She Sets Sail

A PROGRAM DESIGNED TO EMPOWER WOMEN

The She Sets Sail initiative is a program that supports women of all ages to gain confidence, independence, and valuable skills on the water through single-handing sailing - no matter where I am in the world!

Julie trimming the genoa!

Join me for an adventurous sailing experience

Audrey setting the sheets.

“Sailing with Ruby on Makani in Tonga was an experience beyond just learning to sail. 

From the moment I arrived, Ruby was warm and welcoming, instantly making me feel at home on her beautiful boat. She clearly laid out the expectations for the week and communicated the plan in a way that was both organized and reassuring. She had a clear goal of helping me be more confident in my ability to sail and take care of a boat.  

Throughout the week Ruby was an amazing teacher and guide. She was knowledgeable, patient, and always willing to take the time to explain each new task or skill. Safety is a priority for Ruby and I learned how to  be prepared before something goes wrong. 

Ruby’s passion for sailing shines through in everything she does. We had so much fun just sailing— making the boat go where we wanted it to go with the power of the wind! As a bonus, we were in an amazing location in the S. Pacific, sailing around tropical islands with white sand beaches, coral reefs, and water every shade of blue you can imagine. In addition to sailing, we had time to paddleboard, snorkel, and enjoy the local culture.

I also learned about and experienced the “live aboard” lifestyle. Ruby and I talked about the boat maintenance and boat projects she does regularly. We even worked on making hard-to-find boat parts out of epoxy and fiberglass. It was so much fun and I learned so much

I left feeling more confident and inspired on the water. I would definitely recommend Ruby to anyone looking to learn or improve their sailing skills! She makes it fun in a safe environment and where ever you are at in your sailing journey, she will take it up a notch or two! “ -Julie

“This was a trip I’ll never forget. Three weeks of incredible sailing on open ocean, navigating complicated coral reefs through solid winds and gusts. Ruby taught me everything she knows - anchoring, navigation using Open CPN, Navionics, SAT maps, plotting a route on the chartplotter, points of sail, reefing for big wind, using a preventer to prevent accidental jibing, hauling the dinghy and outboard above board and getting it back in the water, fueling, provisioning, putting the boat to bed, and getting it ready to go underway, tying things down, untying them all over again, clove hitches and bowline knots, coiling lines, preparing lines, and cleaning them up, diesel engine maintenance, anchor maintenance, outboard maintenance, free diving under the boat to check the anchor and check the hull and keel, grinding winches and using every last bit of muscle and brain power to figure out points of sail, water depth, wind, and weather, to make the beautiful SV Makani work her magic.

Sailing with Ruby is a once in a lifetime experience. I have been on boats all my life and have my own sailboat back at home, but wanted to build my confidence and fluency so that I could single-hand with ease. Sailing for three weeks with Ruby did exactly that. We hit the ground running, facing big winds heading to the Yasawa Islands of Fiji. Ruby not only showed me step-by-step how to prepare, plan and sail, but she also demonstrated great leadership as we sailed the Pacific Ocean. 

This was truly the adventure of a lifetime which tested me in ways I never imagined- physically, mentally, and emotionally. We explored parts of Fiji that are only accessible by boat. I met wonderful people along the way who cheered me on and made me feel so proud. I stood alongside an incredible teacher who never let me give up and pushed me to keep working harder because she knew I could do it. My confidence and strength grew in proportion to my love of sailing.

There is real vulnerability and danger sailing on the big ocean, miles from help - a reminder of how fragile life is and how wonderful it is at the same time. Thank you, Captain Ruby, for taking me under your wing and teaching me everything you know. “ -Audrey

“From the moment we set sail, Ruby established an environment of both challenge and support. Her expertise is vast, but her true gift lies in her ability to empower her students with humor and patience. She patiently guided me through advanced sailing techniques and practical decision making. I wanted to learn how to set up and use a preventer for safe and stable downwind sailing. This was a skill I had been hesitant to try, but under Ruby’s watchful eye, it became second nature. Beyond sailing mechanics, Ruby is a masterful teacher of the crucial ‘cruiser’s mindset’. She involved me in all aspects of passage planning and decision-making.

I learned to critically analyze wind and weather using modern apps, and then-most importantly-to apply that data to make smart, safe decisions about routing and anchorage selection, and how to keep my thoughts looking forward to safe exit strategies as well, in the event of equipment failure or changes in weather. Her lessons on navigating complex reef systems were invaluable; she taught me to trust traditional methods and visual piloting while effectively using satellite imagery as a vital backup tool, ensuring we always had multiple layers of safety.

The lovely islands of the South Pacific provided a breathtaking and ideal classroom. The protected anchorages offered secure and stunningly beautiful places to practice new skills and reflect on the day’s lessons. The humpback whales, especially the mama whales and their playful calves, were a constant, magical presence that underscored the privilege of exploring this part of the world. Snorkeling was great exercise and Ruby has a SUP I could use as well.”   -Deb

Dorothee joined hoisting the main sail!

FAQ

Rita in command of the helm.

Alison hoisting the main sail!

Even when weather kept us in port those first few days, Ruby used the time to teach me hands-on skills: changing the engine oil (a first for me and a huge confidence boost!), tackling small boat projects like sail repair, and walking me through the apps she uses to monitor weather, swells, anchorages, and neighboring boats. She even shared her meticulous maintenance schedule for Makani — something that will stay with me as I care for my own boat in the future.

Once we set sail, every day was a mix of nerves, excitement, and accomplishment (big and small). Ruby gradually expanded my comfort zone, including taking me out into the open ocean — an exhilarating day and night that I’ll never forget. She was always thoughtful about gauging my comfort and safety, which allowed me to really enjoy the challenge.

And then there were the evenings: after dropping anchor, when the work was done, the magic began. Ruby would retreat to the galley, put on beautiful music, and somehow turn cooking into an art form. Her meals were incredible — nourishing, creative, and such a treat at the end of each full day. It’s one of the many ways she made life aboard Makani feel special.

Beyond the sailing and learning, there was time for play and reflection. I loved snorkeling the reefs, paddleboarding to quiet beaches, reading, or simply sitting with the sea. What stood out most, though, was how safe and welcomed I felt with Ruby. This journey has touched every part of my life. Ruby is doing vital work in this world — building women’s skills, confidence, and courage on the water — and she does it with strength, warmth, and grace. Makani, too, has her own way of holding you, teaching you, and reminding you of what’s possible.” -Alison

Deb joined me for ten days! Here she is working with the Preventer

“Women need these opportunities that allow them to find space to heal, to finish a chapter and to begin a new one in their lives. Stepping outside of who I perceived myself to be was important for my journey and was life changing. I can now say I am more risk tolerant and unphased by what others may think of me. My time with Ruby was amazing and brought me forward in my own life! “ -Rita