LONG BEACH, Ca., Oct. 27, 2026 — Southern California Yachting Association (SCYA) announces today that American Sailing (ASA) has signed on as title sponsor of its annual women’s sailing convention. The partnership expands reach and access for female sailors across the nation to the highest standard in sailing education, while growing the community through quality networking opportunities and fun social events that encourage camaraderie.
The American Sailing Women’s Convention will be held February 5-7, 2027 at Alamitos Bay Yacht Club, in Long Beach, California. More than 30 sessions will be offered—ranging from general interest to specialty topics, for cruisers and racers alike— for novice, beginner, intermediate and advanced sailors. Attendees will learn from female instructors in a variety of learning environments. Formats include interactive classroom “chalk-talk” and hands-on, experiential learning dockside and on-the-water.
This title sponsorship allows convention organizers to bring down the cost of attendance, offer one- and two-day passes, while expanding learning opportunities leveraging ASA’s national network of certified instructors and schools. Additional convention assets and resources are generously donated by ASA’s network of sponsors. Additional attendee benefits include a year of American Sailing membership and 20% discount at its online and pop-up convention bookstore.
“SCYA’s commitment to inclusive, Corinthian sailing is reflected in its annual women’s conventions, a long-time tradition in Southern California, which originated through the pioneering vision, sweat and tenacity of SCYA Staff Commodore, Gail Hine, in 1975,” said Jodi Masters-Gonzales, SCYA Commodore. “We are thrilled to partner with American Sailing to evolve the convention. This collaboration builds upon the legacy and mission of both organizations, expanding the quality and reach of sailing-related education for women of all ages, backgrounds, and areas of interest.”
“When Lenny and I started ASA, now American Sailing, in 1983, there were few women on the business side of sailing. Today, it’s inspiring to see how far we’ve come and how much opportunity lies ahead. More women are stepping into leadership, making their mark, and helping shape the future of our industry,” said Cynthia “Cindy” Shabes, Co-Founder of American Sailing. “We’re growing in numbers, influence, and impact, opening doors for the next generation of women who will bring new ideas, fresh perspectives, and bold ambitions to sailing. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, and even more excited about what we can accomplish together in the years ahead.”
Women are encouraged to RSVP for priority registration here: https://scya.org/scya-womens-convention.
About American Sailing
American Sailing (ASA), with its affiliated platforms — North U, American Sailing Vacations, and American Boating — is the world’s leading sailing and boating education authority. Founded in 1983, American Sailing has certified more than 630,000 sailors and boaters through 400+ affiliated schools worldwide, from first-time sailors to offshore passage makers. Learn more at americansailing.com.
About Southern California Yachting Association
Southern California Yachting Association (SCYA) was founded in 1921 to support and promote the principles, spirit, and objective of Corinthianism in yachting. Today, SCYA is the premier regional sailing association serving the SoCal community of more than 90 member yacht clubs and affiliated sailing organizations through member-driven programs and coordinated regional leadership. For more information, visit https://scya.org.
Media Contacts:
Jodi Masters-Gonzales
Commodore, SCYA
jodi@scya.org