Sailing is fascinating, but getting started can be challenging – especially for women. The ‘Mut zum Meer’ (Courage to Sail) seminar offers a low-threshold introduction to sailing. Experienced sailors Greta Donner, Laura Lüttin and Mareike Guhr teach the basics of sailing in a practical and motivating way: from boat types and wind to manoeuvres and the first steps towards obtaining a sailing licence.
The seminar is aimed at women with and without previous experience and, in addition to understandable theory, offers space for questions, exchange and personal inspiration. The aim is to encourage women and make sailing an accessible, fascinating hobby.
The seminar takes place as part of boot Düsseldorf in a seminar room at the exhibition area.
The Seminar program
Friday, January 23, 2026
10:30 a.m. – Arrival & Welcome Getting to know each other with Mareike Guhr
10:50 a.m. – Understanding Sailing: The Basics with Greta Donner & Laura Lüttin
Structure of a sailing boat & basic terminology
Fundamentals of sailing: wind, course, and forces
Key points of sail: close-hauled, beam reach, broad reach, running
11:30 a.m. – Mastering Your First Maneuvers with Greta Donner & Laura Lüttin
Tacking & gybing: what they are and how to do them
Steering and maintaining course
Essential knots: bowline, figure-eight knot & more
12:00 p.m. – Break
12:15 p.m. – Sailing in Practice with Greta Donner & Laura Lüttin
A sailing day from casting off to docking
What does a beginner sailing course look like?
Onboard safety and handling wind conditions
1:00 p.m. – Your Path to a Sailing License with Greta Donner & Laura Lüttin
Overview of sailing licenses: SBF Inland, SBF Sea, SKS
How does sailing training work?
Tips for choosing the right sailing school
1:30 p.m. – Open Exchange & Outlook with Mareike Guhr
Next steps: discovering courses, networks, and sailing opportunities