The joy of sailing

Sailing combines the joy of being out on the water with the desire to learn more about the art and craft of the sport.

This attitude was on full display during the 2025 Northwest Interscholastic Sailing Association Women’s & Nonbinary Qualifiers for the Pacific Coast Interscholastic Sailing Association’s Girls Invitational held at Port Plaza on Sept. 13 and Sept. 14.  The regatta was hosted by Olympia Community Sailing.

“The ethos is to grow women's sailing, particularly young skippers as this is a role that significantly more young men hold than women despite the sport being co-ed competition. Earning a berth at this event is a source of prestige and pride for the teams,” said Olympia Community Sailing (OCS) President Erin Timms.

OCS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating an inclusive, diverse sailing community in the greater Thurston County area by providing access, recreation and competition for all. It offers a variety of programs, classes and experiences for sailors of all ages and skill levels.

“We are dedicated to getting everyone on the water,” said Timms, “and I cannot think of a single barrier that we cannot work around to get someone in a boat.”

Fifteen teams comprised of 60 sailors from 12 high schools were represented:  Anacortes, Bainbridge Island, Roosevelt, Lakeside, Bellingham, Garfield, Olympia, Capitol, Bellarmine, Ballard, Central Kitsap/Whatcom and Willamette (the only school from Oregon).

The top four teams earned a berth to the Pacific Coast Interscholastic Sailing Association Girl's ISSA National Invitational. The teams headed to the invitational, which takes from on Oct. 18 and Oct. 19 at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, are Bellarmine, Olympia, Capitol and Bainbridge Island. 

“It is the only high school national level event in the country that brings together top level women sailors and rising talent,” Timms said. 

Three of the sailors who competed wholeheartedly agreed. 

“It was absolutely exhilarating and fun,” said Lillie Huber and Simone Reck, of Olympia High School, and Rahab Ireland of Yelm High School.

“It was fun,” said Tatiana Reck, a non-competitor who goes to Boston Harbor Elementary.

For more information about what Olympia Community Sailing offers, visit the website, email info@olympiacommunitysailing.org or call 360.207.1838.