On Sunday, 28 June, Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) hosted the SheSails Women’s Development Regatta, bringing together 24 sailors from Lake Macquarie Yacht Club, Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, Sydney Amateur Sailing Club, Woody Point Yacht Club, Manly Yacht Club, and RPAYC for a day focused on building skills, confidence, and connection within the sport.
Sailing Elliott 7s, participants took part in a supportive program of coaching and racing designed to develop skills, encourage confidence, and create opportunities for women to further their sailing journey.
The day commenced in Halyards, where crews met their coaches, shared their sailing experience, and set personal goals for the day ahead. Women’s Representative Mary Nunan and Commodore Elect Julia Hornsby welcomed participants and outlined the program, setting the tone for a positive and inclusive day on the water.
Following a morning briefing, crews rigged their boats with guidance from their coaches before heading out for a training session in light conditions. The session focused on boat handling, helming, sail trim, asymmetric spinnaker work, and teamwork, with steady improvement and confidence-building evident across the fleet. After the morning session, crews returned ashore to enjoy lunch together on the terrace and share their experiences.
Racing followed, with two windward-leeward races conducted by Race Officer Elaine Fowler and her team of Julia Hornsby and Jenny Spithill. The course featured two laps with a top mark and offset, as well as a bottom gate.
A wind shift prior to Race 1 transformed the course into a reaching challenge, testing crews’ adaptability and decision-making. Elliott 5, crewed by Kylie, Valentina, Serena and Katariina from Sydney Amateur Sailing Club, with coach Sarah Parker, adapted best to the conditions to take the race win.
For Race 2, the course was reset as the breeze strengthened, bringing rain and increased pressure. Crews embraced the challenge, with all boats making use of their spinnakers. Elliott 5 again delivered a strong performance, followed by Elliott 1, crewed by Fionna, Leisa, Louisa and Isabelle with coach Katie Spithill. Racing throughout the afternoon showcased the crews’ development, with sailors reading shifts, refining tactics, and applying the skills gained during the training session.
Throughout the day, calm communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn stood out across the fleet, creating a positive and focused environment for all participants.
Back ashore, the atmosphere had shifted from early nerves to a sense of pride and camaraderie. Crews packed down their boats, shared stories, and reflected on their progress during the afternoon presentation.
Prizes were awarded to the most improved sailors, with one crew member from each boat selected by their coach. Coaches commented on how difficult these decisions were, given the significant improvement shown across the entire fleet.
RPAYC also recognised the top three finishing crews, awarding wine to Elliott 5 for taking first place overall. Elliott 6, representing Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, with Kym, Lesley, Sarah and Coral, coached by Jessica Lundh, finished second, while Elliott 4, crewed by Alexis, Christine, Bianca and Melissa, with coach Alice Lydement, secured third place.
The success of the event was made possible through the dedication of volunteers and officials, including Lachlan Wallace, Mary Nunan, Race Officer Elaine Fowler, Julia Hornsby and Jenny Spithill, along with an exceptional coaching team of Sarah Parker, Juliet Costanzo, Katie Spithill, Alice Lydement, Jessica Lundh and Sophie Hart. Their guidance, encouragement, and support helped create a memorable experience for every sailor.
The SheSails Women’s Development Regatta was a fantastic showcase of growth, teamwork, and enthusiasm, leaving participants inspired, more confident, and eager for the next opportunity to get back on the water.
Mary Nunan
RPAYC Women’s Rep