ABYC Women Sailing
Building a Community of Women Sailors
A supportive environment for Women Sailors
Building confidence for the cruisers or racers in us
Friendships and commerardrie while maintaining our boats
Weekly Social Sailing
Clinics-Seminars-Events
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Resources From Past Events
Greek Sailing Odyssey:
Three Women Two Adventures Sailing the Saronic Gulf.
Jan 15th 2025
Come join our Alison Brennan and Donna Pawlowski as they highlight sailing the Greek Saronic Gulf from Athens. Anchoring and Med mooring at Aigina, Poros, Dokos and Hydra Islands as part the Odyssey Sailing Festival and Herzen Women’s Charters. A definite bucket list adventure, come see all ups, downs, beautiful scenery and history that sailing Greece has to offer.
Wine and Knot Night
Master a knot or two
Feb 12th 2025
Bring your line and the knot you've been trying to master and we'll drink wine to encourage the feat.
By the time you have demonstrated the knot to every girl attending, you will surely be the master of that knot.
6pm-10pm in Duffys Lounge
Full Presintation
IWD
International Women's Day
Add Your Heading Text Here
March 8th 2025
We warmly invite all WOW members and interested women and their guests to be part of this special occasion. Be prepared to be inspired, enjoy great company, and engage with our dynamic community of women. Let's come together to celebrate the strides we have made and accelerate the pace of progress for women's rights and empowerment.
Here are Karie's take home notes
Upping your Sailing Game
Becoming A First Mate
March 19th 2025
Upping Your Sailimg Game!
How To Be A Better First, Second or Third Mate
Marjolyn's Presentation
Sailing Towards Story:
Relative to Wind Book Talk
April 16th 2025
Author Phoebe Wang will read from her collection of nonfiction essays, Relative to Wind: On Sailing, Craft and Community which is based on her experiences racing and crewing in Toronto's harbour and Lake Ontario. She will share her story of learning to sail as a newcomer to the sport, and as one of the few women of colour at her yacht club. She will also detail the writing, research and publication process for those also looking to share their own unique story. The reading and presentation will be followed by a question and answer period.
Phoebe's Presintation
WOW Kick Off- Nina Schmidt
May 14th, 2025
Nina's Great Adventure Sailing South. Please join us for our onshore kick-off for our 2025 sailing season. This year its our greatest honor to have Nina and her awesome (toonie Talk) full presentation of her 12 year cruising adventure on their Island packet “Sunkissed”. Plus a focus on her trip bak to Toronto from Antigua.
Potluck at Noon, while enjoying Nina's talk. Stick around after for a few laughs and share a few sailing stories. We may
even all go out for a social sail.
WOW Pro Clinic
Sail Trim and Rigging : Diane Reid
June 18th
An intimate afternoon with Diane Reid. She will be discussing sail trim and rigging techniques Pot Luck at 12 noon and Diane is chatting with us at 1 pm then off for a sail if weather is permitting Venue: Patio Event Tent Description: Beside the flagpole ground floor outside Patio
Women's Sailing Day 2025
June 22nd 2025
Join us Women for an ABYC fun filled day of racing, cruising, and friendship Come out and support the Women's programming of Ashbridges Bay Yacht Club
Intro to ABYC Paddling
Monday Evening Introduction
July14th 2025 6pm-9pm
Introduction to Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) designed specifically for women. Led by Rome Matikonyte. This event caters to beginners and those looking to refresh their skills in a supportive, fun environment. Learn essential techniques, safety measures, and equipment basics through live demonstrations and interactive discussions.
Wednesday Afternoon Introduction
July 16th 2025 12pm - 4pm
Immersive clinic on Kayaking (basics/beginner level)
Led by fearless Rome, “Tales, Tides & Tan lines“ will feature a remarkable panel of highly respected women from the world of sailing, racing, and paddling. While these panellists are known for their accomplishments on the competitive circuit, on this day, they’ll join us in their kayaker spirit—to share the passion, mishaps, memories, and wins that shaped their journeys on the water.
This is more than a panel—it’s a celebration of experience, generosity, and the magic of learning from one another.
Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned paddler, this is your space to connect, reflect, and be inspired. Empowering, entertaining, and full of heart—come soak in the stories that keep us paddling forward.
Space is limited —register now and don’t miss your chance to connect!
Intro to ABYC Dingy Fleet
Monday Evening Introduction
Aug 18th, 2025
Get ready for an exhilarating clinic as our very own Ginger Groen( ABYC Jr. Sailing instructor) introduces our group to the dinghy fleet! Are you prepared for some extreme sailing and an unforgettable endurance challenge? Let's dive in, have fun, and let loose during this thrilling introduction. We'll begin by learning about the fleet, understanding how the boats are rigged, and discovering what is expected of us as sailors. This will ensure that we're fully prepared before booking some time with the fleet. It's a fantastic opportunity to experience the adrenaline rush of sailing and immerse us in the excitement of the open water. Join us for an unforgettable and invigorating experience! Immediately following this clinic, we will convene for an evening sail with our regular fleet of boats and women sailors. WEATHER PERMITTING
The Big Idea to ABYC : Martha Schrader
Monday Evening
Sept 15th
THE BIG IDEA TO ABYC! Training and Certifications Boat evaluations and Chartering Paperwork, insurance and prep from home St. Lucia to St Maartin St. Martin to BVI - Turks - Daytona - Eastern Seaboard - NYC - Erie Canal to ABYC! 6pm start
More About Women on the Water at ABYC
WOW
We are a group of women who are members of ABYC and meet regularly to share our sailing skills. We sail every week on Wednesday. Starting with a potluck lunch, a skippers meeting, and then sailing until around 3-4 pm. Every Monday evening, we also, will meet at the flag post at 5:30 pm and sail until 9 pm. Our group members take turns sailing on their boats or other skippers' boats and are welcome to join the practice race series organized by the race committee. If you are interested in joining us, please register or download the app onto your smartphone so we know who attending on the day. The skippers decide whom they take sailing and set the tone for the experience. We recommend bringing your sailing equipment and provisions to ensure you are prepared for the sailing conditions. We look forward to seeing you out on the water and happy sailing!
SKIPPER AND CREW Responsibilities
Skipper
Skippers who volunteer their boat are responsible for the safety of the boat and crew at all times
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· Advise crew to bring a life jacket to be worn while under sail
· Advise all crew of their duties prior to the sail (each boat is different)
· Identify crew positions such as: First Mate, Helm, Bosun
· Skippers decide whether to sail or not, return to port, allow swimming, rafting
· Adherence to the marine guidelines
- . PCOC and Harbour Licence
Crew
As a crew member always be honest about your capabilities, limitations and expectations
· Ask the skipper what is required from them
· Assist in pre-sail preparation and post cleanup of boat
· Be prepared to actively assist during the sail
· Look out for hazards while under sail and advise Skipper
· Respectful communication, share tips
· Crew on various boats to enhance the learning experience
· Make an effort to learn the skipper’s habits
PCOC Licence and Harbour licence recommended
The Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club Inclusive Opportunity Fund provides financial assistance to junior sailing candidates who would not otherwise be able to participate.
Club Policies
1. Associate Members cannot bring a guest
2. Definition of First Mate: Skippers require a first mate. The first mate takes command if the skipper becomes incapacitated.
3. Alcohol; If your boat is equipped with a permanent toilet, cooking facilities, and sleeping facilities, boat passengers may legally consume alcohol only when the boat is anchored or docked.
4. Refrain from continuous posting other than sailing related activities on the WOW/Ladies Sailing Social Media site
