Women continue to encourage women to take up recreational boating in an industry that is dominated by males. Women like Anne McAvoy, who work at the Freedom Boat Club are committed to attracting more women to the water.
National Marine Manufacturers Association data shows that 15 percent of boat purchasers in the United States last year were women. Freedom Boat Clubs have many female members in the Baltimore region. A recent article in The Baltimore Sun states that approximately 33 percent Harbor East members, and nearly 40 percent Middle River members, are women. Baltimore Sun.
“When women see other women doing things, they get more inspired and encouraged that they can do that, too,” said Beverly Rosella from Delaware, who co-owns a few Freedom Boat Club locations across different states, including Maryland and Washington, D.C.
Additionally, some female boaters feel less stressed when it’s just women on the water. Beth Dua, a Freedom Boat Club member who has been sailing for many years, only recently learned to drive the boat she owns without her husband’s company.
“I don’t need anyone to help me drive my car, so why do I need anyone to help me drive the boat?” Dua said.
For female Freedom Club…
