Sailing for Inclusion
Sailing has always been about community. It’s something you rarely do on your own. Love of the sport transcends most differences that keep us apart, and clubs and associations have always welcomed new sailors. But it hasn’t always been as inclusive as it should be.
Thirty years ago, a handful of gay sailors realized they had no real way to connect with other gay sailors. There was no forum, no way to find each other, and no way to build a community in a sport traditionally dominated by straight spaces. That group of sailors started the Knickerbocker Sailing Association (KSA), which has become one of the premier LGBTQ+ sailing groups in the U.S.
Today, KSA has about 250 members from all walks of life, and visitors, guests and members from around the world. It’s primarily a sailing and boating club. But it’s also a social club to bring together people with a shared passion and diverse lifestyles in a comfortable setting.
Stonewall Sails
Every year the KSA hosts the Stonewall Sails Regatta. In its twentieth year, it's one of the oldest continually running LGBTQ+ sailing events in the world.
"The regatta is just one piece of our outreach program," says club Commodore James Weichert. "It's a Corinthian event, truly sporting and fun, not a cutthroat competition with professional sailors."
Some crews show up ready to sail together; others form up dockside from registered participants right before the racing begins. Everyone is welcome regardless of sailing skill.
They held the event with Hudson River Community Sailing (HRCS). This successful outreach program teaches STEM topics to high school students against a backdrop of sailing and boat building. The KSA uses J/24 race boats from HRCS to host the event, with teams of three to five sailors in each boat vying to win on the water. And win off the water by raising money for the HRCS outreach programs.
"HRCS is a great partner," says Weichert. "They're about diversity on the water, too."
The event features an afternoon of competitive one-design racing and an evening get-together for awards, prizes, and a charity auction.
Visibility on the Water
The weekend that NYC Pride kicks off is for racing, but to cap the week off, the sailors put out the colors and fly their flags in the Rainbows on the Hudson event. This parade of sail and power starts with a fleet meetup south of Ellis Island, then makes its way up the Hudson and back around down to South Street Seaport. Followed by a cocktail party and dinner, of course.
"New York is such an amazing place to sail," Weichert adds. "There are tricky currents and breezes and a lot of traffic, but the sights are fantastic."
What's not to love about a raft-up with old friends and new acquaintances under the gaze of Lady Liberty before a cruise across the harbor?
Ongoing Outreach and Representation
"We have people reach out to KSA. They come to New York, looking to meet people and find a community," says Weichert. "For me, this is my family in New York."
Membership is open to anyone. You don't need to be LGBTQ+ or know how to sail to join or take part.
"This year, we're sending some representation to Block Island Race Week," Weichert says. Block Island Race Week is a premier east coast racing event hosted by the Storm Trysail Club, with boats coming from all over the eastern seaboard to compete.
"The first time we show up at a place like this, some might look askew," he adds. "But the message is we're here, and we're staying." At least two boats from KSA are participating in this year’s Block Island event, and the club has other plans.
Their big summer cruise is a trip up through the Elizabeth Islands off Cape Cod and out to Martha's Vineyard. Past trips have ranged all over New England and Long Island Sound, bringing new sailors out with experienced veterans.
Hope and Vision for the Future
"The club has grown and changed many times over the years," says Commodore Weichert. "Today, the focus is on younger people, whether straight, non-binary, queer, or whatever. Exploring identity and sexuality has changed so much since we started this. We provide a safe space."
"We've also had a shift in our board, and it's looking more and more like the people we represent," he adds. “We've got a diverse body, and the future is in inclusive environments.”
The Knickerbocker Sailing Association is one of many LGBTQ+ clubs worldwide open to anyone. As they grow, they remind people that you can and should include everyone who shares your love of sailing.
And sharing your love of sailing is what clubs like this are about, the Commodore adds. "As a boat owner and KSA member, I've brought a lot of people I don't know out sailing with me. The next time you're in New York, I'll take you out."