The truth is that while almost anyone can learn to sail more quickly when using the Sailing Wind Wheel, it was inspired by women. Sailing classes for women are a specialty of the inventor, Captain Josie. Her school, the Adventure Cruising and Sailing School, offers women only classes. She remembered starting out and has always felt that many women would be more comfortable in female only American sailing schools. She was right! The all women sailing classes became tremendously popular.
While researching ways to more effectively teach, Captain Josie discovered research that showed men and women to actually learn differently. The female brain is set up so that the most effective learning is done when there is a combination of visual stimuli and hands on experience. She also discovered that children typically learn more quickly when presented with interactive tools. Armed with this new knowledge, she created the Sailing Wind Wheel. The main purpose is to create a birds eye view of a vessel and its relationship with the wind. Port and starboard are color coded and the no-sail zone is clearly highlighted to visually reinforce these concepts. The ability to adjust the boat's heading and swivel the sails allows students to interact with the piece. The back is also filled with useful terminology and diagrams. The SWW is specially designed to help learners of all types truly understand the relationship between the wind and sails as well as to learn important terms. Although it is sturdy enough to be used at sea without fear of being damaged by water, one of the great strengths of the SWW is that it can help teach these important concepts even when students are away from class.