A groundbreaking story about women in sport is coming to Portland this November, with proceeds supporting the Hearts of Pine Foundation and SailMaine.
On Thursday, November 5, the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a screening of Mighty Mary at Hannaford Hall in Portland, in collaboration with SailMaine and Hearts of Pine. The documentary tells the story of the first and only all-women’s sailing team to compete for the America’s Cup, a group that challenged expectations and changed one of the world’s oldest sporting traditions.
The evening will include a reception, film screening and panel discussion exploring the role girls’ and women’s sports can play in developing leadership, confidence and opportunity both on and off the field. Sarah Stickney, Executive Director of the Hearts of Pine Foundation, will join the panel alongside members of the sailing community and those connected to the film.
“We are thrilled to participate in this event,” said Stickney. “With the addition of our women’s team coming in 2027, the timing of this event and Mighty Mary couldn’t be better. The importance of girls and women’s sports and the leadership skills participation in sports fosters both on and off the field, embodies what our own women’s team represents.”
Mighty Mary, directed by Olympic athlete and filmmaker Mary Mazzio and narrated by Elizabeth Banks and Hugh Jackman, revisits the historic 1995 America’s Cup campaign led by an all-women’s team. More than 700 women applied for the team, with just 23 ultimately selected, including Maine sailor Merritt Carey. Despite entering one of the most demanding competitions in sport with limited experience racing America’s Cup boats, the team quickly became legitimate contenders and defeated four-time America’s Cup winner Dennis Conner before a controversial decision changed the course of the campaign.
At its heart, the film is a story about resilience, teamwork and challenging assumptions about where women belong in sports. Those themes extend beyond the water, creating a broader conversation about the opportunities participation in sports can create for girls and women throughout their lives.
For Hearts of Pine, that conversation comes at an important moment. As the Club builds toward the inaugural season of its women’s team, the goal extends beyond what happens on the field. Creating opportunities for girls to participate in sports, see women competing at a high level and imagine themselves as future players, coaches and leaders is central to the community the Club hopes to build around the team.
Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Hearts of Pine Foundation and SailMaine. The Hearts of Pine Foundation uses soccer as a tool to strengthen community, create opportunities for connection and expand access to the game throughout Maine.
The event begins with a reception from 5–6 p.m., followed by the Mighty Mary screening at 6 p.m. and a panel discussion and audience Q&A from 7:45–8:30 p.m. at Hannaford Hall, 88 Bedford Street in Portland. Tickets are $50 and include the reception, screening and panel discussion. Reduced-cost tickets are also available to help ensure the event remains accessible.