“Any day on the water is a good day.”
Garry Kupecz was already a seasoned sailor when he first heard about the Disability Foundation over a decade ago. At the time, he served as a fleet captain and maintenance captain for a sailing club at the Jericho Sailing Centre. “I just saw people going out on the boats, and I asked about it,” Garry recalls. That simple curiosity led him to the Adaptive Sailing Association of BC (ASABC), where he learned they were looking for experienced sailors to support participants with disabilities. “I just saw it, and thought, ‘Hey, this is a good way to get out on the water.’” Now, he has volunteered at the ASABC as a sailing companion for a few years.
Since then, Garry has spent several years volunteering as a sailing companion with the ASABC, sharing his love for sailing and deep knowledge of the craft with others. In his role, he joins participants on the water to ensure their sessions are safe, engaging, and empowering. “It’s a win-win situation—I get to sail, [and] they get to experience the thrill of sailing themselves,” he said.
Garry was originally drawn to sailing by its unique blend of physics and connection to nature. His long-held mantra, “Any day on the water is a good day,” still holdstrue after all these years. The harmony between wind, water, and boat offers him a sense of serenity—something he’s now able to share with others.
Even in challenging weather, the joy doesn’t wane. Garry fondly remembers a recent sail with a non-verbal participant who couldn’t stop laughing during an hour-long sail in brisk conditions. “It was blowing about 15 knots, the water was splashing on her, and she giggled the whole time,” he recounts. “It was pure joy. I love those windier conditions—the boats are heavy, and it takes a good breeze to get them really moving.” For Garry, moments like these, when “all the stars align, and everyone’s having a good time,” are what make his long-standing commitment so meaningful.
Garry finds that volunteering provides a welcome contrast to the intensity of his work. “Being able to give back using a skill I already have helps balance things out,” he shares. “It’s like putting pennies in the karma jar.” He encourages others to try it, even if they can only spare an hour a week. “You’ll get so much out of it—just from the joy you help create,” Garry said, emotion rising in his voice.
Beyond volunteering, Garry urges people to support the ASABC through donations. Keeping the boats and equipment in top shape requires both physical labour and financial support. “Maintaining the boats, the sails—everything—it all adds up,” he explains. “This program truly depends on community generosity to keep it going.”
With unwavering passion and a generous heart, Garry continues to live his philosophy—one sail, one smile, and one shared moment at a time.
Inspired by Garry’s story?
Visit asabc.org/volunteer or email volunteer@disabilityfoundation.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
To support ASABC’s programs, visit asabc.org/support.