WOMEN on the Water

Building a Community of Women Sailors

Women on the Water is a social and sailing group that fosters cooperation and community at Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club. Members meet to have fun and share time on the water in a respectful and mindful manner. The activities of this group bring together women with diverse backgrounds and skill sets that are willing to support, share and learn from one another. The group meets formally once a season for a daylong activity on the water and also casually once a week for conversation, food and sailing. We promote those whom identify as female the chance to race, learn and share the joy of sailing within the club and around the lake. Keep up to date with our events and programming published in the Ship2Shore newsletter.

“Sailing for only 1 year I have really appreciated the welcoming, inclusive attitude of ABYC WOW and their eagerness to share experiences and knowledge!” Denise del Mundo

“Getting to crew on all different types of boats, I feel like I found a place to belong and was touched by how welcoming the women are as a group.” Lona Westberg

Women’s Programming

Join our WOW WhatsApp group & to stay up to date

Mid Month Motivation Series 2025 – download calendar as of February 3 2025

Monday and Wednesday Social Sailing

Monday Evenings

Every Monday evening, starting on June 2 2025, learn from other gals in a fun, safe environment. Bring your own boat and let’s practice together. Meet other seasoned skippers and get to know their boats too. We start with a skipper meeting at 6 pm. at the flag post then head out on the water.  Weather permitting. Whether we sail or not, it’s always a great time. Don’t forget to bring your own food and drinks for yourself and the skipper.​ 

Wednesday Afternoons

Every Wednesday, starting on May 14 2025, get ready for a fun day on the water. Learn from other gals in a fun, safe environment. Bring your own boat and let’s practice together. Meet other seasoned skippers and get to know their boats too. We start at noon with a skipper meeting and potluck on the lower patio, weather permitting. Whether we sail or not, it’s always a great time.

Skipper and Crew Responsibilities
Social Sail Tip Sheet

WOW Social Sailing Guidelines 

  • Associate Members should make prior arrangements before bringing a guest.
  • Definition of First Mate: Skippers require a first mate. The first mate takes command if the skipper becomes incapacitated.
  • 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.
  • Refrain from continuous posting other than sailing related activities on the WOW/Ladies Sailing Social Media site.

LEAP Sailing

LEAP Sailing is a group – hosted by Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club – committed to sharing information on the state of girls/women in sailing and providing a voice to promote and produce girl-oriented sailing events. Leadership, Empowerment, Adventure Programming focuses upon sailing as a skill development sport that can encourage those who identify as female to be part of the sailing culture. Learn more.