“Take The Helm” Seattle Yacht Club Women’s Group’s 8th Annual Women’s Boating Skills Weekend
April 10–12, 2026
By Jennifer Sill
Seattle Yacht Club Women’s Group proudly presents the 8th Annual Women’s Boating Skills Weekend, taking place April 10–12, 2026, at the Portage Bay Mainstation. This beloved weekend-long educational and social event will welcome 150 women from across the Puget Sound Region, including many SYC members who have been preparing for months to bring this signature Pacific Northwest experience to life.
The purpose of the weekend remains unchanged: to create an encouraging environment where women feel comfortable learning new skills, expanding their confidence, and empowering one another to truly “Take the Helm.”
Seattle Yacht Club Women’s Group proudly presents the 8th Annual Women’s Boating Skills Weekend, taking place April 10–12, 2026, at the Portage Bay Mainstation. This beloved weekend-long educational and social event will welcome 150 women from across the Puget Sound Region, including many SYC members who have been preparing for months to bring this signature Pacific Northwest experience to life.
The purpose of the weekend remains unchanged: to create an encouraging environment where women feel comfortable learning new skills, expanding their confidence, and empowering one another to truly “Take the Helm.”
A Growing Legacy of Women Empowering Women
The program began in 2018 under the vision of Past Commodore Pam Lowry, originally launched as The Maiden Voyage before evolving into Anchors Away and ultimately adopting the more empowering theme “Take the Helm” in 2024.
Since opening to the public, attendance has grown rapidly, and the event consistently fills to its 150-person capacity, with interest from more than a dozen reciprocal yacht clubs and the wider Puget Sound boating community.
Hands-On Learning on Water, Dock, and Shore
The 2026 weekend will once again offer a wide range of immersive learning experiences. Participants will select eight sessions from the workshops held:
Since opening to the public, attendance has grown rapidly, and the event consistently fills to its 150-person capacity, with interest from more than a dozen reciprocal yacht clubs and the wider Puget Sound boating community.
Hands-On Learning on Water, Dock, and Shore
The 2026 weekend will once again offer a wide range of immersive learning experiences. Participants will select eight sessions from the workshops held:
- On the water
- On the docks
- In classroom settings
Topics include:
- Docking
- Anchoring
- Boat Systems & Marine Electrical
- VHF Basics & Critical Crew Skills
- Safety Equipment
- Marine Navigation
- Crabbing, Prawning & Sport Fishing
- Learning to Sail
- Boating Insurance & Electrical Safety
- SYC History
…and many other essential skills for boaters wishing to feel capable and confident on the water.
Past events have featured over 50 sessions taught by accomplished mariners who volunteer their time to share practical knowledge and experience.
Past events have featured over 50 sessions taught by accomplished mariners who volunteer their time to share practical knowledge and experience.
Keynote Speakers & Community Events
Throughout the weekend, multiple keynote speakers will share inspiring stories from their personal maritime journeys. Whether from commercial mariners, competitive sailors, nonprofit leaders, or boating educators, these presentations consistently provide motivation and real-world perspective for women at every experience level.
The 2026 event will also feature:
The 2026 event will also feature:
- A Friday Night Dock Crawl
- A Vendor Marketplace
- Shared meals and social opportunities
These elements foster the vibrant community and friendships that participants often describe as the highlight of the weekend.
Leadership & Planning
The event is organized by the SYC Women’s Group committee, whose dedication ensures a welcoming and empowering environment. For 2026, Kiyomi Keckemet and Julie Chesledon are serving as co-chairs, bringing exceptional coordination and enthusiasm to this year’s planning efforts.
Registration
Registration for the 2026 Women’s Boating Skills Weekend opens:
- February 1, 2026 — for SYC members
- February 4, 2026 — for non-members
Space is limited and expected to fill quickly, so early registration is strongly encouraged.
If you are interested in joining the planning committee or teaching a workshop, please get in touch with Kiyomi Keckemet at [email protected] or Jennifer Sill at [email protected].
If you have any questions about details regarding your registration, assistance with your visit to Seattle, or anything else to enhance your weekend experience while at our SYC Mainstation, please email: [email protected].
If you are interested in joining the planning committee or teaching a workshop, please get in touch with Kiyomi Keckemet at [email protected] or Jennifer Sill at [email protected].
If you have any questions about details regarding your registration, assistance with your visit to Seattle, or anything else to enhance your weekend experience while at our SYC Mainstation, please email: [email protected].
See You There — Taking the Helm!
We look forward to another unforgettable weekend of learning, empowerment, and camaraderie as women from across the Pacific Northwest come together to Take the Helm.
