into the maritime community and offers them the opportunity to improve their sailing skills. Each year, the conference includes a keynote dinner on the Friday evening, followed by a full day of hands-on workshops and presentations on a range of topics. You can view the 2024 conference schedule here and descriptions of the workshops here.

Save the Date for RWSC 2025
March 28-29

Friday, March 28, 2025, 4:30 - 8:30 pm
Pre-Conference social hour, Keynote Presentation & Dinner

Saturday, March 29, 2025, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Riverport Women's Sailing Conference

Registration details and full conference lineup are coming soon!

Pre-Conference Social Hour and Keynote Presentation

Friday, March 28, 2025
4:30 - 6:00 pm
Free and open to the public

All are welcome to join the fun, learn, and be inspired by our Keynote speaker Dawn Riley.

Dawn Riley was the first woman to manage an America’s Cup sailing team as CEO and captain of America True. She has raced on four America’s Cup and two Whitbread (now The Ocean Race) teams. She is the former Women's Sports Foundation president, served on the board of US Sailing, and is an advisor to several public service organizations. Dawn is currently the Executive Director of Oakcliff Sailing Center.

Oakcliff Sailing Center aims to restore American sailors to the top of the podium. With an expert collection of directors, coaches, industry leaders, and alumni, Oakcliff Sailing is the country's best-sited sailing center to do so. Sailors at Oakcliff have access to nearly 100 boats, including the largest worldwide fleets of Nacra 17s, 49ers, 49er FXs, and Match 40s. In addition to a fantastic fleet, a sail loft, and a workshop, the clinics and coaching at Oakcliff Sailing are also unparalleled. Daily, students are coached by staff and world-class top coaches. The first American to compete in three America’s Cups and two Whitbread (now Volvo) Races, Executive Director, Dawn Riley, runs daily meetings and coordinates activities. Meanwhile, board member Dave Perry, who has written several books on sailing and match racing also leads match racing clinics throughout the season.

2024 RWSC

More than 70 experienced and aspiring sailors joined us for the 7th Riverport Women's Sailing Conference took place on March 22 and 23. It kicked off with a fascinating keynote presented by Captain Nitzan Levy where she shared her part of Revitalizing the Boating Community in the New York Harbor. Then, on Saturday, conference attendees had the opportunity to take hands-on workshops led by 13 accomplished women mariners covering an array of topics including Outboard Engine Troubleshooting, Essential Knots, Sail Care and Repair, Diesel Engine Maintenance, Blue Water Passages, and Terrestrial Navigation. Additional talks and networking events gave conference attendees the chance to meet and learn from some of the most inspiring women sailors in our region.