The Derwent Sailing Squadron (DSS) is thrilled to announce the upcoming 2024 Women 40° South Women’s Regatta to be held in Hobart on the 2nd March 2024. This premier event is set to offer an unparalleled experience for participants in keelboats, extending an open invitation to female sailors to converge in Hobart and be part of this exciting event.

Following the success of the DSS 2021 women’s regatta featuring Elliots 6 the Squadron is expanding its scope by encouraging participation in larger keelboats. The objective is to provide female sailors with an enhanced platform to showcase their skills in a diverse array of short courses, including windward-leeward and/or triangle formats, coupled with an exhilarating long passage race in keelboats for the 1 day event.

Entrants are already generating considerable excitement, with some of Hobart's finest yachts expressing keen interest in the event with exclusively female crews. Noteworthy among the early entrants is Don Calvert’s Intrigue, the iconic vessel that astounded Australian pro-sailors by securing victory in the Australian Admirals’s Cup Trials in Melbourne back in 1985. This legendary boat will include talented Hobart women, with Philippa Calvert managing the team.

The Melges 32, Cockwomble, will be skillfully skippered by the accomplished 29er champion, Alice Buchanan. Under her leadership, this yacht is poised to excel as her skilled crew puts their sports boat sailing proficiency to the ultimate test.

Adding to the competitive field, Kirsty Salter is set to reclaim her 2021 women’s regatta title aboard the J112e-designed Arunga. Salter, also an avid Sharpie sailor, is currently gearing up for the WASZP States in mid-March, showcasing her sailing versatility.

The Squadron is also pleased to welcome Invincible, skippered by Alison Merridew, an accomplished offshore sailor and a passionate ambassador for women’s sailing.

Anticipation is mounting with additional entries including the Farr 40 Plausible Ailbi, Bakewell White 39Z Jazz Player , and the Cookson 12 Kraken 42s. The event promises to be a thrilling showcase of skill and sportsmanship, setting the stage for an exciting competition.

The event sponsor, Frontline Mind, will be providing an opportunity for participants to undertake an online course: Women navigating leadership; learn from sailing to help your career. Over 8 months participants will learn from experienced female sailors, with guest presenters like Annie Lush (Olympian, World Champion, 3 x The Ocean Race), and our own top female sailors from Hobart, as they reflect on performance and leadership at sea and at work.

If you are interested in racing in this event then the Squadron can help. Complete the Expression of Interest HERE: https://dssinc.org.au/race_events/2024-dss-women-42-south-womens-regatta/