Irish Boat Shop Continues its “Women at the Helm” Networking Event
Women Sharing Boating Wants, Goals and Skills Gains Popularity at Traverse City Shop.
Published: Saturday, February 28, 2026 9:00 am
Irish Boat Shop will continue to host its popular boating-themed networking events for women, Women at the Helm, expanding its offerings in 2026. The program started last year at the Traverse City Shop and proved so successful, with women learning new boating skills and asking for more events on other topics that the series was continued this January with a sailing workshop, led by Irish Boat Shop Marine Technician, Julia Briggs. The series of workshops, educational and experiential events are designed to help women become more actively involved in boating as they gain confidence in their knowledge base.
The next event will be held on Thursday, March 5 from 5:30-7:30 PM at Grand Traverse Yacht Club, 13653 S West Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684. The topic, “Sailing with a Spouse and Family - Tactics to Keep it Fun for All” will certainly raise eyebrows and laughter! Katie McGauley, a sailing educator with a lifetime of sailing and cruising expertise and owner of Belle Aquatic jewelry gallery in Harbor Springs, MI will be leading the session for aspiring women sailors.
McGauley feels right at home living in Northern Michigan, a boating and sailing paradise and is enthused to help build the culture and share her sailing experiences with other women. “I love being on the water and women should be at the helm more often,” says McGauley, “It’s wonderful for Irish Boat Shop to offer opportunities like this!”
According to Susan Stewart, Irish Boat Chair, who grew up boating with her father and founder of Irish Boat Shop, Dave Irish. “In most women’s experience, boating is a male-dominated sport. We are invited to go along, bring family, food and friends and be a passenger, but we seldom have the chance to take the helm. Although that was not my experience growing up, I’d like to help more women be comfortable and happy at the helm. Our workshops are meant to do just that.”
Stewart’s sentiment is shared by many women who feel at home at the wheel of a boat, but for the majority who don’t, the Women at the Helm program can help. Husbands and boyfriends are seldom the best teachers as much emotion gets in the way of the learning process. Gaining confidence at the helm comes only with knowledge and experience, so the Irish Boat Shop created Women at the Helm to help women earn the education and respect that comes with knowing your way around a boat. That accomplishment is not difficult, but it does take some time and effort and women are ready to invest in that knowledge acquisition. The supportive atmosphere at Irish Boat Shop, as a family owned and run business which for over 65 years has offered women boating and employment opportunities.
The events are casual and communicative, based on topics that women have provided as priorities and the opinions and ideas shared will help Irish Boat Shop develop additional programs to get women more actively involved. “We want women to feel confident in all aspects of boating,” says Colin Texter, General Manager of the Traverse City Irish Boat Shop and grandson of the late Dave Irish.
“Boating should be about family and fun, and not be a stressful experience,” explains Texter, “We are fortunate to have many skilled women on our team committed to helping people learn what they need to build confidence. Boating is one of Northern Michigan’s greatest activities, and we are proud to help bring more women to the helm,” he adds.
To reserve your spot or get more information, email [email protected] or call 231-242-1922. www.irishboatshop.com
tags: Boating, Educational, Grand Traverse Yacht Club, Helm, Irish Boat Shop, Michigan, Networking Event, women
