WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

Founded in 1951, the Salty Sisters began with a group of ten women who shared a passion for sailing and sailboat racing. Today, the organization has grown to more than one hundred members who continue that proud tradition of learning, competition, friendship, and fun on the water.

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Each year, the Salty Sisters welcome prospective members through an introductory training program designed for women who would like to become part of the organization. The program includes eight weeks of instruction covering the fundamentals of sailing, racing rules, racing skills, and race management, providing both new and experienced sailors an opportunity to build confidence and seamanship.

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Salty Sisters sail almost every Wednesday morning, competing with one another in prams, IODs, 420s, Sonars, Ideal 18s, and Sunfish. Members also compete with other clubs through the Florida Women's Sailing Association (FWSA). When weather or other conditions prevent sailing, members gather for educational sessions led by fellow sailors or guest speakers, followed by luncheon meetings at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club.

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Beyond racing, Salty Sisters enjoy a wide variety of social and recreational activities both on and off the water, including kayak and canoe outings, parties, museum visits, cruises, and club events. Members are also actively involved in many of the Yacht Club’s sailing programs and regattas, including Friday Night Twilight Racing and Saturday morning racing with the St. Petersburg Sailing Association.

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  WHO MAY APPLY
Membership in the Salty Sisters is open to women members of the St. Petersburg Yacht Club who are active and physically able to enjoy the rigorous sport of sailing.  If you would like to join us and are not certain of your abilities or new to the sport, we require that you take one of our local sailing classes prior to taking our sailing evaluation – there are classes given by our own staff at the SPSC.

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                                                                  REQUIREMENTS
⇒ TESTING REQUIREMENTS

 I.   Pass a Water Survival Test consisting of four parts:

         1.  Swimming twenty-five yards; then
         2.  Staying afloat for five minutes without a life jacket; then
         3.  Donning a life jacket while in the water and swimming;
         4.  Lastly climbing out of the water into a safety boat.

 II.    Pass an On-the-Water Sailing Test given by the Salty Sisters which shall include:

         1.  Safely leaving and returning to the dock;
         2.  Tacking, gybing and other skills applicable to sailing a boat;
         3.  Lifting a 15 lb. anchor; and
         4.  Show ability to climb in and of a pram.

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 ⇒ PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

  I.  Upon successful completion of the Water Survival and Sailing testing as described above, applicants must attend &                               pass eight weeks of Salty Sister sailing/education classes.

  II. Having completed the eight weeks of classes, Candidates must complete 10 days of active sailing 

  III.  To maintain their membership, they must complete another 10 days of participation the following year ending                                       

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After successful completion of the eight weeks of sailing/education classes, new members are invited to take part in all Salty Sisters activities and will receive a handbook and name badge.  A formal welcome and charm presentation will take place at the Annual Meeting 

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Each new member will be required to provide her own U.S Coast Guard Certified Life Vest. Every applicant must sign a standard waiver, releasing Salty Sisters and the St. Petersburg Y.C. from liability for any injury incurred during Salty Sisters activities.

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