Kay Cottee Women's Development Regatta

Sunday 29th June 2025 | RPAYC

Get ready for a day of fun, learning, and friendly competition on the water! The Kay Cottee Women’s Development Regatta is all about building confidence, developing sailing skills, and giving recent Sailing Academy graduates a chance to experience the excitement of racing in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Whether you’ve just completed a learn to sail course at RPAYC or a similar program at another club, this is your chance to take the next step in your sailing journey – no pressure, just good company, great vibes, and time on the water!

Who Can Join?
You’re eligible if you have recently completed a Learn to Sail course (at RPAYC or another club) and are keen to try out racing in a fun, relaxed regatta format.

Event Schedule – Sunday 29 June 2025
Morning Training Session
⏰ 8:30am – 11:00am
Kick off the day with on-water coaching designed to boost your skills and build racing confidence. Our experienced instructors will guide you through boat handling, starting techniques, and race strategy.

Lunch Break – Clubhouse Social
🍽️ 11:30am – 12:30pm
Enjoy a relaxed lunch in the clubhouse with fellow sailors, swap stories, and fuel up for the afternoon.

Afternoon Racing Session
🚩 First Warning Signal: 1:00pm
⚓ Up to 4 short-format races
🏁 No races will be started after 3:30pm
The regatta will follow a Windward/Leeward course, keeping things simple and fun as you put your new skills into practice.

Presentation & Wrap-Up
🏆 Celebrate the day’s efforts with a casual awards presentation and cheer on your fellow sailors!

Entries Are Now Open!
Spots are limited – don’t miss your chance to be part of this empowering day on the water. We can’t wait to see you on the start line!

Entry Fee:

  • $100 for RPAYC members per person
  • $125 for non-members per person

The Entry Fee Includes:

  • Comprehensive Training Session: Shore-based and on-water coaching to prepare you for the regatta.
  • Racing on our Fleet of Elliott 7 Inshore Keelboats: You’ll sail with a skilled Mentor Skipper, gaining hands-on experience.
  • Some Fantastic Prizes: Because every sailor deserves to be rewarded for their hard work and spirit!
  • An Amazing Day on the Water: With a fun, supportive atmosphere to help you grow your sailing skills while making lasting memories.

Event Overview:
This exciting event is specifically designed to promote and develop women’s sailing, creating an opportunity for emerging sailors to build confidence, refine skills, and transition into the world of racing. Whether you’re a recent graduate of our Sailing Academy or have participated in similar programs at other clubs, this regatta is the perfect chance to test your abilities in a friendly and supportive environment.

How It Works:
This regatta focuses on creating an inclusive atmosphere where women sailors can experience racing in a safe and encouraging space. Female crews will be formed from individual applications, with each crew paired with a Sailing Academy-appointed skipper/instructor. This ensures that you have expert guidance throughout the event. Each crew will have a maximum of 5 members, and the goal is to encourage learning, teamwork, and fun!

In this format, helm swapping is encouraged, allowing everyone to take turns as helmsperson throughout the day. This gives each participant a chance to grow their skill set, whether you’re new to helming or experienced and looking to refine your technique.

The Day of the Event:
Morning Training Session (8:30 AM – 11:00 AM):
The day will kick off with a comprehensive training session, covering both shore-based and on-water components. You’ll practice essential skills like boat handling, crew coordination, and communication. We’ll also hold a race briefing to go over key race rules, strategies, and the conduct of sailing races – all designed to increase your knowledge and boost your confidence when you’re out there on the race course.

Racing Session (1:00 PM – 3:30 PM):
The afternoon is all about putting your new skills into action! Crews will compete in up to four fun-filled races on a Windward/Leeward course, designed to be accessible for all levels while still offering exciting racing. After each race, there will be time to debrief, make adjustments, and get ready for the next round.

You’ll be sailing on a fleet of Elliott 7 inshore keelboats, known for their stability and ease of handling, which means you can focus on developing your sailing skills without worrying about complicated boat handling. Each boat will be helmed by one of the crews, with guidance from the skilled Mentor Skipper who will be there to offer tips, advice, and support throughout the regatta.

Why You Should Join:
A Supportive Learning Environment: This event is specifically designed to help you transition into racing in a low-pressure, fun atmosphere. It’s about development, not just competition!

  • Skilled Mentorship: With an experienced instructor at the helm, you’ll have the chance to learn the ropes and refine your sailing technique.
  • Collaboration and Teamwork: The focus on working as a crew will help you hone essential skills like communication, coordination, and leadership.
  • Networking with Other Women Sailors: Connect with like-minded women who are passionate about sailing and eager to improve, share tips, and make lasting friendships on the water.
  • A Confidence Boost: Whether you’re aiming to compete in future races or just looking for more sailing experience, this regatta is a stepping stone to building your confidence and skills in a real-world racing environment.

What you’ll get out of it:

  • A deeper understanding of race tactics and sailing rules.
  • Hands-on practice with boat handling, racing strategy, and teamwork.
  • The chance to helm a keelboat and swap positions with your teammates.
  • Exposure to different sailing styles and techniques from others in the event.
  • An amazing time sailing, making new friends, and learning in a supportive, fun atmosphere

This is your chance to join a community of women sailors who are passionate about improving their skills and having a blast on the water. We can’t wait to see you there, ready to race, learn, and grow as part of this incredible sailing experience!

If you have any questions about the event, you can contact the Sailing Office via email, sailtraining@rpayc.com.au or (02) 9998 3700

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