Today I’m delighted to be talking with Katrien, who shares the remarkable story of how a childhood dream of sailing grew into a career as an RYA Instructor. After an early experience on the water left her lacking confidence, Katrien stepped away from boating for many years. But one sailing course changed everything. What followed was a journey of determination, self-belief and finding the people who encouraged her to keep going. In this episode we talk about: * discovering a passion for sailing later in life * overcoming fear and self-doubt * progressing from Competent Crew to Instructor * buying a first boat and learning through experience * why confidence comes from supportive people, not perfection * the value of women supporting women in sailing * finding your place within the sailing community Katrien’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to follow a dream. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re capable of becoming a skipper, instructor or boat owner, this conversation is full of encouragement and inspiration. Before becoming a professional sailing instructor, Katrien spent 25 years raising her three children and worked as a coach and ceramic artist. Throughout her life, she has been fascinated by personal growth, creativity and the courage it takes to follow one’s own path. The sea brought these passions together. For Katrien, sailing is about much more than learning how to handle a boat. It is about building confidence, learning to trust yourself, making decisions and growing through experience. Katrien is now an RYA Cruising Instructor who offers private sailing tuition aboard her yacht Butterfly - Etap 39s - in Southern Spain. She specialises in teaching beginners through private tuition for individuals, couples, friends and all-women crews. With a maximum of three students on board, every course is tailored to the individual in a supportive, safe and enjoyable learning environment. Katrien believes that we are all responsible for steering our own course in life, and that growth begins the moment we dare to take the helm. 📸 Instagram: @sailwithkatrien 📱 WhatsApp: https://wa.me/32487624446 My name is JoJo Pickering. I’m a professional skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor, and founder of SheHelms Sailing. Through these conversations I’ll be sharing interviews with women sailors from different backgrounds and experiences, creating space for thoughtful discussion, shared learning, and honest conversations about sailing life. I hope you’ll tune in and enjoy. If these conversations resonate with you, please do share them with others, subscribe to the SheHelms Newsletter, and explore the wider SheHelms community. Very welcome aboard About SheHelms SheHelms is a women-centred sailing community helping women build skills, confidence and connections on the water. Through podcasts, articles, live online events, monthly zooms and our free community, we share practical knowledge, inspiring stories and honest conversations to support women at every stage of their sailing journey. SheHelms Sailing Links Community: https://shehelms.com Newsletter (Substack): YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SheHelms Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shehelmsailing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shehelmsailing Support SheHelms: https://www.patreon.com/cw/SheHelms This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shehelms.substack.com
