Our Projects

First ever all-female team to compete

In September 2023, Leading the Change! team members Maya and Emma reconvened and raced in the Shields Nationals in Marion, Massachusetts. We proudly sailed for Shields Fleet 7 and under the Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club flag.

Although the team did not officially sail under the Leading the Change! flag, we raced with the same mission of advancing gender equity in competitive sailing and youth development.

The average age for the team was 23, with the youngest sailors being ages 13 and 14.

Our team was recognized for traveling the furthest to compete and having the youngest sailors to compete in the event.

Thank you to the Shields Class Foundation for providing the boat, the Monterey Peninsula Youth Sailing Foundation for providing travel funding, and Jerry Stratton for providing sails, equipment, and boats for practice.