--- title: Women Take the Helm with Pursuit Boats description: For several years now, Pursuit Boats has enjoyed a hugely successful partnership with the world-renowned boat school, the Chapman School of Seamanship. image: https://blog.pursuitboats.com/hubfs/Pursuit%20Images/BLOG_Featured/ConfidenceOTW.jpg --- [![Pursuit Boats](https://cdn.pursuitboats.com/images/SiteMenu/Pursuit_W.png)](https://www.pursuitboats.com/index.php) - MODELS   MODELS   [![A girl enjoys riding on a bowrider D 246 Pursuit dual console boat with hardtop.](https://cdn.pursuitboats.com/images/SiteMenu/D246.jpg)](https://www.pursuitboats.com/Denali.php) ## [DENALI](https://www.pursuitboats.com/Denali.php)   [D 365](https://www.pursuitboats.com/D365.php) [D 326](https://www.pursuitboats.com/D326.php) [D 306](https://www.pursuitboats.com/D306.php) [D 286](https://www.pursuitboats.com/D286.php) [D 266](https://www.pursuitboats.com/D266.php) [D 246](https://www.pursuitboats.com/D246.php) [![A front view of Pursuit OS 445 Offshore boat.](https://cdn.pursuitboats.com/images/SiteMenu/OS445.jpg)](https://www.pursuitboats.com/Offshore.php) ## [OFFSHORE BOATS](https://www.pursuitboats.com/Offshore.php)   [OS 445](https://www.pursuitboats.com/OS445.php) [OS 405](https://www.pursuitboats.com/OS405.php) [OS 355](https://www.pursuitboats.com/OS355.php) [OS 325](https://www.pursuitboats.com/OS325_25.php) [![A woman at the helm of Pursuit Boats S 358 Sport Center Console Boat running offshore.](https://cdn.pursuitboats.com/images/SiteMenu/sport.jpg)](https://www.pursuitboats.com/Sport.php) ## [SPORT CENTER CONSOLE](https://www.pursuitboats.com/Sport.php)   [S 428](https://www.pursuitboats.com/S428.php) [S 388](https://www.pursuitboats.com/S388.php) [S 358](https://www.pursuitboats.com/S358.php) [All-New S 328](https://www.pursuitboats.com/S328_25.php) [All-New S 288](https://www.pursuitboats.com/S288_27.php) [S 288](https://www.pursuitboats.com/S288.php) [S 268](https://www.pursuitboats.com/S268.php) [S 248](https://www.pursuitboats.com/S248.php) - [DEALER](https://www.pursuitboats.com/DealerLocator.php) - [INVENTORY](https://www.pursuitboats.com/InventorySearch.php) - [BUILD](https://www.pursuitboats.com/buildaboat/index.php) - [BLOG](https://blog.pursuitboats.com) - REQUEST   REQUEST   ![Pursuit S 328 Sport Center Console boat at sunset.](https://cdn.pursuitboats.com/images/SiteMenu/publications26.jpg) ## PUBLICATIONS   [Brochure Request](https://www.pursuitboats.com/Inquiries/CatalogRequest.php) [EXPLORE Magazine](https://www.pursuitboats.com/EXPLORE.php) ![Pursuit S 388 Helm Photo](https://cdn.pursuitboats.com/images/SiteMenu/information26.jpg) ## INFORMATION   [Request Updates](https://www.pursuitboats.com/Inquiries/Updates.php) ![Photo of inside Pursuit Plant](https://cdn.pursuitboats.com/images/SiteMenu/plant26.jpg) ## PLANT TOUR   [Request Plant Tour](https://www.pursuitboats.com/Inquiries/PlantTour.php) ![Pursuit flagship models DC 365, OS 445, and S 428 running toward the camera.](https://cdn.pursuitboats.com/images/SiteMenu/contact26.jpg) ## CONTACT   [Customer Relations](https://www.pursuitboats.com/Inquiries/CustomerService.php) [Sales Department](https://www.pursuitboats.com/Inquiries/Sales.php) [Marketing Department](https://www.pursuitboats.com/Inquiries/Marketing.php) [Human Resources](https://www.pursuitboats.com/Inquiries/HumanResources.php) ![Photo of Pursuit employees at manufacturing facility.](https://cdn.pursuitboats.com/images/SiteMenu/careers26.jpg) ## CAREERS   [Join the Team](https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs?clientkey=412A56AEC28954C702B6ABDE8AD01F58&fromClientSide=ture) - DISCOVER   DISCOVER   ![Pursuit models in water at boat show.](https://cdn.pursuitboats.com/images/SiteMenu/events26.jpg) ## NEWS/EVENTS   [Boat Shows/Dealer Events](https://www.pursuitboats.com/Events.php) [Special Promotions](https://www.pursuitboats.com/Promotions.php) [Press](https://www.pursuitboats.com/Articles.php) [News](https://www.pursuitboats.com/PressReleases.php) ![Photo of Pursuit on side on hull.](https://cdn.pursuitboats.com/images/SiteMenu/about26.jpg) ## ABOUT PURSUIT   [PURETECH SUITE™](https://www.pursuitboats.com//PureTech.php) [Defining PURE. 