Australian Sailing are excited to have an amazing SheSails line up in Tasmania with the inaugural Combined Clubs Women’s Keelboat Regatta in Hobart scheduled to occur on Saturday 24 April, 2021 with the regatta to be followed by a function with sailor and pioneer Jessica Watson OAM. SheSails is Australian Sailing’s female participation brand designed to recognise all of the amazing women and girl contributors in sailing and to encourage more women and girls to get involved in sailing through organised activities at their local club. 

Jessica Watson OAM

Australia is fortunate to have such a proud history of females who have contributed so much to the promotion and advancement of Sailing, Jessica Watson OAM is one of them so to have her here in Hobart to be part of the inaugural Women’s Keelboat Regatta and as a key speaker at the after event is very special. The lineup of guest speakers for the social function also includes one of Australia’s leading sports presenters and producers, Tiffany Cherry, with a media career spanning nearly three decades and three continents across television, film, radio, print and digital media. Tiffany continues to be an advocate for women in sport and is an in-demand keynote speaker. 

“The Derwent Sailing Squadron were swamped with entries into the regatta from across the state. With the addition of guest speakers Jessica Watson and Tiffany Cherry for the social function, it’s shaping up to be a great event. Both Jessica and Tiffany have been trailblazers for women in sport,” Chris Jones, Australian Sailing Regional Manager. 

The one day regatta is an initiative of the Combined Clubs Committee, with the Derwent Sailing Squadron hosting this year’s event, in co-operation with the Bellerive Yacht Club and the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania. The regatta sponsor is local company, Detail First, with support from Australian Sailing and Clubs Tasmania towards the social function. Racing will commence 9am Saturday 24th April 2021 followed by a competitor and invited guest function with guest speakers Jessica Watson and Tiffany Cherry. 

Tiffany Cherry

“I’m very much looking forward to heading to Hobart for the inaugural Women’s Keelboat Regatta. The regatta is a great opportunity for more girls and women to get involved with sailing and showcase our fantastic sport.” Jessica Watson OAM. 

Derwent Sailing Squadron Commodore, Scott Brain, has been impressed with the caliber of entrants of this year’s inaugural event and says “Tasmania is a stronghold for sailing talent and the initiative of the women’s regatta will provide an opportunity for a highly competitive event on the River Derwent”.

The launch of this regatta is a very positive step in helping grow female participation in Tasmania and marks the planned rollout of other SheSails activities and initiatives at Sailing clubs across Australia. 

Visit www.shesails.org.au or visit the Facebook page @SheSailsAus.