Keppel Bay Sailing Club (KBSC) have launched their first SheSails Start Sailing course to encourage more women to enjoy the sport of sailing.

KBSC Sailing Manager Mike Robinson said the first course of its kind was a great success over the weekend and is one of many planned for the club moving forward.

Anne-Marie Newton was one of the first people to participate in the new program for ladies and she said it was one of the most challenging and enjoyable things she has ever done.

“Two of my three children are sailors and my husband also sails and while I have been an active member of KBSC as a volunteer off the water, I never thought I would be able to sail myself,” Anne-Marie said.

“I have had some serious health issues and honestly didn’t think it would ever be possible, but I have fought back and am slowly finding my normal self again and doing the course is just the beginning.”

Mike Robinson says most people see sailing as a male dominated sport and Keppel Bay Sailing Club are on a mission to change that perception.

“Sailing is for everyone with no barriers of age or gender. We actively promote and celebrate women and girl’s participation in all aspects of the sport, he said. In fact, sailing is actually a very inclusive sport that is about enjoying the outdoors and having fun on the water. Here at KBSC we have people of all genders involved at a club level and of all ages (aged from 6 to 80).”

Women learning to sail together is a fun environment, where together, they can learn all they need to know to get a firm understanding of the sport. Offering a ‘SheSails’ course allows ladies to train with friends at their own pace. The event was held in the sheltered waters of the Causeway Lake, this allowed the ladies to focus on getting the basics rights, as opposed to worrying about the waves or rough weather. We had one of our KBSC Life Member Carole Gifford on board, encouraging and supporting the women along the way.

Anne-Marie said, “the course was amazing, it starts you with all the basics, so you don’t have to have any experience to join in. I felt very empowered after the course and can’t wait to do the next one. It is the beginning of a brand new journey for me, and I highly recommend it to everyone.”

This is the first of many SheSails events to be held at Keppel Bay Sailing Club, in lead up to the inaugural 2023 KBSC Womens Regatta.