The Women on Water (WOW) programme, part of the Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club, is gearing up for an exhilarating 23rd season, kicking off on October 10.

Since its inception in 2001, WOW has fostered a welcoming environment for women of all skill levels to explore the joys of sailing.

“Some of us have been sailing for years, while others are completely new to it,” says organiser Jackie Kelly. “We encourage everyone to try a few sails; weather conditions can change the experience significantly.”

As participants register for WOW, they can indicate their sailing experience on the registration form. This helps the organisers pair each woman with a suitable boat and crew, ensuring a supportive atmosphere regardless of skill level.

Kelly, who moved with her family to Tauranga from the UK in 2017, said she wasn’t raised in a sailing family.

“It wasn’t until my 40s that my husband and I took a sailing course in the UK and began taking our children on flotilla holidays with other keelers.”

After moving to New Zealand, a TYPBC family membership bought by her husband’s UK colleagues opened the door for the couple to dive into sailing in Tauranga.

“My husband crews for Wednesday night racing, and I am doing WOW. The lovely Kiwi boat owners – both male and female – allow us to go for a sail, teach us skills and are so generous.

“It’s such a lovely pathway to get people into sailing in a supportive and nurturing way.”

The WOW season begins with an information and registration night at TYPBC on October 10 at 5.30pm. Leveret Mills Reef, the main sponsor of the WOW series, will be hosting a wine tasting at the registration event.

“Our other sponsors are Eau Thermal Avène, who sponsored our opening day race around Karewa Island on September 22, Moana Rd, Porcelain Skin, Baywave, United Cinemas, But First Dessert and Scarlett Hair Studio.”

Sailing in Tauranga harbour on a WOW night. Photo: Supplied.

The first skills night, designed to equip newcomers with essential sailing knowledge, will follow on October 24.

“It’s low-key; participants can learn the basics or simply watch,” Kelly said.

WOW’s inaugural sail for the season is scheduled for October 31 and, with nine sails planned on alternate Thursdays from October to April 5, WOW is set to foster community and skill development.

The programme includes four skills nights, providing hands-on learning to build confidence among participants and a dinghy night on January 23.

“We had an amazing start to the Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club sailing season on September 22 with a race around Karewa Island,” Kelly said.

Sailing in Tauranga harbour on a WOW night. Photo: Supplied.

The race showcased the club’s vibrant community of sailors with centre boarders, keelers, multi-hulls and trailer yachts.

As the club celebrates its 104th anniversary, it continues to grow and adapt, with an eye to the future.

It is renowned for its Wednesday night sailing series and offers both summer and winter sailing opportunities, collaborating with the Mount Maunganui Yacht Club during winter.

For women interested in sailing or seeking more information about WOW, visit https://yacht.org.nz/women-on-water.