Case Study - Mount Martha Yacht Club

Mount Martha Yacht Club 

Commodore: Ian Gould

Key contact: Roellen Gillmore – womens.sailing@mmyc.org.au

What SheSails activities does your club run?
The club hosts a range of activities, including female only ‘Come Try’ sailing days and Stand Up Paddle sessions open to the public and a Sunday Ladies Social Sailing session and twilight sailing using club boats for female members. The club is committed to providing a range of sailing opportunities beyond racing to suit different skill and commitment levels, supporting new sailors with safe crewed boats, quality sailing gear and a welcoming community. 

How did you initiate the activities?
The club’s SheSails Club Representative initiated the Women on Water program in 2017. Using the toolkit provided by the Women and Girls in Sailing network, the club identified key opportunities to increase female participation and built a strategy that focused on reducing barriers such as access to boats, high cost of quality sailing gear and fostering a supportive environment where women feel confident to learn and challenge themselves. 

What have the results of the activities been?
The initial program was highly successful, with over 100 women local to the club taking part in ‘Come Try’ activities. Nearly 80% of participants were non-members, highlighting the program’s potential to significantly grow female engagement and membership at the club. This year 80 women participated in ‘Come Try’ and SUP activities and a growing group of over 10 women regularly join a Sunday morning social sail. 

Did you have any challenges along the way?
 ‘What next’ is an ever-present challenge to retain the interest of new sailors. A key component of each sailing activity is having useful follow-up information with options to continue to participate. The volunteer time to continue to deliver follow-up activities is built into any new initiative Mount Martha delivers rather than delivering on one-off events. 

How do you promote your activities?
Social media, word of mouth and targeted letterbox drops have been the most effective way to communicate club programs to the broader public. Member-only programs are promoted within the club and via regular email newsletters.

What resources did you require?
The SheSails program is delivered by a number of volunteers. Key roles include lead coordinator, experienced sailing skippers/sailing instructors, rescue boat crew and beach crew. This program also requires investment in club owned boats and sailing gear, along with general good maintenance of club equipment (e.g. rescue boats, radios, buoys and clubhouse facilities). 

What impact is it having on participation at your club?
Mount Martha Yacht Club is nearing our membership capacity thanks to a range of new initiatives at the club. The SheSails program has brought new women and girls who have young families and friends to the club. These families go on to participate in Tackers, twilight sailing, club racing and social events leading to a busier and more vibrant sailing club.