After a super-successful Regatta last year, we are excited to extend a warm invitation to women sailors to participate in this year’s South Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta (SAWKR). 

The Regatta is being held over three days on the October long weekend. Hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia (CYCSA), with assistance from its partners the Port Adelaide Sailing Club (PASC) and the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron (RSAYS).  We are pleased to again welcome respected Race Officer Lou Hutton to officiate for the Regatta - Lou is based with the Royal Melbourne Yacht Club and brings extensive national and international experience to our event.  
 
SAWKR is for women skippers and crews only.  It is aimed at women and girls currently participating in sailing and looking to enjoy the company, competition and camaraderie of other sailors. It is a part of the growing list of regattas held specifically for women around the country.  You can enter individually or as a boat crew. As an individual, we will do our best to help you join a team. 

The racing and off-water activities are for developing and improving skills and encouraging an Australia-wide network of women sailors. Last year’s Regatta attracted 120 women and 21 boats and competitors ranged from their teens to seventies.  All who attended had a great experience.  Helen Klingsporn, co-skipper Sahara said “The SAWKR was a fantastic event.  Apart from the actual sailing, the social aspect enabled us to really get to know our team and other crews.” 

2023 will see divisions for large and small keelboats and Elliot 7s who will sail in Course Area A in Gulf St Vincent adjacent the CYCSA. The trailerables division will race on the river in Course Area B at the PASC, just seven minutes by car from the CYCSA, so crews participating on the river courses will not be ‘disconnected’ from the Regatta. Trailerables can also nominate to race in Division 2 in Course Area A (once nominated for this division they will be required to complete the Regatta in this division).

A number of boats are available to hire, or if you’re bringing your own keelboat, berthing can be booked free of charge at the CYCSA. Trailerables berthing and trailer storage will be at the PASC. Limited unpowered camping for entrants can be booked at the CYCSA. 

As well as all the excitement on the water, there will be lots of fun at the off-water activities, including presentations, post-sail BBQs, a regatta dinner, a games night and much more.  

So start planning, tell your friends, and come and join us for an amazing weekend. Be an early bird, register before 31 July and save, and there are also concessions for full time students.
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What: SOUTH AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S KEELBOAT REGATTA
When: 30 September – 2 October 2023
Where: Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia
Contact: Phone 08 8248 4222 or sawkr@cycsa.org
More information: cycsa.com.au/sawkr or @SAWKR2023