Sail Our Way Case Study – SheSails Women’s Short-Course Regatta

Club: Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club (GRYC)
Location:South Australia, 5214
Contact: Jackie Dawson – secretary@gryc.com.au

About the project
The GRYC Women's Short-Course Regatta is an annual event that supports both new and experienced female sailors to build confidence, gain race experience, and strengthen connections within the sailing community.

The event was held on 16 May and began with a coaching session designed to help new crew members get to know each other and become familiar with their boats before racing. The session was led by club coach Ben Kelsey, whose engaging coaching style and memorable whiteboard diagrams helped build confidence and prepare participants for the day ahead.

The afternoon featured short-course racing designed to be accessible and engaging, with crews often formed to encourage new team combinations and skill development. Twenty-one women competed across three races, supported by three female race management volunteers. Alongside competitive racing, the regatta placed a strong emphasis on participation, learning and enjoyment on the water, concluding with an end-of-season celebration and presentations.

Delivered as part of the broader SheSails program, the project contributes to long-term pathways for women in sailing by increasing visibility, encouraging retention, and creating opportunities for ongoing involvement in club racing.

Participation

21 women sailors competed across three races
3 race management volunteers, all women

Results

As You Wish – Jackie Dawson (Helm), Tina Eatts, Ella Anderson
Elanora – Louise Edwards (Helm), Janis Haynes, Lauren McKee, Eloise Dodd
Girlzown – Tricia Skewes (Helm), Chris Chatburn, Fran Wanders
Zest – Jody Martin (Helm), Niki Kennedy, Victoria Vejo
It's a Rule – Ali Law (Helm), Jenny Mifsud
Cocktail – Charmaine Ludlow (Helm), Linda Noack, Janet Kelly

Outcomes and impact
The regatta successfully strengthened participation in women’s sailing by providing an accessible and supportive racing environment that welcomed both new and returning crews. The event’s format encouraged skill development, confidence building, and increased familiarity with short-course racing.

A key outcome was the introduction of new boats and crews, along with several new members joining the SheSails program at GRYC. A windsurfing competition also took place on the same waterways, which helped increase the visibility of women’s sailing and attracted strong spectator interest.

In addition, a group of women watching the racing from the marina have expressed interest in attending a come-try day or enrolling in a Start Crewing course.

How the funding helped
Sail Our Way funding supported the event through the provision of promotional SheSails show bags for skippers and crew, as well as branded sun-safe neck gaiters. In addition, it helped fund several women taking part in a Marine Radio Operator Course, building confidence and practical skills to support helming, communication, and race management roles.

GRYC Woman’s Short Course Regatta Event Video