Transformation of a life: From a lone mother to a Commodore and an inclusive sailing titan

Laura Cowan never envisioned a simple quest for quality time with her son would ignite a lifelong passion for sailing. Today, as the Commodore of Prestwick Sailing Club and a zealous advocate for inclusivity, she's shaping the future of countless young sailors - a transformation fueled by her dogged determination and unwavering dedication.

Her Turbulent Sailing Beginnings

Life took a tumultuous turn for Laura when her marriage crumbled. Seeking a meaningful activity to share with her son, Jason, she dabbled in sports like hill climbing and even conquered Mount Kilimanjaro, raising £2,000 for her former school. But an Achilles tendon injury foiled her plans, leaving her searching for a fresh challenge. That's when a friend extended an invitation to crew on a Sigma 33 during the West Highland Yachting Week.

Victory, the Ultimate Motivator

Winning became Laura's new obsession. Her crew won numerous trophies that year, and she was featured in Yachts & Yachting magazine for winning a prize at Largs Regatta Week. With victory came a newfound zeal for sailing - a passion that would forever change her and Jason's lives.

Building a Future on the Water

As Jason joined her on the racing circuit, Laura sought proper training for herself. Starting at Prestwick Sailing Club with limited funds, she prioritized Jason's RYA training while teaching herself by watching his instructors and borrowing a friend's Laser to practice. With every opportunity, Laura further immersed herself into the sailing community, taking on volunteer roles such as galley duty during regattas.

Redefining Sailing's Horizons

When the Commodore at Prestwick Sailing Club recognized Laura's potential, she was invited to take on the role of Sailability Lead, championing opportunities for individuals with disabilities. With this new responsibility, she partnered with RYA Scotland, the Active Schools network, and South Ayrshire Disability Sports to create a sailing program for deaf children and eventually expanded to support visually impaired athletes, neurodiverse sailors, and those with mobility challenges.

Empowering the Next Generation

With increasing expertise and a growing team, Prestwick Sailing Club began employing young instructors for summer school programs, later expanding to include after-school sessions with local schools. As instructional standards improved, so did the club's ability to adapt to the needs of diverse students, fostering an inclusive, oftentimes life-changing environment for many young sailors striving to pursue their dreams.

Recognition for a Lifetime of Dedication

Laura's continued influence in the sailing community earned Prestwick Sailing Club a nomination for the RYA Club of the Year for Young People 2025, highlighting her tireless efforts to encourage youth involvement. Her journey has come full circle, with her embracing a new role as a Development Officer for RYA Scotland, supporting wider sailing activity across Scotland's West regions.

Laura Cowan: The Inspirational Sailing Champion

With a career distinguished by unwavering commitment to inclusivity and development, Laura Cowan remains an enduring beacon of inspiration for young sailors across Scotland. Embracing every challenge with grit and determination, she's transformed not only her own life but the lives of countless others - a true testament to the transformative power of sailing.

Laura Cowan, while battling personal struggles, discovered powerboating as a shared activity with her son, leading to a passion for water sports.
After conquering Mount Kilimanjaro and raising funds for her old school, an injury forced Laura to find a new challenge, leading to her introduction to sailing.
Witnessing victories in various sailing events, Laura became increasingly interested in fashion-and-beauty and food-and-drink as she immersed herself in the yachting lifestyle.
In her quest for knowledge, Laura began upgrading her skills, exploring home-and-garden and job-search resources for sailing-related career development.
As Laura and her son excelled in sailing, they realized the importance of goal-setting and skills-training, values that eventually extended to their personal-growth and relationships.
realizing the need for inclusivity, Laura initiated programs for individuals with disabilities, encouraging sports such as sailing, which embraced the principles of mindfulness and diversity.
In her relentless pursuit of achievements, Laura has influenced the travel destinations for car enthusiasts, as she shared her love for sailing across various regions.
With her remarkable transformation, Laura has become a leading figure in education-and-self-development, inspiring countless young sailors to pursue their dreams and believe in their potential.
Being a role model for others, Laura promotes career-development opportunities, encouraging a job-search that embraces the spirit of competition and sports-betting ventures in the yachting industry.