Skies were clear, a light wind was blowing and the sun was out, all of which provided the perfect setting for the Women in the Wind event held this past Saturday at the Port of Stockton. American Veterans First (AVF), the Stockton Sailing Club, and Power Talk 1360 AM, iHeart Radio hosted the event that was exclusive to women in the military, female veterans, female first responders and wives.
The 22 women that registered for the April 14 event were from all branches of the service as well as some first responders and wives of first responders.
American Veterans First representative Duke Cooper and Kevin Fox with Power Talk, along with volunteers and the captain and crew of the sailboats, made this unique event a memorable one for the participants.
“The response was outstanding, unfortunately we had to turn away a few last minute inquiries because we were full,” said Fox. “One participant told me that they were thankful that we created an event that focused on building community within the veteran’s community.”
There were six boats between 25 and 44 feet long that sailed five miles round trip on the deep water channel. The festivities began with a barbecue where Santiago Sanchez with the Modesto Veterans Center grilled up some burgers for participants. The women hit the water around 12:30 p.m. and returned later in the afternoon to a DJ spinning some tunes.
“When the ladies returned what a high they were on,” added Cooper. “Several ladies stated ‘best time I’ve ever had’ and they want to do it again soon.”
The focus of the event was to have women with a common interest share the experience of sailing.
Organizers expressed an interest in planning and hosting another event in September called ‘Take A Veteran Sailing’ that would be open to all that are interested.