Hi Mary;
Speaking strictly from my particular situation....
I have the luxury of having a "home-based" business, which lends itself to having time to participate on your forum. I am "fairly new" (going on 9 years now) to catsailing and am excited about sailing, talking about sailing and listening to what other sailors have to say about sailing.

On the other side of the coin...my wife is a professional that probably would not list participation on the forum very high up on her list. And, it may be because (as you have stated), that the majority of posters are male. Now, she MAY if there was a forum for the women. Also, I believe that unless someone experiences the "forum", it is thought of as a "chat room".
My wife has raced on monohulls and cats all her life. When we met (approximately 10 years ago) she was seriously involved with racing. She still LOVES sailing (we seldom miss a weekend..year round), but has lost the hunger to race.
I hate to admit it, but my most memorable sailing has been when we are doubled-trapped out in the Gulf....with no specific place to go!! My two cents.
Dave