The Women on Water Boating Seminar presented by Bluewater Cruising is a one-day boating seminar for women. This special day intends to create a safe and respectful learning environment for women boaters, both power and sail. Various workshops will address different experience levels, from novice to more advanced boaters.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Sidney by the Sea on Vancouver Island, this empowering event is designed exclusively for women who love boating—whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or just starting your journey on the water. If you’ve ever wanted to boost your confidence, refine your skills, and connect with like-minded women who share your passion for boating, this is the perfect opportunity.
Join us for a day filled with inspiring speakers, hands-on learning, and engaging discussions tailored to help you take the helm with confidence. Whether you own your boat, crew on a friend’s, or dream of captaining your vessel one day, this event is about gaining knowledge, making connections, and celebrating the freedom of life on the water.
The philosophy of WOW is that women who enjoy cruising will be more confident, independent and safer through knowledge and learning.
You can choose three seminars from this selection in addition to the Keynote addresses at the beginning and end of the day. Lunch and social time are also included. Click each presenter’s name below to get a sense of their bio and presentation topic.
Keynotes – You will be able to attend both:
Seminars – You can choose one session from each time slot. Space is limited for each session. Register early so you can attend the seminar you prefer.
1st Class 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – choose either:
OR
Weather Awareness & Monitoring for Comfortable Cruising—Agathe Gaulin
2nd Class 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. – choose either:
Understanding Your Boat’s Systems: A Practical and Interactive Workshop—Missy Gervais
OR
Docking: Communication, Theory & Keeping Your Cool—Tracy Sarich
3rd Class 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – choose either:
General Boat Maintenance (Slide based presentation)—Sarah White
OR
Know Yourself for Boating Success—Stefa Katamay
Cost (includes lunch):
BCA Members: $125
Non-members: $150
To register: Click here.
Please note that those coming from outside Victoria may request a billet or ride to/from the ferry during the registration process.
When you sign up, you will also have the opportunity to select your seminars of choice. Registration closes on April 9.
Please log in as a BCA member to obtain the member rate for the course. The event is open to members and non-members.
Schedule of Events
8:30–9:00: Registration, Coffee, Meet & Greet
9:00–9:15: Welcome, introductions, meet your neighbour
9:15–9:45: Keynote: Elizabeth Brown Shaw
10:00–11:30: Room #1—Knots—Elaine Humphrey
Room #2—Weather Awareness & Monitoring for Comfortable Cruising—Agathe Gaulin
11:30–12:15: LUNCH
12:15–1:45: Room #1—Understanding Your Boat’s Systems: A Practical and Interactive Workshop—Missy Gervais
Room #2—Docking: Communication, Theory & Keeping Your Cool—Tracy Sarich
1:45–2:00: Coffee Break
2:00–3:30: Room #1—General Boat Maintenance (Slide based presentation)—Sarah White
Room #2—Know Yourself for Boating Success—Stefa Katamay
3:40–4:10: Keynote: Liza Copeland
4:10–4:30: Closing Remarks
4:30: Departure (Ferry to Vancouver 5:00 PM for walk-ons)
🚤⚓The hope is that you will leave feeling more confident, capable, and connected in your boating journey. Whether you’ve mastered a new skill, gained valuable insights, or met like-minded women who share your passion for life on the water, this event is just the beginning. Boating is about adventure, independence, and lifelong learning; you will have more tools and support to navigate it easily. Here’s to strong women, calm seas, and endless adventures ahead! 🚤⚓💙