In an industry that appears to be dominated by men, female boaters continue to encourage young women to get into recreational boating. At the Freedom Boat Club, women like Anne McAvoy are determined to attract even more females to the water.
Last year in the United States, 15 percent of boat buyers were women, per data from the National Marine Manufacturers Association. In the Baltimore area, Freedom Boat Clubs are no stranger to female members. Approximately 33 percent of Harbor East members and almost 40 percent of Middle River members are women, according to an article in the 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. One Freedom Boat Club member Beth Dua has been boating for years but just learned how to drive her family boat without the company of her husband.
“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 members and owners alike, it is their goal to get even more women out on the water.
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