For the first time in our history Australian Sailing committed to taking our Annual Sailing Summits out to regional Australia in 2025, growing the number of Summits from the traditional eight capital cities to a total of 26 events across the length and breadth of Australia from March through to August. 

The increased commitment from Australian Sailing intended to ensure all clubs and classes had more reasonable access to a Summit in their State or Territory, with some of the new locations including Albury Wodonga, Devonport, Exmouth, Coffin Bay, Cairns and Coffs Harbour. 

With the increase in locations, there was also a record number of attendees this year, with 574 club and class representatives attending, up 36% comparedto 2024.We say a 58% increase in the total number of clubs participating in these events, up from 122 in 2024 to 193 in 2025. Female attendance also saw a slight boost from the previous year with women taking up 33% of total attendees.  

The Sailing Summits once again provided a unique opportunity for clubs and classes to share information and collaborate on ideas, giving the sailing community the chance to learn the latest from Australian Sailing on new initiatives, resources, and projects. 

Ben Callard, Head of Community Support & Events at Australian Sailing, said the 2025 Sailing Summits Roadshow was all about bringing the community closer together.  

“By taking these events into regional areas, we’ve created new opportunities for clubs and classes to connect, collaborate and feel part of something bigger than just their local waters.

"Expanding the Summits from eight to 26 events has meant that more clubs and volunteers than ever before can access the knowledge, tools and support they need. It’s been inspiring to see regional sailing communities engage so strongly in shaping the future of our sport,” he said.  

See the highlights from each state and territory’s 2025 Sailing Summit events: 

NSW/ACT 

Overall, there were over 130 attendees across five Sailing Summits across NSW & ACT. The new regional locations included this year were – Port Kembla, Newcastle and Coffs Harbour, complimenting the existing events in Canberra and Metropolitan Sydney.  

The NSW & ACT Summits received outstanding feedback from Club and Class Association officials, recognising the importance of the sailing community coming together to network and share ideas, and the efforts to bring these supportive events to regional locations. The Participation, Funding and Volunteering themes were relevant for all who attended, with representatives expanding their awareness of resources, tools and ideas available to help their club or class association.  

We express thanks to the large team of people who ensured the Sailing Summit Roadshow was a success, including all our presenters and our generous host Clubs, Princess Royal Sailing Club in Albany, Koombana Sailing Club in Bunbury, East Fremantle Yacht Club in Perth and Exmouth Yacht Club. 

VIC 

The Victorian Sailing Summits had 134 attendees across the five roadshow events across the state, where we were kindly hosted by Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club, Portland Yacht Club, Royal Geelong Yacht Club, Royal Brighton Yacht Club and Albury Wodonga Sailing Club. 

The events were very well received and gave members a chance to connect, share best practices and increase collaboration. The regional clubs responded very well to Australian Sailing coming to the regions. Key topics that resonated with the club and class representatives in attendance included STEM, Australian Sports Foundation, Australian Sports Commission and Proud2Play.  

The biggest highlight has been the continued collaboration effort and sharing of ideas amongst clubs that these Sailing Summits gave to our members. 

SA

The Sailing Summits in SA saw an amazing 92% increase in attendees from the previous year. 69 members across the state went to events at Wallaroo Sailing Club, Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club, Port MacDonnell Sailing Club and Coffin Bay Yacht Club. The biggest attendance was at the Goolwa Regatta Yach Club where over 30 members took part in the Sailing Summit.  

With the extension of reach in SA, we saw a higher number of clubs make the trip to the closest sailing and yacht club to participate which was a major success.  

QLD

In Queensland, there were four Sailing Summits across the state from May to July, ranging from Brisbane to Far North Queensland. The events saw a 54% increase in year-on-year attendance in the state with a total of 63 attendees at Hervey Bay Sailing Club, Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron, Cleveland Yacht Club and the Whitsunday Sailing Club. 

These events gave key decision makers and active members from clubs across the state the chance to come together and share ideas with their sailing community. There was also a boost in female attendance at this year’s event which is a great win for the Queensland sailing community.  

 
NT 

The Northern Territory Sailing Summit was the first roadshow event on the calendar, taking place on 15 March at the Darwin Sailing Club. The event was a big success with all three Northern Territory clubs in attendance.

Australian Sailing is thankful for all of those who attended the 2025 Sailing Summit Roadshow. We look forward to seeing what next year’s events will bring to the community.  

"These Summits only work because of the collaboration between our sailing community and our team at Australian Sailing. Thank you to everyone who contributed your time, ideas and energy - it is your commitment that makes our sport stronger,” Callard said.