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When Vanessa Weedon-Jones arrived at Hunts Sailing Club in Cambridgeshire over ten years ago, she asked a simple question: “Can we start a women’s group?” 

That question, and the club’s immediate ‘yes’, laid the foundation for a movement that has helped transform the sailing experiences – and confidence – of countless women across the East region.

Today, that group still thrives. What started as a small weekday gathering has evolved into a community-led initiative that introduces women of all ages and backgrounds to sailing, often for the very first time. Its success lies not just in its longevity, but in its approach: relaxed, empathetic, and above all, inclusive.

Vanessa’s own sailing journey began in her youth and included a spell 470 crewing, but her serious return to the sport followed a personal crisis.

After a career in advertising and a period of severe depression, a free dinghy instructor course on Exmoor gave her a new direction. It opened the door to a life of coaching, volunteering, and helping others discover the joy and freedom of being on the water.This personal history is crucial to understanding her drive. Having experienced how sailing can restore both mind and spirit, Vanessa has spent the last two decades ensuring others have the same chance. That motivation is especially clear in her work.

It’s about creating environments where women can feel confident, supported and seen. That starts with the practicalities – weekday sessions that avoid childcare clashes, no booking requirements, and no pressure. Members pay for boat hire, but not the session itself. “But it’s amazing how many people have bought [their own] boats,” she added.

The real success, though, lies in the culture of the group. Sessions are run with a person-centred approach. Participants are asked what they want to do. Learn a new skill? Go for a relaxing sail? Try racing? It’s all on the table.

“We are not saying, ‘Do this, do that.’ We’re saying, ‘What do you want to do? How can we help you do that?’”

This ethos has proven transformational. Vanessa tells the story of one participant who, on arrival, seemed the least likely candidate to take to the sport. “Not exactly twinset and pearls, but similar,” she recalls. That woman went on to become a very skilled sailor and is now gearing up to race – entirely on her own terms.

“She has been an absolute mega star. She has got on with it. She's now ready to start racing because she wants to, not because we want her to.”

Many of the women who join are middle-aged, semi-retired or are returning to activity after raising children. In an environment often dominated by younger sailors or male club members, they hadn’t previously seen sailing as an option. But Vanessa’s group makes it visible, accessible and unintimidating.

The community now includes female instructors and assistant instructors – some in their 50s and 60s – who mentor newer members. These women aren’t just teaching; they’re changing perceptions about leadership roles in sailing.

And while Hunts remains the group’s heart, the ripple effect is growing. Vanessa is also a member at Grafham Water Sailing Club, and works closely with Jane Ellison, 911��ƷSailing Development Officer for the East region, to coordinate regional ‘Women on the Water’ days. These events bring together women from multiple clubs to sail on unfamiliar waters, meet new people and – most importantly – build confidence.

“One of the participants from Felixstowe Ferry came to my group the next day,” Vanessa recalled. “Some of my group have travelled to other clubs too. There’s real cross-pollination happening.”

The sessions don’t aim to push participants toward qualifications, but the pathway is there. Some do go on to become assistant instructors, and Vanessa hopes more will consider taking that step. “It’s all about just opening up the doors and showing people what they can do, and then facilitating it for them.”

Inclusivity, for Vanessa, is as much about attitude as infrastructure. She makes it clear that creating a welcoming environment isn’t just a box-ticking exercise — it’s a mindset. “Being a role model is important,” she said. “It’s about showing people what’s possible and being supportive of each other.”

The impact is tangible. Vanessa receives regular feedback from participants who’ve rediscovered their confidence, built friendships, or simply found solace on the water. She also coaches part-time at a local school, where young women have responded to her quiet leadership with enthusiasm. “It’s just being a role model, encouraging them, showing them what they’re capable of, and making them more confident.”

Despite her long list of accomplishments – including a BBC East Unsung Hero award in 2016 – Vanessa insists the work is far from done. While she’s seen progress in club culture and the visibility of women in sailing, there’s still a long way to go, particularly when it comes to racing schedules and leadership representation.

“I see more and more clubs with female Commodores. There are lots of training days going on for women... so there is a shift,” she says. But she’s concerned that club racing still overwhelmingly happens on Sundays – a day when many women are tied up with family commitments. “Unless clubs change when they race and where they race, I don’t know how that’s going to happen.”

Still, her commitment remains steadfast – even if she admits to juggling too many roles at once. She’s a volunteer, a senior instructor, a trainer, and an advocate – all driven by the belief that sailing should be for everyone.

Vanessa is proof that you don’t need big budgets or a huge team to make meaningful change.

Sometimes, it just starts with asking the right question.