About Sail Our Way

Australian Sailing is proud to be one of 290 organisations nationally selected to receive funding under the program. This investment will support the expansion of participation and coaching programs to make sailing more inclusive and accessible. 

This funding directly supports the goals of SAILING 2032, Australian Sailing’s strategic plan, which commits to achieving 50% female participation across all aspects of the sport - including membership, coaching, courses, volunteering, and the workforce - by 2032. Since 2023, female participation has already grown from 32% to 35%, but there is still more to do. 

Thanks to Play Our Way, Sail Our Way initiatives will deliver the following programs to support clubs, classes, and communities.

Round 1 Sail Our Way Initiatives

Direct Activity Support for Clubs and Class Associations 
Seed funding of up to $1,500 was available for clubs and class associations to deliver initiatives that increase participation among women and girls.  The funding is now closed. Click here to find out about the successful clubs who received a Sail Our Way grant. Future rounds will be announced here. 

RS Feva Women and Girls Project 
In partnership with Sailing Raceboats Australia, the RS Feva program provides clubs discounted double-handed RS Feva boats to purchase, helping support participation particularly for teenage girls.

Marketing Support for Clubs and Classes 
New marketing templates and promotional tools will be created, alongside webinars and 1:1 support, helping clubs better reach and engage women and girls. 

Women’s Charter and Club Resources 
A suite of new tools—including an inclusive Women’s Sailing Charter, planning checklists, and governance resources—will be released to help clubs foster equitable access and create welcoming environments. Click here to access our range of Club resources.  

Additional Equipment Support 
Grants will be available for modified or inclusive equipment—such as lifejackets and boards for SUP, windsurfing, and wing sports—to help clubs expand water-based offerings for women and girls. 

Coaching Capability Uplift 
In collaboration with pilot clubs nationwide, this program will develop initiatives to grow coaching capacity, support delivery of aligned programs focussed on women and girls and build stronger club-to-coach connections. 

Youth Sail and Female Leadership Visibility 
At Youth Sail events around Australia, women Olympians, Australian Sailing Team members, and coaches will lead, mentor, and inspire the next generation of sailors. 

SheSails National Conference and Events 
The inspirational SheSails International Conference was held on Monday 20th October 2025 as part of the World Sailing Steering the Course global women’s sailing festival. Click here to see a recording of the webinar if you missed it. Additional state-based events and webinars will also take place over the next 12 months. 

“We’re incredibly proud to be part of the Play Our Way movement and to lead real, lasting change in sailing,” said Sarah Ogilvie Head of Sport Development and Growth for Australian Sailing. “This funding enables us to scale what works, innovate where needed, and ensure women and girls across Australia have more opportunities to enjoy our sport.” 

Australian Sailing looks forward to working closely with clubs, classes, and communities as Sail Our Way gathers momentum—creating more inclusive sailing experiences and sharing success stories from every corner of the country.