Irish Boat Shop to Host “Women at the Helm” Networking Event

Irish Boat Shop’s Traverse City, Michigan, location will host a boating-themed networking event for women Thursday, April 24 at 5:30pm. The casual event will help develop additional programs to get women more actively involved in operating and buying boats, and will include Ashley Z from Hits 106 KHQ and Captain Jenny McCain, Women on the Water director in Traverse City, Director of Educational Development at American Sailing, former instructor for the Great Lakes Sailing Company and formerly an instructor for kids at Traverse Area Community Sailing. 

“Boating has traditionally been a male-dominated sport in most women’s experience. We are invited to go along, bring family and friends and be a passenger, but not take the helm. I had the great fortune of growing up with strong female role models. Although it was my father Dave Irish who founded Irish Boat Shop, his mother and sister were also outstanding sailors, competitors, and teachers. I’d like to help share the feeling of belonging at the helm,” says Irish Boat Shop Chair Susan Stewart.

Enjoy refreshments from nearby Mawby Winery, or BYOB of choice! Enjoy fun company, inspiring stories and the opportunity to win some prizes and be a part of the future of women in boating!

“Boating doesn’t have to be intimidating to anyone,” says Colin Texter, general manager of the Traverse City Irish Boat Shop, “We have a lot of women on our staff — and plenty of cooperative men — who are pleased to help everyone feel comfortable in learning what they need to know about boats to make good decisions in what is best for their boating interests. Boating is one of the most exciting and rewarding activities for people in Northern Michigan — we are fortunate to have the beautiful waters and inviting destinations and we are happy to help bring more women to the helm!”  

To reserve your spot or get more information, email [email protected] or call 231-242-1922, and visit irishboatshop.com.