Wiarton port Captains are sail ambassadors

Barbara and Michal Mocny 

Wiarton, Ont. (GB-12) 

Barbara and Michal Mocny began their sailing journey in 2020 with a small, 17-foot swing keel sailboat, which was a 60th birthday gift to Michal’s father, who sailed in his younger years.   

They quickly found themselves drawn to the rhythm and challenge of sailing, and haven’t looked back since. 

Based in Wiarton, Ont., they are active members of the Wiarton (GB-12) Yacht Club. They joined the Great Lakes Cruising Club in 2024. They sail Bandit, a 1987 C&C 38 mk iii, and enjoy a mix of extended cruising and local club activities.  

From their first year sailing, and each summer since, they head for a month-long adventure at the North Channel. Throughout the season, they take advantage of weekend cruising opportunities around the northern Bruce Peninsula. They sail with three of their sons, ages 17, 13 and 7.  

They also participate in Wednesday night club racing and local regattas. 

Barbara and Michal are passionate about helping others discover sailing. They helped establish the Brakewinders Sailing School in Wiarton, where Barbara is chair and Michal secretary. Both volunteer as community sailing coaches and dedicate a few weeks a year to introducing new sailors, youths and adults, to sailing, sharing their skills and enthusiasm. 

They both hold International Certificate of Competence and Bareboat Skipper certifications, and continue to seek out opportunities to learn, grow, and give back to the boating community. 

Whether cruising, racing, or mentoring, Barbara and Michal enjoy being part of the network of boaters who share a love for the Great Lakes and the joy of life under sail.