World Sailing is marking International Women’s Day by encouraging greater mentorship and allyship for women in sailing. The initiative coincides with the 2026 theme “Give to Gain”, with a new video series highlighting volunteers from The Magenta Project.
Six short films will be released across World Sailing’s social media channels from 6–9 March. They feature mentors and mentees who have supported women’s participation across offshore racing, race management and marine industry leadership. Among those featured is Molly LaPointe, an Italian-American sailor and Magenta Project graduate who sailed with the first all-female team to race around the world.
Belgian-Spanish offshore sailor Djemila Tassin also appears in the series. A former mentee, she is now mentoring others while skippering the Class 40 yacht Magenta.
Argentinian sailor Chantal Ferrero, selected for the IMOCA Female Leadership Development Programme in 2025, also shares her experience.
Other contributors include American meteorologist and navigation expert Anderson Reggio, Turkish race official Pinar Coşkuner Genç, and Canadian offshore sailor Daniel Gaw.
Pinar Coşkuner Genç made history as the first female Principal Race Officer at an Olympic Games and later became the first female president of the European Sailing Federation.
Alexandra Rickham, World Sailing Director of Sustainability, said the campaign highlights the value of community support. “Sailing thrives when we tap into the full potential of our global community,” she said. “By highlighting those who give their time, we hope to inspire others to take up the mantle of allyship.”
Victoria Low, CEO of The Magenta Project, said the programme has demonstrated a strong impact. “The commitment and generosity of our mentors make this programme transformational,” she said. “They’re not just offering advice – they’re opening networks, creating opportunities, and helping build careers.” She added that surveys show a “92% positive career impact” among mentees involved in the programme.
