What a weekend! Rabbit Hole Sailing was proud to sponsor the sold-out 2026 Women's Sailing Seminar in Alameda. From inspiring instruction and new friendships to an unforgettable keynote by offshore sailor Pip Hare, the event reminded us why the sailing community is so special.
Some weekends remind you exactly why you fell in love with sailing in the first place.
The 2026 Women's Sailing Seminar, hosted by Island Yacht Club at Alameda Marina September 11 through 13, was one of those weekends.
Rabbit Hole Sailing was proud to sponsor this year's event, and we were delighted to be part of a gathering that brought together women from across the sailing community to learn, connect, share experiences, and inspire one another.
And what a gathering it was!
The event sold out, a wonderful reflection of the enthusiasm for women's sailing and the importance of creating welcoming opportunities to get more women on the water.
Learning, Confidence, and Community
One of the things we love most about the Women's Sailing Seminar is its emphasis on learning in a supportive environment.
Sailing can be exhilarating, challenging, and occasionally intimidating, especially when you are learning something new or stepping outside your comfort zone.
Having the opportunity to learn alongside other women, ask questions, practice skills, and build confidence makes a tremendous difference.
Whether someone is stepping aboard for the first time or refining skills developed over years of sailing, there is always something more to learn.
And there is something especially rewarding about seeing experienced sailors share their knowledge and encourage others to take the helm.
That spirit of mentorship is what makes this event so meaningful.
It is not simply about learning to sail.
It is about helping more women see themselves as capable, confident sailors.
An Inspiring Evening with Pip Hare
One of the highlights of this year's seminar was hearing from Pip Hare, the remarkable British offshore sailor and Vendee Globe finisher.
For anyone unfamiliar with the Vendee Globe, it is a solo, nonstop, around-the-world sailing race widely recognized as one of the most demanding challenges in offshore sailing.
Pip's experience competing at that level is extraordinary.
But what made her presentation so compelling was not simply the scale of the adventure.
It was the perspective she brought to resilience, preparation, confidence, setbacks, and the determination required to keep moving forward when circumstances become difficult.
Solo ocean racing demands technical knowledge, physical endurance, resourcefulness, and an extraordinary ability to make decisions under pressure.
Hearing about those challenges from someone who has experienced them firsthand was both impressive and inspiring.
While most of us may never sail solo around the world, the lessons are remarkably relevant.
Preparation matters.
Confidence grows through experience.
Setbacks are part of the journey.
And sometimes the most important thing we can do is trust the skills we have developed and keep moving forward.
What an incredible opportunity to hear from someone who has pushed the boundaries of what is possible on the water.
The People Who Make It Happen
Events like the Women's Sailing Seminar do not happen by accident.
They are the result of countless hours of planning, organizing, coordinating, teaching, volunteering, and supporting one another.
A heartfelt thank-you to Island Yacht Club, the seminar organizers, instructors, volunteers, boat owners, sponsors, and everyone who helped make the 2026 event possible.
And, of course, thank you to the participants.
Your enthusiasm, curiosity, willingness to learn, and encouragement of one another are what make this community so special.
We were honored to be involved and grateful for the opportunity to support an event that does so much to strengthen the sailing community.
Keeping the Connections Going
One of the best things about a weekend like this is knowing that the connections do not have to end when the seminar is over.
The conversations continue.
The friendships grow.
And the next sailing adventure is often just around the corner.
Through Rabbit Hole Sailing, we look forward to helping sailors get more time on the water through charter opportunities, Check-Out Sails, instructor-led skill development, and community sailing experiences.
Through Onward Sailing, our US Sailing Accredited Keelboat School, we are equally excited to support structured sailing education, certification pathways, and opportunities for sailors to continue developing their skills.
Whether you are just beginning your sailing journey or have been sailing for years, there is always room to learn, grow, and connect.
Until Next Time!
To everyone who participated in the 2026 Women's Sailing Seminar, thank you for making it such a memorable event.
We loved being part of it, and we look forward to staying connected with the wonderful sailors we met along the way.
Here's to more women at the helm, more confidence on the water, more friendships, and many more adventures ahead.
Let's go sailing!
Wonder awaits. Seize it.