Irish Boat Shop Invites Women to Boating Networking Event – “Women at the Helm”
Opportunity to Share Boating Needs, Wants, Goals and Skills at Traverse City Shop
 
Traverse City, MI – Irish Boat Shop will host a boating-themed networking event for women on Thursday, April 24 from 5:30-7 PM, as the basis for a series of workshops, educational and experiential events to help women become more actively involved in boating. The Traverse City location is at 988 West Commerce Drive.
 
“Boating has traditionally been a male-dominated sport in most women’s experience. We are invited to go along, bring family and friends and be a passenger, but not take the helm. I had the great fortune of growing up with strong female role models. Although it was my father Dave Irish who founded Irish Boat Shop, his mother and sister were also outstanding sailors, competitors, and teachers. I’d like to help share the feeling of belonging at the helm,” says Irish Boat Shop Chair, Susan Stewart.
 
That sentiment is shared by many women who feel at home at the wheel of a boat, but for those who don’t, getting there can be a “touchy” process. Husbands and boyfriends are not always the best teachers and gaining confidence at the helm only comes with knowledge and experience. That is why the Irish Boat Shop created the Women at the Helm program—to help women earn the education and respect that comes with knowing  your way around a boat. It doesn’t have to be difficult—it just takes some time and effort in a supportive atmosphere and Irish Boat Shop, as a family owned and run business for over 60 years, provides just that.
 
The April 24 event will be casual and communicative and the opinions and ideas shared will help Irish Boat Shop develop additional programs to get women more actively involved not just in operating boats but also buying them.
 
“Boating doesn’t have to be intimidating to anyone,” says Colin Texter, General Manager of the Traverse City Irish Boat Shop, “We have a lot of women on our staff—and plenty of cooperative men--who are pleased to help everyone feel comfortable in learning what they need to know about boats to make good decisions in what is best for their boating interests. Boating is one of the most exciting and rewarding activities for people in Northern Michigan—we are fortunate to have the beautiful waters and inviting destinations and we are happy to help bring more women to the helm!” he adds.
 
On Thursday, April 24, guests of Irish Boat Shop will be joined by program director and popular radio personality, Ashley Z from Hits 106 KHQ who rules the airwaves weekdays from 6-10 AM. Having grown up on the water, spending summers on her family's boat in Holland, MI, Ashley feels right at home living in Northern Michigan, a boater’s paradise. Ashley Z, like many other women, is excited to embrace the culture and share experiences with other boating enthusiasts. “I love being on the water! The smells, letting the boat go fast and free in the open water, the feeling of having nowhere else to be - there's nothing like spending a summer day boating in a beautiful place.” she says. “I love water sports (hardcore tubing was always my favorite), and I’m just ready to get out there and have fun.” 
 
Also joining is Captain Jenny McCain, Women on the Water director in Traverse City, Director of Educational Development at American Sailing, former instructor for the Great Lakes Sailing Company and formerly an instructor for kids at Traverse Area Community Sailing. Capt. Jenny will share her expertise, as sailing is as popular as motorboating, but offers different challenges and skills.
 
“Women should absolutely be at the helm more often,” says McCain, “It’s exciting to see the opportunities like this event come up. It gives us a chance to discuss what needs to happen in our community to make that happen. Let’s promote bringing a lot more diversity to every role on the boat!”
 
Refreshments will be provided, including a wine tasting from nearby Mawby Winery—who will offer some prizes for lucky participants. The event is also a BYOB, so feel free bring your own beverage of choice. Bring Your Own Boat will come in the future! 
 
To reserve your spot or get more information, email info@irishboatshop.com or call 231-242-1922. www.irishboatshop.com
 
About Irish Boat Shop:
For over 60 years, Irish Boat Shop has provided comprehensive marina services, including repair, restoration, dockage, and storage with locations in Harbor Springs and Charlevoix, Michigan. Additionally, it maintains a dedicated sales, service, and storage facility in Traverse City, Michigan. An authorized dealer of premium boat brands like Boston Whaler, Nautique, Chaparral, Pardo, J Boats, RS Sailing, and Zodiac, the Boat Shop also brokers preowned boats. A certified “Clean Marina” and service center for Hinkley Yachts in the Great Lakes, Irish Boat Shop is committed to excellence and environmental stewardship in the marine industry.
 
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