We Are The Boat

A weekend of women's sailing in Lesa

We Are The Boat is an event that transforms the waterfront of Lesa, overlooking Lake Maggiore, into a meeting point for sport, culture, and a commitment to gender equality. Conceived by Milena Andrade and promoted by the Women Sailing Leaders association, the event was born with a clear goal: to make sailing more accessible by offering women and girls with no nautical experience the opportunity to discover the world of navigation and regattas.

The Women Sailing Leaders project

The initiative is part of a broader effort to promote female participation in sailing, a field historically dominated by men. In Lesa, on the waterfront of the Novara municipality, this message takes concrete form: anyone can learn to sail, read the wind, and trust their crew. The title itself, We Are The Boat, reflects the idea that we are the boat—a community moving together in the same direction.

Three days between water and culture

The event takes place over a weekend, alternating between training sessions, practical activities on the water, and cultural events open to the public:

• Opening: Inauguration of exhibitions and the start of training sessions, with the Società Operaia hall hosting art and craft displays throughout the event.
• "The Gift of the Voice" Talk: An event combining a lecture and a concert, bridging reflection and music, curated by Milan Conservatory master Demetrio Colaci together with Eleonora Colaci.
• Practical sailing session: After an introduction to safety and basic maneuvers, participants take part in a symbolic outing on the waters of Lake Maggiore.
• Social moments: Meetings and networking opportunities on the lakeshore to share experiences and passions.

Lesa, a village overlooking Lake Maggiore

Located in the province of Novara, in Piedmont, Lesa is one of the gems of the Piedmontese shore of Lake Maggiore. Its waterfront, historic villas, and the intimate atmosphere of the village provide the ideal setting for an event that combines water sports with a cultural and community dimension. We Are The Boat thus joins the rich spring-summer calendar of the municipality, helping to enhance the lakeside area and attract visitors and sailing enthusiasts.

Who is the event for?

The initiative is aimed specifically at women and girls who wish to approach sailing without any prior experience, but the program of exhibitions, talks, and cultural moments is open to anyone who wants to experience the Lesa waterfront during a weekend of discovery and sharing.