Bayley Taylor, a Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club club member, is making waves as part of the six-woman crew aboard First Light, the only all-female entry in this year’s 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Alongside skipper Elizabeth Tucker and fellow crew members Annie Stevenson, Malin Ludwig, Madeline Lyons, and Katie O’Mara.

The team has already shown their capabilities as First Light has competed in six of the ACSBWPS races so far; Noakes Sydney Gold Coast, Flinders Islet, Tollgate Islands, Bird Island and Cabbage Tree Island races. The finale is the Rolex Sydney Hobart.

First Light came speeding off the starting blocks in the pointscore, placing second in Division 1 in the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race.

Representing RPAYC in this high-profile event is a milestone for Taylor, who has been honing her offshore skills over the past several years. As part of the First Light crew, she has taken part in extensive workshops covering navigation, rigging, electronics, engines, and marine weather, ensuring the team is well-prepared for the challenges of offshore racing. These efforts enhance the crew’s competitive edge but also inspire the next generation of sailors within the club and beyond.

Taylor’s sailing journey extends beyond the Sydney Hobart, with ambitions that include tackling future international offshore challenges. For Taylor, each race is an opportunity to develop her skills, push her limits, and showcase the dedication and teamwork that define RPAYC’s sailing community.

With the Sydney Hobart on the horizon, Taylor and her First Light crew are focused on giving their best performance. Taylor’s journey serves as a reminder of the exciting possibilities ahead for female sailors on the world stage.