As someone who has grown up around sailing; from messing around with friends to the competitive and coaching world, Charlotte has seen many sides to this amazing sport. Here, she talks about growing up around a largely male-dominated sport - the various challenges she has encountered, how it has shaped her as a sailor, coach and a person, and how far the sport has come in making it more inclusive.
Growing up by the sea in Poole Harbour, my childhood revolved around boats and the sea. I was lucky to have the water on my doorstep - starting my journey from club sailor to national youth coach to finally ending up at Rockley has been full of challenges, unforgettable moments, and friends I’ll have for life. From the beginning, it was clear that sailing was a male-dominated sport. That reality didn’t discourage me, it just became another challenge to navigate.
When I first started sailing competitively at 13, I didn’t realise how much it would shape me or the numerous opportunities to come out of it. Racing taught me resilience, teamwork, and handling pressure when things felt chaotic. It also gave me a sense of freedom I hadn’t experienced anywhere else. Back then, joining a training squad meant standing among 20 boys and being one of just five girls. The disparity was plain to see, and it wasn’t just in the squads—it was in the role models, too.
I was passionate about sailing and loved teaching, so earning my Dinghy and Senior Instructor qualifications at Rockley was a natural progression for me. Again, I went into this knowing that I would be one of the few female sailing instructors in the industry.
I still remember the name of the first female coach I had. To 13-year-old me, she was the coolest person I’d ever met. Seeing someone like her in that role was a game-changer. For the first time, I could picture myself taking up space in a sport that didn’t always feel like it was built for me. Some incredible coaches supported me, I achieved my Race Coach Level 2 and it all clicked. I started working and again found myself as a minority, as a female coach. I felt incredibly supported by the RYA in this. I felt like that coach I experienced at 13. I knew how important my role in these training squads became. After 5 years of coaching on the circuit for the RYA and class associations, connecting with aspiring racers in the RS Feva class at 14 and then seeing them at 16 still driven for the sport, shows the importance of a coach’s role in developing young sailors.
Looking back over the past ten years, it’s incredible to see how much has changed - for me and for the sport. The sailing world has taken huge steps toward becoming more inclusive and accessible, and the RYA has played a big role in paving the way for women. They’ve proactively created opportunities for female race officials, coaches, and sailors at every level.
I’ve been lucky enough to have witnessed this shift firsthand at Rockley. Today, more women are stepping into leadership roles, both on the water and behind the scenes. The majority of our senior roles at the centres and in the office are held by women, and we have a female Managing Director who’s been part of the company for over twenty years. Seeing these changes up close has been incredible. It’s proof that the sailing world is evolving, and women are at the forefront of that transformation.
This isn’t just about having more women in leadership or on boats. It’s about recognising that women have always belonged in this space. Programs like the RYA’s Women on the Water have been instrumental in creating pathways for women and girls to thrive. These initiatives are about more than just “letting women in”—they’re about breaking down barriers and proving that sailing is for everyone.
The progress isn’t limited to competitive racing or professional coaching. More women and girls are picking up sailing for the first time, finding their place on the water thanks to programs and organisations committed to inclusivity. It’s been amazing to see sailing communities become more welcoming and diverse, and I’m proud that Rockley is part of that change.
At 23, I can see the tide is turning, but there’s still more to do. We need more female role models, more inclusive training environments, and more visibility for women across all aspects of sailing. At Rockley, we are committed to pushing this movement forward by teaching females of all ages and celebrating their successes.
For me, this isn’t just about inspiring others, it’s about building a future where no one feels out of place on the water.