As Women’s History Month comes to a close, US Sailing checked in with the four women so far who have qualified to represent the USA at the Paris 2024 Olympics this summer. Read below for their experiences as women in the sailing space, who inspires them, and advice they’d give to girls following in their footsteps.
How did you first get involved with sailing?
Daniela Moroz
“I got into sailing through my parents who were long time windsurfers. I learned to kite surf when I was 12, and then got into racing at 13. I was immediately addicted to going fast on the water and wanted to learn new ways to get faster every day.”
Lara Dallman-Weiss
“I started sailing on White Bear Lake, MN with my dad. It was his passion and I just loved being on the water with him as a father daughter activity. I then took sailing lessons each summer and always raced around the Midwest, but I was actually more competitive in other sports – basketball, track, cross country, and dance, but sailing was a completely fun thing for me to do with friends. At the same time, it taught me valuable lessons like how to take care of my own boat, confidence from being on a race team with all boys, and racing skills, but it wasn’t until college that I focused all of my competitiveness on sailing.”
Erika Reineke
“I started sailing in the Optimist at age 8 out of the Lauderdale Yacht Club. My parents signed me up for summer camp and the rest is history!”
Dominique Stater
“I started sailing at age 12 while living in Argentina. My family lived close to the world’s widest river, Rio de la Plata, in Buenos Aires – a great place to sail. We would drive along the river on the way to school and see everyone windsurfing and kitesurfing and that launched my interest in windsurfing. My mom used to windsurf and found an instructor who taught me the basics. The instructor’s brother was Argentina’s Olympic windsurfing coach and he had a daughter my age. I trained and traveled with her to many regattas around the world at a young age, including the 2018 Youth Olympics.”
What has your experience been like as an elite female sailor?
Daniela Moroz
“In the kite racing world, I always felt extremely supported by the whole community, even though I was one of very few women and the youngest racer by at least 5-10 years. Everyone was always willing to help and watch out for me. As I began competing more and got more exposure into the rest of the competitive sailing world, I began seeing more disparities with how women were treated in the sport both on and off the water. It is clear that sailing as a sport is behind in many ways with the various inequalities, however I believe there’s a big effort being made to progress with this issue. It is exciting that the 2024 Olympics will be the first time there will be gender equality in the sport of sailing, and I’m proud to be part of that.”
Lara Dallman-Weiss
“My experience has been certainly eye opening at times. I’ve raced on many programs where I am the only female on the boat. I actually love being one of the guys, but after a few bad experiences I had a rule that I would always race on boats where at least one male knew me and would stand up for me. I am really enjoying the support network that has come about lately of incredible women supporting women. I want to do everything I can to keep transferring the knowledge I have and helping young girls fill the roles they are more than capable of!”
Erika Reineke
“It’s been such an incredible experience. I love competition and trying to constantly better myself, and being able to do that in sailing is a blessing. Each year I learn more about the sport and continue to fall even more in love with it all.”
Dominique Stater
“Competing against the world’s best sailors has been exciting and busy – I’m on the go all the time. I’ve been living out of a suitcase for the past two years and have raced mostly international events in France, Italy, and Spain. It’s been rewarding to improve from regatta to regatta over this relatively short period.”
Who is a woman in your life or in the world of women’s sports who inspires/motivates you?
Daniela Moroz
“I am very lucky to have many incredible female role models to look up to in my life. From my mom, to family friends, to my competitors – I’m proud to be one of them. I’m inspired by how they continue to be themselves while also evolving in their respective industries.”
Lara Dallman-Weiss
“I’m constantly inspired by the women of the A3 Americans Cup team (especially Linda Lindquist who helped me through a tough injury in 2022). The more women of that generation I get to know and hear stories from forever humbles me and I’m grateful for how they have lead the way for my group of gals. They wear so many hats: sailors, business women, volunteers, and the part I love the most is the bond they all have where they call on each other constantly. That’s something I strive for.”
Erika Reineke
“Serena Williams. Her passion, drive, and dedication come alive when she’s on the court. Watching her play her heart out is beautiful and inspiring.”
Dominique Stater
“I find the Williams sisters inspiring. Their dedication, drive, and overcoming adversity shows that strong work habits and persistence leads to success.”
If you could give a message to other women and girls in sailing, what would you tell them?
Daniela Moroz
“I want other women and girls in sailing to enjoy the process and all the ups and downs of whatever journey they are on. There will always be tough moments and days, but those are taking you one step closer to a really good day or a success! So keep working hard and enjoy what you’re doing.”
Lara Dallman-Weiss
“Stay curious. If you’re given an answer that doesn’t seem right, keep seeking the truth until you find what you’re looking for! And trust your gut – we have such amazing intuitions as women and incredible feel; it’s a superpower so let it shine!”
Erika Reineke
“Things that are meant for you will come if you work hard and continue to stay curious about the sport. As soon as you think you know it all or deserve something, you’ve lost. Always ask questions, push yourself to learn, and be creative.”
Dominique Stater
“Progress is never linear, there will be ups and downs along the way. You have to push through the down times to appreciate the best times.”