Julie Kim's journey into the world of sailing began, unexpectedly, with a Mother's Day champagne sail in Santa Cruz in 2019. "I'd never been on a sailboat before," she recalls, "and I was just in awe of being on the ocean." That single experience sparked a passion that led her to research sailing lessons, a pursuit she initially thought was beyond her reach. "I really thought sailing was a hobby for the elite and wealthy, unreachable for someone like me," Julie admits.
Undeterred, she completed her ASA 101 and 103 certifications and soon discovered the thrill of racing. "That was a game changer," she says. Julie also quickly realized that sailing, particularly racing, remains a predominantly male domain sport. As a newcomer, and a woman, she sometimes felt overshadowed. "Surely," she thought, "there are more women sailors, more women interested in learning the sport locally."
Julie's search for community led her to Modern Sailing's Wind and Women program. She joined, eager to improve her skills with social Club Sails and begin racing. Starting with Modern's Racing Clinic, Julie joined a few drop-in races, but her progress was interrupted by the pandemic, and then by an injury. During her downtime, Julie immersed herself in sailing videos, particularly the all-women crew of the Magenta Project in the 2017 Volvo Ocean Race. "I was so inspired by their drive and challenges," she reflects, "and discovering there are other women racing, not just locally, but participating in world ocean races. I hope to get there someday."
In 2023, Julie took a significant step in her sailing journey, participating in the California Offshore Race in the SoCal 300. "That has been the most thrilling and exciting experience in my sailing journey thus far," she declares. She also valued the camaraderie of another female crew member on board. Returning with a renewed drive, Julie sought more racing opportunities, especially those involving other women racers.
Julie Kim, California Offshore Race in the SoCal 300, and chartering with an all-women crew out of Modern Sailing Sausalito
That opportunity came with a call from Modern Sailing, inviting her to join the intermediate Level 2 Development Race Team. Since April 2024, Julie has been the Main Sail Trimmer for Team Mymble, J/99. "I am really thankful for the opportunity Modern Sailing has provided," she says, "not just for me, but for other sailors that are wanting to learn to race as well." She praises Modern's tiered racing program for its accessibility and appreciates the supportive learning environment fostered by Mymble's owner, Stuart Strickland, and her fellow crew. "The consistent coaching, practices, and loyal crew members all played a pivotal part in my love for racing," Julie explains. She's even been called a "badass female racer," a title she accepts humbly, acknowledging she still has much to learn. "The thrill of racing and being the powerhouse for the boat as a 5'1" female sailor excites me," she says.
Julie Kim, main sheet trimmer J/99 Team Mymble, with the all-women's Race Team J/105 Chinook, and California Offshore Race in the SoCal 300
Julie Kim emphasizes the importance of the sailors who have inspired her along the way, many of them from Modern Sailing. "I am thankful that Modern has provided a supportive learning environment for everyone," she says noting the inclusivity illustrated by both male and female instructors. "The support and camaraderie that these instructors and fellow women sailors provide, teach, mentor for other women are so invaluable," she stresses. She expresses particular admiration for coaches Kira Maixner, Laura Parent, and Katie Cornetta. She also values the strong connection she has forged with other racing members like Elizabeth Henderson, owner of the J/105 Chinook, with whom she now races on an all-women team in the Bay area. Recently, that team, coached by MSC Instructor, Capt. Kira Maixner, competed in their first race: Island Yacht Club's Sadie Hawkins Regatta on Sunday, March 23, marketing the beginning of their journey. Their goal is a podium finish leading them to an invitation in the presigious Rolex Big Boat Regatta.
Julie Kim with her BFF "Seaster" Elizabeth Henderson, on MSC Club Sail, and J/99 Team Mymble
It's important to note that Julie's path reflects the evolving landscape of sailing. Modern Sailing is committed to creating more opportunities for diverse sailors. Our new Level 1 Introduction Women's Race Team, launching this spring, represents a significant step in making racing more accessible. This dedicated 5-race series, with consistent crew and expert coaching, provides a structured pathway for aspiring female racers. While this program was not available when Julie began her journey, it embodies our ongoing effort to foster inclusivity and expand access to the sport.
Julie believes that women supporting and empowering each other, rather than competing, is crucial for increasing female participation in sailing and other male-dominated sports. "Not just success within themselves," she says, "but also as a team that will do well competitively as we have so much more to prove. The coaches at Modern help provide that." Julie is so impressed with Modern Sailing that she has even signed up her daughter as a member.
At the beginning of writing this story, Julie dreamt of racing on an all-female crew. By the time we went to publish this article, that dream had already become realized aboard J/105 Team Chinook. Now she looks forward to sailing, perhaps racing, with her daughters. Her ultimate goal is to compete in an ocean race with an all-female team, possibly making history.
