Professional services firm PwC has backed a bid to get more women involved in sailing competition — backing the principle that diversity can boost performance in sport, just as it can in business.

The company hosted a panel discussion with the America’s Cup Event Authority moderated by world champion sailor Nic Douglass and featuring top sailors Abby Ehler and Libby Greenhalgh, who said men had a key role in creating opportunities for women to gain experience and get a foothold in a traditionally male-dominated sport.

Ms Douglass, a sailing commentator, said: “Diversity, whether in sport or business, can provide unique solutions to complex problems and scenarios.

“I know that we don’t have the answer today, but having conversations and gaining support for diversity in regards to women in sailing — on the water or in administrative, media or official roles — is crucial to ensure the best development and future for our sport.”

Talia Lucas, PwC Bermuda gender diversity initiative strategic leader, added: “The participation of women in sport challenges gender stereotypes and discrimination and as such can be a vehicle to promote equality and empowerment for women.

“Besides the benefits for women themselves, their increased involvement can promote positive development in sport by providing alternative values, knowledge, capabilities and experiences.”

Ms Ehler, who is working in logistics at the America’s Cup, and Ms Greenhalgh, navigator on a superyacht involved in a race in Bermuda this month, are both involved in the Magenta Project, a drive to promote women in sailing and the marine industry.

Ms Greenhalgh said: “Diversity in sport and business is a growing topic of conversation and through open conversation we can begin to discover the barriers and create change.

“Some of the key areas the Magenta Project has identified are the need to create opportunities to upskill women to an open environment and the need for men in the senior positions to support and help enable this in order to create a diverse and successful team.”

Arthur Wightman, PwC Bermuda leader, said: “The participation of women in sport challenges gender stereotypes and discrimination and as such can be a vehicle to promote equality and empowerment for women.

“Besides the benefits for women themselves, their increased involvement can promote positive development in sport by providing alternative values, knowledge, capabilities and experiences.”