SheSails Award
2023-24 Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron AWKR
The Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta has been a beacon of female participation in sailing for over 32 years, celebrating its 32nd year with an exceptional regatta that featured 32 teams and nearly 200 competitors. AWKR stands out for its inclusivity, welcoming sailors of all skill levels, from novices to experienced competitors. With extensive volunteer support and a robust presence in global media and social platforms, AWKR has played a pivotal role in advancing women’s sailing and continues to inspire future generations.
2022-23 The Women’s Racing and Mentorship Program
The Women’s Racing and Mentorship Program (RAMP) at Fremantle Sailing Club has been extraordinarily successful in the coordination, promotion and administration of female participation in sailing in WA. As well as standing on the podium at each WA State Keelboat regatta since 2019, RAMP run regular social activities and coaching sessions, and have recently funded two members to gain their AS coaching accreditation so the squad can continue to improve and grow.
2021-22 The Mooloolaba Women's Keelboat Regatta
One of Queensland’s most popular women’s sailing events, the 2022 Mooloolaba Women's Keelboat Regatta filled in 24 hours and gave women experience both on and off-water, with the opportunity to helm or act in leadership roles in event management, admin, promotion, training and club/crew preparation.
2020-21 Swan River Sailing
Swan River Sailing (SRS) aims to promote participation in the sport of sailing in any way or form & in the nomination period conducted a number of activities that encouraged female participation & inclusion in the sport of sailing.
2019-20 Clare Alexander
Clare Alexander has made a major contribution to female participation in sailing through The Women’s Regatta hosted by Double Bay Sailing Club. Clare conceptualised then implemented the program in 2018/19 and 2019/20, and is in advanced planning (in a COVIDSafe iteration) for 2020/21. Clare was acutely aware of declining participation rates in the sport, and decided to make a contribution by seeking to engage the large female cohort that departs the sport during teenage years, motherhood, or when life just gets in the way. As a social sailor herself, and a supporter to her sailing family at regattas around the world, Clare saw the need for women and girls to have opportunities to learn, practice, and race in a supportive and inclusive environment, while at the same time enjoying a broader experience with extra activities and little luxuries. Clare’s vision was to engage females of all ages and abilities, including youth moving up the dinghy classes, women wanting to try their hand at dinghy sailing, women who had stopped sailing but wanted a way back in, regular weekend sailors wanting a special experience, and some of Australia’s elite sailors. The concept was a weekend with more than just “a few races and a sausage sizzle” – an event that would provide access to boats, rigging support, small-group coaching, and short-course racing, as well as other avenues for engagement like gourmet breakfasts, “yoga on the deck”, lunch breaks, and a dinner with motivational female speakers.
2018-19 Jan Howard and Mary Holley
Howard and Holley with strong support of the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, created “SHESAILS@NCYC” in 2017 where it quickly grew and became well-known in the Newcastle region. In a true testament to the success of the program, Australian Sailing officially adopted the brand and logo that has now even attracted Hamilton Island as the Major Partner of the program.