Sailing Leadership Forum Takes on Diversity

Increasing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

US Sailing’s Leadership Forum is normally an in-person gathering of sailing leaders — as you may have guessed by the name. But this is no normal year, and US Sailing is taking leadership topics online. A panel discussion tomorrow evening, August 4, at 5 p.m. PDT, will tackle the topic of Increasing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Sport of Sailing.

“The panel will discuss ways sailors and sailing organizations can implement strategies now to increase awareness and opportunities within their sailing organizations and programs for individuals from diverse backgrounds and people of color,” reads the event notice. “The panelists will provide practical guidance for conducting outreach in your local communities and best practices on fostering relationships with community leaders and influencers to help you achieve your diversity, equity and inclusion goals.”

Meet the Panel

The panelists seem to come from the Chicago area, but this forum is directed toward the entire county. Ayme Sinclair, vice president of the National Women’s Sailing Association will moderate. Panelists are:

Karen Harris, immediate past commodore of Jackson Park Yacht Club; Lou Sandoval, commodore of Chicago YC; Captain Bill Pinkney, the first African-American to solo circumnavigate the globe; and Joe Harris, manager of sailing for Chicago Park District. Learn more about the panelists’ backgrounds and tune in to the forum on the Starboard Portal at www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilXDqQlg3VQ.

US Sailing’s Starboard Portal presents many other topics of interest. Check ’em out at www.ussailing.org/starboard-portal.