SA WOMEN’S KEELBOAT REGATTA

I am very proud to announce that the inaugural South Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta (SAWKR) will be held over three days in the beautiful waters of the Gulf of St Vincent at the CYCSA. There will be both mixed class divisions, including trailable yachts, and One Design divisions for Elliott 7s and J24s. It will be an all-female competition. This will be a national regatta and we expect teams will be entering from around Australia. I anticipate the regatta will become a major event in our Club calendar and will be a huge amount of fun for competitors, volunteers and spectators alike. To make the event a success I am calling for Club members to be a part of this celebration of women sailing and consider being a volunteer, making your boat available for interstate teams, or perhaps billeting one or two of the interstate competitors. The reaction to the announcement by the local South Australian sailing community has been overwhelmingly positive and filled with excitement. I have been very fortunate to participate in three AWKRs in Melbourne, a NT Women’s Regatta and a Mooloolaba’s Women’s Regatta. These events have been highly competitive with great opportunities to learn more about sailing on the water and later at the bar! The most memorable aspect of these events is the comraderie that is developed with a group of women who also have a passion for sailing. I am delighted to learn that the CYCSA will be holding the first SAWKR in 2022. It will provide a wonderful opportunity to have women from all over Australia come to Adelaide to sail at our wonderful Club. Kerry Parker, Race Member CYCSA. Having participated in the well-established Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta three times, as well as the Mooloolaba and the inaugural Darwin WKR, I am very excited about the SAWKR. These events provide a great opportunity for women to be challenged and to gather experience and knowledge in the many aspects of sail racing. I have been very fortunate to skipper a Bavaria 40 in Melbourne and crew Elliott 7s and 6s in Darwin and Mooloolaba. The camaraderie at these regattas is fantastic and provides support for women sailors of all ages and experience. Mary Ann Harvey, Race Member and Skipper CYCSA. I’m very excited to be part of the inaugural SA Women’s Keelboat Regatta! It’s going to be a whole lot of fun getting the girls together to hone our skills, learn some new ones and get out of our comfort zones! Joanne Pilmore, Race Member CYCSA and current Crewperson of the Year 2020-21. The Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia is very proud to be associated with the inaugural South Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta This event is designed to promote and develop women’s sailing and to enjoy some short course ‘around the buoy’ fleet racing in the beautiful waters of Adelaide’s northern beaches. Over the past few years the CYCSA has had a strong interest in promoting women’s development in sailing and we are looking forward to sharing our idyllic sailing venue with an enthusiastic, like-minded group of female sailors. This regatta is open to female sailors and boat owners from clubs around the nation who wish to form their own teams. Opportunities may also be available for interstate participants to have access to local keelboats. The CYCSA will provide berthing solutions during the regatta for boats outside of the Club. Adam Hays, General Manager CYCSA The Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia’s Youth Sailing Foundation (YSF) is excited at the prospect of assisting in the success of the South Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta. Through our foundation the CYCSA will present an opportunity for up to four to five female crew to sail on one of our Club’s six Elliott 7 keelboats. Access for entry into the regatta through the Elliott 7s YSF program will be made available for female participants and offer the opportunity for teams to train and enhance their skills through our programmes in the lead up to the event. Perfect for those wanting to gather a group of sailing friends. Come and join us for some on water, educational and competitive fun in the sun! Dale Geddes, YSF Head Coach CYCSA There are many details to be finalised but initial enquiries can be made to the CYCSA Race Manager, Inese Lainis on 088248 4222 or email at racing.manager@cycsa.com.au I hope to see you there!

Adrian Wotton Chair, SAWKR