Get ready to experience world-class sailing when approximately 100 women sailors around the Sunshine State who are members of the Florida Women’s Sailing Association (FWSA) showcase their skills, adventure and decades-long friendships as they celebrate the organization’s 50th anniversary with the Rainbow Regattataking place at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron (SSS) on April 10 and 11th. Competitors will single-handedly rig and race Sunfish, Pram’s and International Opti dinghy boats on the sparkling waters of Sarasota Bay. All are female racers spanning in age from 25 to more than 80-years old. Members of the SSS’s Luffing Lassies and the Venice Bitter Ends will host the FWSA Rainbow Regatta with up to six races over two days.  Nearly every Thursday morning, for 51 years, a score of Luffing Lassie members continue the group’s mission of learning to sail, competing and being together to honor the late Lily Kaighin’s philosophy of motivation, organization, involvement and good sportsmanship.  “The Florida Women's Sailing Association started as an ecosystem five decades ago for promoting women leaders who love to sail. We have grown to 11 clubs across the state. We also have a Young Women’s Sailing award that helps sailors financially continue the love of this sport into college, win Olympic spots and compete globally. We look forward to another 50 years of honoring sailing for the life skills that it develops: adventure, independence, curiosity and motivation,” notes Joy Sheets, president of FWSA. This summer’s first gender-equal Olympics, Paris 2024, is the first time that sailing features duo female-male teams. In preparation for the games, local nautical devotees are invited to watch world-class sailors competing in the Rainbow Regatta. A SSS spectator boat will teach Admiral sponsors the strategies of sailing in a narrated, on-the-water experience. For sponsorship opportunities, call Vilia Johnson at 425-883-8905.