Lucy Townson from Royal Geelong YC, and Westernport Yacht Club local Issy Barden are the 2018 Montalto Women on Water Regatta perpetual trophy winners. Both Lucy and Issy were recognised for their race results, sportsmanship, enthusiasm, passion and determination across the weekend. They were both extremely committed to learning and their lovely attitude over the weekend was noticed by all competitors, volunteers and race officials.

Now in its fifth year, the unique vision of this regatta is to encourage female participation in sailing whilst also recognising and celebrating the outstanding achievements of Australia’s female sailors. Peta Pietromonaco, the driving force behind this regatta from its inception, once again has managed to bring together female Olympians, regatta winners, club sailors and those just starting their sailing journeys for this two-day event with a special atmosphere.

And competitors love it. This year, competitor post event survey responses awarded average ratings of greater than 9.6/10 for Quality of Coaching, Regatta Catering and Welcome and Friendliness of the people at Westernport Yacht Club.

Once again competitors were coached by an outstanding team, this year including three Olympians; Tessa Parkinson, Karyn Gojnich and Lisa Darmanin. Along with Nia Jerwood, Marlena Berzins, Pip Solly, Lily Richardson, Matilda Richardson and Pip Pietromonaco, the coaches provided a nurturing environment whilst challenging the participants on and off the water.

The dedicated team of volunteers from Westernport Yacht Club and women from yacht clubs throughout Victoria were essential in making the weekend the success it was. All competitors were treated to a delicious dinner on Saturday night, prepared and presented by the Pietromonaco family and the ‘kitchen-blokes’ from Westernport YC. This creates the environment for a fantastic night where all competitors enjoy socialising with other competitors and coaches over the best homemade dinner you will find anywhere, of course accompanied by superb Montalto wines.

The event is also about mentoring for female race officials, allowing them to enhance their skills and capabilities. With Pip Pietromonaco coordinating the on-water activities, we once again created an atmosphere where everyone is learning together, another fantastic and unique aspect of this event. Louise Hutton has been the Principle Race Officer for five years and has been outstanding in her role mentoring the many volunteers at this event and encouraging them to take away their learnings and assist the race management teams at their home yacht clubs.

The regatta is supported by naming rights sponsor Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove as well as Complete Rubber and Balnarring Travel & Cruise. The Victorian Government contributed to the regatta through a Change Our Game grant and Mornington Peninsula Shire also provided financial and logistical backing. The regatta also raised hundreds of dollars for our Charity Partner – Breast Cancer Network Australia.

Finally, thank you to all our competitors and congratulations to division winners Susannah Gilham (RGYC), Lucy Laverty (Somers YC), Jessica & Anne Vize (McCrae YC), Helen Walmsley & Colleen Moore (Somers YC) and Lisa Barrand (McCrae YC)