Windlasses
is a women's sailing association. Our purpose is to encourage women
sailors to improve their art of sailing, to sponsor races and cruises
in Prams and Sunfish, and to compete with other women's sailing clubs
on the Florida Gulf Coast.
About Us
Brief History
In
October of 1967, a small group of enthusiastic sailing women organized
a club to learn the principles of sailing. They named the club
“Windlasses.” (A windlass is a machine for hauling or
hoisting an anchor). Prams were rented from the Clearwater
Optimist Pram Fleet. The Windlasses sailed out of the Maritime
Youth Center on Clearwater Beach.
In 1969, the Windlasses decided to elect officers and have races and to give charms as awards.
In
1971, the Windlasses became an auxiliary of the Windjammers.
Trophies were donated by Windjammers awarding outstanding
skippers in one series.
Special races held around various holidays were added to the racing schedule in 1971.
In
1974, the club moved to the Dunedin Pram Fleet Headquarters, renting
prams from the city and sailing out of the Dunedin Marina.
Also
in 1974, the Windlasses joined the newly organized Florida
Women’s Sailing Association as an independent organization.
They participate in interclub races and regattas with other clubs
of the FWSA and the annual FWSA Rainbow Regatta.
In
1975, a Portsmouth Class was added to the racing activities.
Interest in this group grew with active fleets of Lasers and
Sunfish racing each week.
In
1981, it as decided to discontinue the relationship with Windjammers.
Windlasses then joined the Florida Sailing Association as an
independent organization.
By 1988, Laser interest had waned but Sunfish sailors had increased and group became registered as Sunfish Fleet #650.
In
1990 the Windlasses were honored to receive the first FWSA Friendship
Award for the most active participation in and support of FWSA
activities and interclub races.
In addition to racing, Windlasses have cruises to spoil banks and islands and also have and extensive educational program.
Windlasses
remains an active group of approximately 100 members with four series
of races, special one day races, and cruises. Through the
educational program, they strive to improve the sailing skills of all
members
Our Windlass Officers can be e-mailed using their officer title:
