NWSA, BoatUS announce Leadership in Women’s Sailing honoree
The National Women’s Sailing Association (NWSA) and BoatUS have recognized women sailors since 1999 with the BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award. This year’s honoree, Kathy Sinnett of Daytona Beach, Florida, displays exceptional skills, leadership, and dedication to promoting opportunities for women to embrace the joy and challenge of the sport of sailing. Sinnett accepted the award at the 2025 National Women’s Sailing Association Conference presented by American Sailing in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Sinnett grew up on the water, first racing Snipes with her father, then teaching and racing at the University of Wisconsin. Her career decision to move to Alaska did not tamp down her desire to sail. “Who cares if the water is frozen? I’m from Wisconsin,” she said as she shared her sailing adventures aboard her DN iceboat up the Kuskokwim River.
After accepting a position as a public health nurse in Ketchikan, Alaska, Sinnet found a spot on an all-women’s keelboat on which she shared her knowledge while honing her leadership in Alaska’s wet, cold and challenging environment.
Throughout the years moving coast to coast as a U.S. Coast Guard spouse, Sinnet has shown leadership by creating opportunities for connection with other women through sailing and racing on dinghies, keelboats and offshore boats. She spearheaded the long-running Ideal Women Sailing Program at the Stonington Harbor Yacht Club (SHYC) in Stonington, Connecticut, and the new group, Windward Women at Halifax Sailing Association in Daytona Beach, Florida. Through a networking event she organized, Sinnet recruited Windward Women and the St. Augustine Sailing Sisters to join and strengthen the Florida Women’s Sailing Association.
In 2019, Sinnett received the Tucker and Sandy Bragdon Trophy for her substantial contributions to SHYC’s sailing programs, and in 2020, she was presented with the George Shuck Award for her leadership at the club. She currently holds a position on the leadership team of the Halifax Sailing Association.
“We grow women’s competence and confidence on the water in all the groups while strengthening connections between us,” Sinnet said. “Our focus is not only on sailing but also on environmental issues and giving back to our community.”
“Kathy has a positive and encouraging nature to lead with enthusiasm while teaching,” said Debby Grimm, president of NWSA. “Her ‘can-do’ attitude makes others ask how to be involved.”
“We congratulate Kathy for this well-deserved honor,” said Heather Lougheed, vice president of BoatUS. “BoatUS is proud to partner with NWSA to get the word out to aspiring women sailors that this healthy lifetime sport can be rewarding and life-enriching.”
