Feedback from participants at the 2026 WOW (Women on Water) gathering made one thing clear: the event was an overwhelming success—and many felt it was even better than last year. In response to the enthusiastic reviews, plans are already underway for another WOW weekend on February 27–28, 2027. Be sure to save the date.
Held at the Mary Winspear Centre, the venue’s round-table format created a welcoming atmosphere that made it easy for participants to connect and build new friendships with others who share a passion for being on the water. Among the 53 attendees were more power boaters than sailors, but the sessions offered valuable learning for everyone—after all, weather is weather whether you travel by sail or power.
The weekend’s program was delivered by an outstanding lineup of presenters: Agathe Gaulin, Elaine Humphrey, Marla Hedman, Missy Gervais, Sarah White, Stefa Katamay, and Tracy Sarich. Through their sessions and shared expertise, they demonstrated how women can be competent, confident, and fully enjoy life on the water.
Opening keynote speaker Larissa Clark joined the group via Zoom from the UK on Saturday, while her family yacht Free Ranger was in New Zealand. Larissa and her husband, Duncan Copeland, departed British Columbia in 2023 with their two children to sail around the world with a unique purpose: to engage in exciting citizen science projects. She shared stories of their journey, spoke candidly about overcoming challenges such as seasickness, and described the specific family’s citizen science projects. She was introduced by her mother-in-law, Lisa Copeland, a well-known BCA circumnavigator and author. More about their voyage can be found at Free Range Ocean [1].
The closing keynote on Saturday was delivered by Elizabeth Brown-Shaw, whose inspirational presentation provided a fitting end to the first day.
Sunday began with Tracy Sarich leading an interactive session titled Bringing It All Together, which wove together lessons from Saturday’s seminars. Through a series of lively scenarios—starting with a humorous demonstration by Saturday’s presenters—participants explored weather, skippering, docking, line handling, and the unexpected challenges that can arise when docking while the kettle is boiling. Five of the presenters also rallied around Elaine Humphrey to support her KNOTS seminar, making it possible to have an “expert” at every table.
With planning already underway for 2027, organizers are working to ensure fresh new content for returning participants and another memorable experience for newcomers alike. See you next February.