Re: Boy - Girl Talk
Kristen (kristen@sns-access.com)
Wed, 25 Jun 1997 23:14:29 -0700
Yikes! I hope that people on co-ed or all male units do not think that
young women are being "segregated" by being on all female ships. Our
council has both co-ed and single gender ships so the youth members have a
choice. I am sure, for some people, the benefits of participating on a
co-ed ship outweigh the negatives aspects. However, many others would
rather belong to a single gender ship. Before this discussion, it never
occured to me (or my crew) that people would view all female ships as
"less" in any way. Our crewmembers are a part of of the ship becuase they
want to be...not because they were not allowed on an all--male ship.
In my council, and in the Northwest in general, the female ships are
given as much respect as the co-ed and male units. The female ships not
only "hold their own" at regattas, but often win. All- female ships have
taken first place at our regional "Nor'Wester" regatta for four of the last
five regattas. At least three of the top five ships are all female, year
after year. They may be physically weaker, but they have strong teamwork
and sportsmanship skills!
In our council or "fleet" there is only three all-female ships, two co-ed
ships and six all-male ships. For the past five years the position of
"Fleet Boatswain" has been held by young woman. Only one of them was from
a co-ed ship.
I do not wish to criticize co-ed ships. I think that they offer a great
option for some young people. I just wanted to make it clear that there
will always be a need for single gender units, too. And, more importantly,
most female ships do not wish to be pitied. We are happy to have our boats
to ourselves! By the way, my crewmembers really enjoy participating in
joint activities with all-male ships. We just like to be able to do things
on our own as well.
I sure seem to be blabbing a lot for a skipper of a new ship! Until eight
months ago, my council only had two all female ships. Perhaps that is why
I am feeling a little sensative towards this whole issue.
Well, wish us luck, the girls will be competing in their first regatta in
just 2 months...against the two other all female ships as well as the co-ed
and all male ships.
YiSS
Kristen Hyatt
Skipper, S.E.S. Voyageur
Cascade Pacific Council
Portland, OR
kristen@sns-access.com
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