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In collaboration with the Chapman School, Pursuit Boats has created [a two-day training course](https://blog.pursuitboats.com/in-pursuit-of-better-boating-with-chapman-program) specifically for buyers of new Pursuit boats. The Confidence on the Water CPC-100 Pursuit course provides owners with the perfect combination of boating skills, waterway rules, safety and real-life hands-on boat handling education. Pursuit connected with a group of female owners who took the course and took some time to get to know them. Please take a moment to watch their story.   ## Woman Take The Helm   ## A Recap... We have been extremely encouraged to see that women are increasingly interested [in boat ownership](https://www.pursuitboats.com/PursuitOwners.php). Consequently, Pursuit Boats is actively working with the Chapman School to promote and nurture women boat owners and captains.   ## Shifting Dynamics ![Female Pursuit Owners take Chapman School](https://blog.pursuitboats.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pursuit%20Images/BLOG_Featured/Chapman%20School_Pursuit_DSC06592.jpg?width=960&height=640&name=Chapman%20School_Pursuit_DSC06592.jpg) According to the Program Coordinator at the Chapman School, Captain Kym Helwig, this gradual demographic shift is remarkable. "When I was young in this industry, there weren't many female captains and, in fact globally, only five percent of the world's captains are female. That is changing. More and more women are finding their way onto the water, whether they get credentialled or not. " ## Women Ownership ![Jeanne aboard her Pursuit DC 246](https://blog.pursuitboats.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pursuit%20Images/IMG_2900.jpeg?width=960&height=720&name=IMG_2900.jpeg) One of those women is Jeanne Kleckner, the proud owner of a [DC 246](https://www.pursuitboats.com/DC246.php). As a new boat buyer, she was personally offered the CPC100 course and, having recognized the Chapman school and the high standard of education it offers, she quickly took up the offer. She spoke highly of the course's impact on her boating skills and what it means for other women. "The biggest reaction I've had was from other women saying, 'I could never do that (own and captain their own boat)'. And my response is always, 'Yes you can. If it's something that's important to you, you can do it."   ## A Family's Confidence On Board ![Mother and daughter each own a Pursuit sit taking Confidence on the Water Course](https://blog.pursuitboats.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pursuit%20Images/BLOG_Featured/Chapman%20School_Pursuit_DSC06579.jpg?width=960&name=Chapman%20School_Pursuit_DSC06579.jpg) Jennifer Knott, mother of three and an owner of a [DC 266,](https://www.pursuitboats.com/DC266.php) revealed that the availability of the course was a major selling point for her in her family's decision to buy their Pursuit. "One of the reasons I felt comfortable buying a Pursuit was knowing that we were going to have this course; so that the family as a whole could get comfortable, so that we could have fun. Versus being stressed about how we were going to manage the boat as a family." Her mother, Leslie Sticker, shared similar sentiments with us. "I have a [DC 326](https://www.pursuitboats.com/DC326.php) that is one week old. I think this is a great idea that Pursuit and Chapman have gotten together, especially for women. Because as you know, most women don't drive the boat they're on. This course gives us the opportunity, as women, to give us the confidence that we need, to be able to enjoy driving the boat as well. I certainly enjoy driving it, it's a lot of fun! ![Jennifer and her dad on a Pursuit](https://blog.pursuitboats.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pursuit%20Images/BLOG_Featured/Jen_Pursuit_2.jpg?width=960&name=Jen_Pursuit_2.jpg)   ## Redefining Safe Boating ![Instructor at Chapman School](https://blog.pursuitboats.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pursuit%20Images/BLOG_Featured/Chapman%20School_Pursuit_DSC06586.jpg?width=960&height=640&name=Chapman%20School_Pursuit_DSC06586.jpg) Returning to the Chapman School, Captain Kym Helwig praised her female students who demonstrated a particular aptitude for learning in both the classrooms and taking charge of seamanship on board during the practical elements. "Women, especially, make great students because they'll take in the instruction, watch how the skill is demonstrated, ask any questions, and then do it. And they usually execute it flawlessly. It's pretty cool."   ## Safety All in the Family ![Father and daughter stand together](https://blog.pursuitboats.