– Up against the wind. Pull that joint. Instructor Gro Vale is determined, where she sits in the back of a 25-foot sailboat on the city fjord in Arendal. In recent weeks she has been in a sailboat a lot. She’s not alone. For now, many women want to learn how to handle a boat. In 2010, the proportion of women who took a boat license was 18 per cent. In 2022, the share has increased to 36 percent. Gro Vale is an instructor on the sailing course. Photo: Espen Bierud / news – The increase is formidable, but we would like to see 50 percent, says Bernt Nilsen in the Small Boat Register. But why is it so important that the ladies take the helm? Saves lives – It is an advantage that more than one person can lead the boat safely and securely. This can save lives. This is what Thomas Nicolai Bjønness from the industry association Norboat says. He thinks it is high time that the gender differences disappear. Norboat member manager, Thomas Nicolai Bjønness, believes an increased proportion of women can save lives. Photo: Espen Bierud / news – It has been the case that the man drives the boat and the woman jumps ashore, traditionally. That is completely wrong! You become good at what you practice and there are no gender differences in how good you are at driving a boat. The police are also positive that more women can take over the steering wheel. – It is not to be underestimated that women are more sensible than men, says police officer Frederik Wilhelm Schulze in Agder police district with a sly smile. But he means business. – I think it is very positive that more women choose to take that training and take the helm, The number of women who take a boat driver’s license has doubled in 12 years. Photo: Espen Bierud / news Courses by and with women In previous years, sailing courses for adults have attracted a handful of people in the Arendal sailing association. This year, around 50 have signed up, and over 40 of them are women. It is far above what has been common. Karen Landmark is satisfied with the course. Photo: Espen Bierud / news The instructor thinks the explanation is that it is also women who teach. – Then people dare to sign up. The fear of being “too bad” disappears, says instructor Gro Vale. – It is time that we take a little grip on the sea, in terms of gender equality, says Karen Landmark. She is one of the participants in the girls’ course in Arendal. She is at the helm of the small sailboat, while four other ladies work hard on the sails. Maren Huseby (15) wants to take over the wheel of the family boat. Photo: Espen Bierud / news Maren Huseby (15) also wants to take over the helm of the family’s boat. – I really want to take the boat driver’s license and think everyone can do the same if they want to, she says.
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The ladies take over the helm at sea – news Sørlandet – Local news, TV and radio
