One of the great truths about boating is that it is meant to be shared. The water invites both men and women, and boating is one of the few sports that allows couples and families to participate equally.
But once all are onboard and the duties are carved up, the concept of equallity too often seems to get tossed out the porthole – or at least that is the common wisdom. But is it true? Mad Mariner launched this week's Women in Boating series to explore some of these stereotypes and learn more about the complex dynamic that occurs between men and women when they step aboard their boat.
While much has been written about the role of women on the water, too often these stories rely on tired anecdotes and stereotypes that make too many assumptions. The editors at Mad Mariner wanted to move past that and gather new information – something more definitive. We wanted some unassailable statistics.
The answer emerged in the form of the Mad Mariner Poll, which queried 400 boat owners – 200 men and 200 women – about what they do aboard their boats, how they feel and how they assess their skills. The result, we hope, is some new insights into the roles men and women take on while boating and how they view their participation.
Today's story by veteran marine journalist Kim Kavin spells out these points in detail, along with all the relevant numbers and the expert commentary to interpret them. We offer full poll results and an interactive, 12-question quiz that allows you to compare your answers with those offred by poll respondents.
On Thursday, we offer six profiles of women who have excelled in all aspects of boating, from a pairof Olympic sailors competing this year to a Coast Guard Rescue captain. On of the most compelling is a woman who was drawn to boating by her husband, then took over the boat when he did. All show that the term "Women in Boating" can mean many different things.
On Friday, we delve into the arena of boating education, exploring the role and the efficacy of boating schools that focus on women. Again, the poll was used to tease out new information, as we asked boaters about their nautical education and how it has performed for them.
The Women in Boating series is not the first or the last word written on the topic. But we do hope that it adds to the conversation.
