Wild About Sailing

An inclusive sailing experience for all! Join us for a day training with the all female sail racing crew of Cascadia Sailing.

We welcome 2SLGBTQIA+ sailors and friends to join us for an extraordinary day-sailing experience. Crew aboard Westerly, a high-performance Melges IC 37, alongside some of Cascadia Sailing's all-women team as they prepare for the 2026 New York Yacht Club's inaugural International Women's Championship.

Sponsored by Sail Canada through their Sailing for All grant, Wild About Sailing and Cascadia Sailing invite individuals of the 2SLGBTQIA+ to join this unique experience on the water and explore the sport of sailing in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

This isn't for spectators; you'll be part of the action. Under the guidance of team founder Joy Dahlgren, accomplished offshore racer and sailmaker, and team coach Stuart Dahlgren, you'll learn how to make Westerly move swiftly and safely.

• Work hands-on with experienced racing sailors in a practical, on-the-water setting
• Explore and discover boat handling skills, and practice trimming sails across a range of conditions
• Experience a racing vessel and sailing environment.

Our focus for the day is building your comfort and skills so you feel confident to participate in the sport of sailing and equip yourself to crew with sailing teams teams.

Dave or Annalise will be along for the ride to provide instructional and safety support for this one-day adventure.

Whether you're a cruising sailor looking for a new experience, or someone who's dreaming of racing, this will be the ride of a lifetime.

What you'll experience

This introduction to sail racing is geared to first-timers and follows Sail Canada's Introduction to Boating standard. We'll tailor the day to the experience of the participants aboard, but some introductory-level sailing experience is recommended. You'll learn:

• What it's like to be on a race boat with this elite crew
• To execute crew basic skills, safely and efficiently
• How to perform common racing manuevers with a large crew

Registration: $100 dollars offers you the full day with Cascadia Sailing. This opportunity is also funded by the Sailing for All program grant provided by Sail Canada.

Simply Register to reserve your spot through registration.

At participants' discretion: Tax-deductible donation are welcomed for Cascadia Sailing through Wind Athletes Canada (using this link). Your donation will go directly to Cascadia Sailing and help support their campaign goal.

What to bring & where to meet

We meet at Royal Victoria Yacht Club at 8:45 am for introductions, then head to the boat from there. You'll be on the water until 4:00 pm.

• Packed lunch
• Rainproof & windproof pants and jacket
• Layers for warmth (it's cooler on the water than on land)
• Warm hat
• Sailing gloves (let us know if you don't have them, and we'll lend you some)
• Shoes with soft, grippy soles (sneakers work great, low cut sea boots are better)
• Sun protection: well-fitting hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

Minimum registration

This course is limited to six students. If we don't meet our minimum enrolment, we'll work with you to find a convenient alternative date.

Please review Wild About Sailing's course booking, refund and cancellation policies before booking.