2023 Women-on-Water Regatta Celebrates 20th Anniversary

August 19-20 will mark 20 years of women sailing at Detroit’s Women-on-Water Regatta, presented by the Bayview Yacht Club. Open to the public, the event includes sailboat races, an on-the-water clinic and shoreside fun, celebrating 20 years of introducing women to the sport of sailing, building sailing skills, and furthering BYC’s commitment to grow the sport of sailing for men and women.

“I am thrilled to support this event, which was conceived by women, is run by women and is exclusively for women sailors,” says 2023 Bayview Yacht Club Commodore Paul Hulsey. “We are fortunate to have an excellent contingent of successful women sailors at Bayview, and I look forward to watching their ranks grow even more with younger and newer sailors coming on board.”

This year’s race will include several mother-daughter duos and reunited groups who sailed the original event, with over 30 boats and 150 sailors expected to participate. Social activities and spectating will be held on the BYC club lawn, with two fleets racing on the Detroit River and upriver on Lake St Clair for the Natalie J O’Niel Trophy. A hands-on match racing clinic will once again be led by America’s Cup winner and Michigan native Dawn Riley on Saturday. 

“The WOW has evolved over the years, adapting to our audience. From a point-to-point race with a handful of boats, to a multi-day event with a hands-on clinic and multiple classes racing both windward-leeward and point-to-point races. I am not only proud to see the continued success of the event, but also excited to welcome women and girls to Bayview for a weekend enjoying our sport,” says Lynn Kotwicki, founder of the WOW Clinic and Regatta and the 2022 Bayview Commodore.

Visit byc.com to learn more.