Sailing didn't just teach me about wind and waves. It taught me how to breathe again. It isn't easy to put into words how it changed my life. This is a story of how a sailboat became my therapy, my teacher and my path back to myself and why I'm sharing it with you.

The 2026 sailing season is almost upon us here in Atlantic Canada. Like most boats, Gypsy Wind and I are starting to prep, slowly, messily, and with duct tape nearby. My 2026 dreams and schemes are already swirling in my head. But before the real work begins, here's a bare-bones, no-frills tour of her interior. A little sneak peek at the "before" — the projects I've got planned for this year.

As boat owners know, there's always something that needs doing before launch. In my case, lots of somethings. Seasonal maintenance. Replacement projects and the usual 'why did I start this' job. Our boat club has two spring launch dates. I normally take the later one, as I’m usually such a hot mess and never ready, but I realized, I’ll probably never be ready for either launch. So, I’m aiming for the early one. Which means, I need to hustle this spring, once it’s warm

I had the boat. I had the river. I had the wind. What I didn't have was a halyard that could actually raise a sail. Two halyards, zero sails, and the friends who saved my season.

From trying to be invisible at work to finding my voice at the helm. How sailing with other women gave me confidence, friendship, and a place to belong.

A misty morning. A paddle to Pine Island. A severed bird leg on the shore. What I found there became more than a mystery. It became a reminder that not every secret needs to be solved. Some are just meant to be witnessed.

I've spent years drifting, a sailboat without wind, without a hand on the helm. Then I started sailing. Slowly, I realized: I wasn't just learning to handle a boat. I was learning to handle my life.

How a week with a woman sailor rekindled a dream I thought I'd drowned.

Sometimes opportunities show up in the most unexpected ways.

Reflection of 2025 Sailing season - Highs and Lows (I mean learning opportunities!)