Fiji has taken a significant step in growing women's participation in sailing, hosting its first Steering the Course event as part of the global women's sailing festival.
The Fiji Yachting Association organised a 'Fiji Steering the Course Night' at Vuda Marina, built around a Women on Water session that introduced the range of possibilities available to women in the sport. The evening continued with a Raft-Up, sunset drinks, and a Talanoa Circle, drawing on the traditional Pacific Islands concept of inclusive, participatory dialogue.
Short talks from female sailors covered confidence, life as a female yacht captain, traditional sailing, and why the ocean matters, deliberately threading the modern initiative through Fiji's ancestral maritime knowledge.
This year's Steering the Course theme was 'Give to Gain'. Participants ranged from experienced sailors to women who had never set foot on a boat, and the atmosphere throughout was relaxed, fun, and genuinely inclusive.
Lisa Philp, Secretary of the Fiji Yachting Association, said the event struck a chord precisely because it went beyond sailing. "It was about creating a welcoming space where women and girls could connect, try something new, build confidence and feel like they belong on the water. In Fiji, many women already have a strong connection to the ocean, but opportunities to participate in sailing, coaching and leadership haven't always been visible or accessible. Events like this help change that."
Philp was equally proud of what unfolded between people on the night. "We saw friendships formed, confidence grow and plenty of laughter throughout the afternoon and evening. Those moments are often the beginning of a much bigger journey."
The federation is looking firmly forward. Philp confirmed the ambition to make Steering the Course an annual fixture on the Fijian sailing calendar, expanding opportunity for women not just as sailors but as coaches, officials, volunteers, and leaders. "We're a small nation, but we have an incredibly passionate community," she said. "We believe that by creating positive first experiences and strong connections, we can inspire more women to stay involved in the sport for years to come."
For the Pacific region, the Fiji debut shows that appetite for female-focused mentorship and sporting pathways is real and growing. The groundwork has been laid, and the Fiji Yachting Association wants to build on it.