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pursuit%20Images/BLOG_Featured/Unknown.jpeg?width=960&height=667&name=Unknown.jpeg) For owner and captain Jeanne Klecker, who grew up with a family who always put boating safety first, the [Pursuit CPC-100 course](https://blog.pursuitboats.com/in-pursuit-of-better-boating-with-chapman-program) was a non-negotiable aspect of buying and owning her Pursuit boat. "The safety component of owning a boat was mandatory for me, otherwise I'm not sure that I would have had the confidence to buy a boat." Her daughter, Delia Lytell, confirmed Jeanne's comments. "My mom was not sure about her decision to buy the boat, until she took the course because she didn't know exactly what owning and driving a boat herself would entail. She gained a LOT of confidence through the course teaching her how to do it safely."   ## Children on Course ![Delia helps with lines on Pursuit S 288](https://blog.pursuitboats.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pursuit%20Images/BLOG_Featured/Chapman%20School_Pursuit_DSC06892.jpg?width=960&height=640&name=Chapman%20School_Pursuit_DSC06892.jpg) Having joined her mother for the course, Delia praised the course's impact on her boating experience. "I feel very proud, I love that I got the opportunity to do it. I don't see many women driving in our area, so it's really nice to see that the Chapman partnership with Pursuit is changing that." Captain Kym, who is passionate about her students and seeing them flourish on the water, concluded our chat with her love for how the course is putting more women at the helm of boats. "My favorite thing is taking students who don't have a boating background, and sending them away after two days, happily running their boat and feeling safe. It's a great feeling for me, it's very rewarding; I love my job!"   ## Boat With Confidence The [Confidence on the Water course](https://www.pursuitboats.com/Chapman.php) is sponsored by Pursuit Boats and is available to buyers of new Pursuit boats and up to three additional crew members. The course was developed to help owners and their families feel comfortable using their boats for years to come. To schedule your training, simply reach out directly at (772) 283-8130 or email [info@chapman.org](mailto:info@chapman.org). Proof of purchase will be required.   ## Related Content #### [Pursuit Confidence on the Water Course with Chapman School](https://blog.pursuitboats.com/in-pursuit-of-better-boating-with-chapman-program) #### [Pursuit Boat Maintenance Tips](https://blog.pursuitboats.com/mid-season-maintenance-tips) #### [Pursuit Sport Center Console Boats](https://blog.pursuitboats.com/the-pursuit-sport-series-perfectly-engineered-center-consoles) ![Pursuit Boats Logo](https://cdn.pursuitboats.com/images/SiteMenu/Pursuit_W.png) MODELS [D 365](https://www.pursuitboats.com/D365.php) [D 326](https://www.pursuitboats.com/D326.php) [D 306](https://www.pursuitboats.com/D306.php) [D 286](https://www.pursuitboats.com/D286.php) [D 266](https://www.pursuitboats.com/D266.php) [D 246](https://www.pursuitboats.com/D246.php) [OS 445](https://www.pursuitboats.com/OS445.php) [OS 405](https://www.pursuitboats.com/OS405.php) [OS 355](https://www.pursuitboats.com/OS355.php) [OS 325](https://www.pursuitboats.com/OS325_25.php) [S 428](https://www.pursuitboats.com/S428.php) [S 388](https://www.pursuitboats.com/S388.php) [S 358](https://www.pursuitboats.com/S358.php) [S 328](https://www.pursuitboats.com/S328_25.php) [S 288](https://www.pursuitboats.com/S288_27.php) [S 268](https://www.pursuitboats.com/S268.php) [S 248](https://www.pursuitboats.com/S248.php) REQUEST [Brochure](https://www.pursuitboats.com/Inquiries/CatalogRequest.php) [EXPLORE Magazine](https://www.pursuitboats.com/EXPLORE.php) [Updates](https://www.pursuitboats.com/Inquiries/Updates.php) [Plant Tour](https://www.pursuitboats.com/Inquiries/PlantTour.php) [Careers](https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs?clientkey=412A56AEC28954C702B6ABDE8AD01F58&fromClientSide=ture) DISCOVER [Events](https://www.pursuitboats.com/Events.php) [Promotions](https://www.pursuitboats.com/Promotions.php) [Press](https://www.pursuitboats.com/Articles.php) [News](https://www.pursuitboats.com/PressReleases.php) [PURETECH SUITE™](https://www.pursuitboats.com/PureTech.php) [Defining PURE. 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