News
What's On in August & September — Sail Our Way
Published Wed 29 Jul 2026
With a busy calendar of events taking place across Australia, August and September offer plenty of opportunities to get involved through Sail Our Way. Whether you're looking to sharpen your sailing skills, learn something new or connect with other women on the water, there's an event for every stage of your sailing journey.
Here’s what’s coming up over August and September:
Sat 1, 8, 15 & 22 August 2026 | ‘Sail Our Way’ Women’s Inshore Coaching
Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, NSW | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Designed for women and girls aged 14 and over, this four-week coaching program will help participants develop the skills and confidence needed for inshore keelboat racing. Coaching will combine shore-based discussions with practical sessions aboard the club’s Elliott 6 keelboats, focusing on boat handling, crew work and close-quarters manoeuvring.
The program is ideal for experienced dinghy sailors moving into keelboats, yacht sailors looking to improve their boat-handling skills, and development sailors progressing from academy training. It also provides valuable preparation for the SheSails@NCYC Open Regatta on 29 and 30 August.
Find out more and register here.
Sundays, 9 – 30 August 2026 | VIODA Winter Lake Coaching – Block 3
Albert Sailing Club, VIC | 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm
The VIODA Winter Lake Coaching Program continues with Block 3, offering four Sunday coaching sessions at Albert Park Lake for registered VIODA members. One of the highlights of the Victorian Optimist calendar, the program brings sailors together to develop their skills, tackle a variety of on-water conditions and build friendships in a fun and supportive environment.
Open to Green Fleet, Intermediate and Open Fleet sailors, the program features coaching from some of Victoria's leading Optimist coaches, including several outstanding female coaches. VIODA has also built a strong and growing girls' fleet and welcomes girls interested in joining the training sessions.
Find out more and register here.
Sat 1 August 2026 | Sail Our Way Girls to the Front Program
Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, WA
The Girls to the Front Program continues throughout August, supporting girls and young women aged 7–30 to build confidence, develop their sailing skills and connect with others in a female-focused environment. The program includes fleet racing, on-water coaching and opportunities to develop skills across a range of boat classes.
Registrations have now closed. For other courses and events happening at the club, please click here.
Sat 8 August 2026 | Sail Our Way Women on Water RS21 Sailing Experience
Royal Geelong Yacht Club, VIC | 12:00pm – 1:30pm
As part of the 2026 Women on Water Sailing Development Program, this free RS21 Sailing Experience gives participants the opportunity to build on the skills and knowledge gained throughout the program while enjoying more time on the water.
Designed around the Green Fleet coaching pathway, the session focuses on developing fundamental sailing skills, introducing foundation racing techniques and building confidence in a fun, supportive environment.
Find out more and register here.
Fri 28 – Sun 30 August 2026 | NT Women's Regatta
Darwin Sailing Club, NT | 9:00am – 5:00pm
Held over three days on Darwin Harbour, the 2026 NT Women's Regatta welcomes female sailors of all experience levels from across Australia. Open to a variety of boat classes, including RS Quests, keelboats, sports boats and multihulls, the regatta combines friendly racing with social activities and networking opportunities for both local and interstate participants.
Whether you're an experienced racer or new to the sport, the event is designed to build confidence, develop sailing skills and celebrate the growing community of women in sailing. Crewing opportunities are also available for those looking to join a team.
Find out more and register here.
Sat 29 – Sun 30 August 2026 | SheSails Open Regatta 2026
Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, NSW | 9:15am – 4:00pm
The SheSails Open Regatta returns to Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club for a weekend of racing and connection. The event provides female sailors with the opportunity to compete, develop their racing experience and enjoy being part of a welcoming sailing community.
Find out more and register here.
September
Fri 4 – Sun 6 September 2026 | Girls and Ladies Sailing (GaLS) Regatta
Townsville Yacht Club, QLD | 4:00pm Friday – 6:00pm Sunday
The Townsville Yacht Club GaLS Regatta returns for its ninth year, bringing together women from across North Queensland and beyond for a weekend of competitive racing, skill development and connection. Held immediately after SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week, the regatta combines two days of on-water racing with a vibrant social program, creating plenty of opportunities to learn, challenge yourself and build lasting friendships.
Designed to promote and develop women's sailing, the event welcomes female sailors looking to build confidence, refine their racing skills and enjoy a fun and rewarding weekend alongside like-minded women.
Find out more and register here.
Sat 5 – Sun 6 September 2026 | CitySail 2026
Albert Park Yacht Club, VIC
CitySail returns to Albert Park Lake this September, bringing together women and girls for a weekend of coaching, coached racing and connection. Designed for competent sailors, the regatta combines morning coaching sessions with short-course racing.
Coaching is delivered in small groups based on skill level, ensuring personalised instruction for all participants. Sailors can also enjoy the Saturday social BBQ, making it a fantastic opportunity to connect with others on and off the water.
Current and past Optimist sailors attending the weekend can also take part in the Optimist Girls Camp on Saturday evening, featuring an escape room challenge, pizza night and fun activities at Albert Sailing Club.
Find out more and register here.
Mon 14 & 21 September 2026 | Sail Our Way Women's RYA Diesel Engine Course
Royal Brighton Yacht Club, VIC | 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Delivered over two evenings by Yachtmaster Sailing School, this practical course will help women build the confidence and knowledge to prevent and troubleshoot common marine diesel engine problems. Participants will learn how marine diesel engines work, identify key engine components, carry out routine maintenance and fault-finding, and understand essential fuel, cooling, lubrication and electrical systems.
Usually valued at $450, this course is available for just $200 thanks to the Sail Our Way grant. On successful completion, participants will receive an RYA Diesel Engine Certificate, equipping them with valuable skills to become more confident skippers or crew members.
Registrations have now closed. For other courses and events happening at the club, please click here.
Sat 19 September 2026 | Sail Our Way Powerboat Handling Course
Westernport Yacht Club, VIC | 9:00am
Develop the practical skills and confidence to safely operate a powerboat through this one-day Powerboat Handling course. Participants will gain hands-on experience in boat handling, manoeuvring in confined spaces, navigation and engine operation, while building the knowledge required to handle a powerboat in a range of conditions.
Completion of the course contributes towards the Australian Sailing Powerboat Handling Certificate and it is it is one of the prerequisites of becoming a Powerboat, Dinghy or Windsurfing Instructor.
This event is a members only event. Find out more and register by logging in here.