A Perfect Fit for Ellie Driver Racing

Big news from us! —WES (Women’s Engineering Society) is officially joining us as a charity partner! And honestly, this one feels really special.

You might be wondering, what does offshore sailing have to do with engineering? Well, quite a lot, actually. This partnership isn’t just about logos on sails—it’s about breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and proving that women belong in every space, whether that’s on the water or in the design office.

Why WES and Why Now?

For those who don’t know, my journey hasn’t just been about sailing—I’m also a naval architect. I have a Master’s in Maritime Engineering and work as a Naval Architect / Drafts Person at SR Structures, which means I don’t just race boats—I help design and make them, too.

That’s why teaming up with WES makes so much sense. Sailing and engineering go hand in hand, and both industries are still very much male-dominated. Whether it’s designing cutting-edge race boats or skippering one across the Atlantic, women are still underrepresented—and we want to help change that.

More Than Just a Partnership

This isn’t just about raising awareness (although that’s part of it). It’s about showing what’s possible when you combine technical expertise with hands-on experience.

With WES onboard, we want to:

• Highlight the link between sailing and STEM—because maritime engineering plays a huge role in offshore racing.
• Encourage more women to explore engineering and sailing—whether in the design office or on the racecourse.
• Showcase real-life career paths—because you don’t have to choose between being an engineer and being an athlete.

Sailing isn’t just about instinct and tactics—it’s about understanding structures, aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, and performance optimization. Having a background in maritime engineering has massively shaped how I approach offshore racing, and I want to show other young women that they can combine their technical skills with adventure, too.

The Bigger Picture

This partnership with WES is about more than just us—it’s about opening doors for the next generation of female engineers, sailors, and innovators.

We’re beyond excited to have WES onboard and can’t wait to share our journey, connect with aspiring engineers and sailors, and break down barriers together.

So, if you’re into sailing, engineering, or just proving people wrong when they say you “don’t belong” somewhere—stick around. This is just the beginning.