May brings a strong focus on skill development, confidence building, and connecting women and girls across the sailing community. With a mix of coaching programs, regattas, and pathway events, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, improve your sailing, and meet like-minded female sailors this month.

Here’s a look at the key events happening in May:

Wed 5, 12, 26 May 2026 | KISS Women’s Training Program
Various venues, VIC | see ORCV website for details

The ORCV’s KISS (Keelboat Introduction to Sailing Savvy) Women’s Training Program continues through May with a series of hands-on sessions designed to build confidence and practical skills. This four-month program supports women in transitioning from “passengers” to active, capable crew through a mix of theory, on-water experience, and team-based learning in a supportive environment.

Find out more and register here.

Sat 9 May 2026 | SheSails Development Regatta
Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, NSW | 8:30am – 5:30pm

The SheSails Development Regatta at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club invites female Sailing Academy graduates to take the next step into inshore racing. Now in its 10th year, this supportive and fun-focused event combines training and racing, helping participants build confidence and develop their skills on the water. Sailors will be placed into crews with fellow graduates and a mentor skipper, taking part in a morning training session followed by short-course racing on the harbour. The day includes coaching, racing, and a social presentation to celebrate achievements.

Find out more and register here.

Sat 16 May – Sat 13 June 2026 | Sail Our Way Women’s Inshore Coaching (Session 2)
Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, NSW | 10:00am – 2:00pm

This four-week coaching program at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club is designed to help women and girls develop confidence and inshore racing skills in a supportive environment. Participants will build skills in boat handling, crew work, and close-quarters manoeuvring through a mix of on-water coaching and shore-based discussions.

Sailing takes place on Elliott 6 keelboats, with mentor sailors and coaches providing guidance throughout. Each session concludes with a relaxed ‘Bubbles & Nibbles’ debrief at the clubhouse.

Find out more and register here.

Sat 16 May 2026 | Sail Our Way Women’s Regatta
Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club, SA | 1:30pm – 6:00pm

Join a fun and inclusive women’s regatta at Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club, featuring three back-to-back races in a supportive and social environment. The day will conclude with presentations and end-of-season celebrations, offering a great opportunity to build confidence, enjoy racing, and connect with other women sailors.

Find out more and register here.

Sat 23 May 2026 | Sail Our Way Skills Development Coaching Clinic
Mooloolaba Yacht Club, QLD | 12:30pm – 4:00pm

This Sail Our Way Skills Development Coaching Clinic is a great opportunity to refine your skills and gain valuable insights in a supportive environment. The session includes both classroom learning and on-water training, with participants sailing the club’s Elliott 6 keelboats.

Please note this is not a Learn to Sail program and is designed for those looking to further develop their existing skills.

Find out more via the club website.

Sat 23 May – Sat 5 September 2026 | Sail Our Way Girls to the Front Program
Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, WA | 9:00am sessions

The Girls to the Front Program is designed to support girls and young women aged 7–30 to build confidence, skills, and connection through sailing. Delivered across multiple dates, participants will take part in fleet racing, skill development, and coaching in a supportive, female-focused environment. Sessions cater to both juniors and youth/young adults, with opportunities to sail Pacers, ILCA, 29er, 420, iQFOiL, and windsurf classes.

Find out more and register here.

Fri 29 May 2026 | Sail Our Way – Mentoring and Pathways Networking Evening
Middle Harbour Yacht Club, NSW | 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Join this free networking evening focused on mentoring, pathways, and connecting women across the sailing community. Hosted at Middle Harbour Yacht Club, the event will highlight the importance of mentoring in developing women in sailing, with insights supported by the Magenta Project’s recent research. Hosted by Nic Douglass (@sailorgirlhq), the evening offers a great opportunity to connect with like-minded sailors, share experiences, and explore pathways to grow and progress in the sport in a supportive environment.

Find out more and register here.

Sun 31 May 2026 | Sail Our Way – Navigating Challenging Stages in Sailing Pathways
Belmont 16’s, NSW | 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Join this inspiring and informative event focused on supporting sailors through key transitions in their sailing journey. Featuring a keynote presentation from two-time 16ft Skiff National Champion Sarah Lee, alongside a panel of accomplished sailors including Molly Highfield, Keisha Day, Sarah Hoffman, and Jacqui Ellis. The session will explore pathways from youth to senior classes, returning to sailing, and progressing in the sport.

Moderated by Ray Martin, the event also includes networking opportunities, a mini expo, and audience Q&A, creating a welcoming space for sailors, parents, and the wider community to connect, learn, and be inspired.

Find out more and register here.