Sail Our Way Case Study: BYS Women’s Sportsboat Regatta 2026

Club: Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron (BYS)
Location: Blairgowrie, VIC
Contact: Michelle de Blaquiere

About the project

The BYS Women’s Sportsboat Regatta 2026 was held on 21–22 March 2026 at Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron. The event was designed to support the participation and development of women in sailing, with a specific focus on building skills and confidence in leadership roles within a competitive racing environment.

This regatta addresses a recognised gap in sailing pathways by providing female sailors with the opportunity to develop and lead in high-performance racing environments.

Participation and event details

Total regatta participants: 39 female sailors
Number of teams: 9
Boat class: J/70 sportsboats
Crew format: Predominantly teams of four
Racing format: Short-course windward-leeward races
Races completed: 15 races over two days
Volunteers: Approximately 20 volunteers per day supported the delivery of the event

Event delivery

The regatta was delivered as a two-day competitive racing event, with a focus on high-frequency boat handling and tactical decision-making. The short-course format required constant manoeuvres and close interaction between boats, creating an intensive and highly effective learning environment.

A key strength of the event was the presence of women not only as competitors, but also in key event leadership roles, including Course Race Officer, Deputy Race Officer, Jury Chairperson and On-Land Regatta Manager. This ensured female leadership was visible across all aspects of the event, both on and off the water.

While no formal coaching sessions were scheduled, the event fostered strong peer learning, with participants supporting and sharing knowledge across teams in a collaborative and inclusive environment.

The event was supported by a combination of privately owned and loaned boats, enabling broad participation and continued growth.

In addition to on-water racing, the regatta included a deliberate social component, with sailors encouraged to stay on and connect following racing on Sunday. Live music was provided to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, supporting relationship-building, strengthening community connections, and enhancing the overall event experience.

Outcomes and impact

The event delivered strong outcomes in supporting women’s participation and progression in sailing:

Leadership development: Participants took on key onboard roles including helming, tactics and sail trim.
Visible leadership pathways: Female leadership was demonstrated both on the water and in race management roles.
Skill progression: High-frequency racing accelerated development in boat handling and race strategy.
Pathway development: The regatta provides a clear progression from club racing to competitive fleet racing.
Retention and progression: Teams such as Lithium demonstrate sustained development and performance progression.
Volunteer engagement: The event mobilised a large volunteer base, strengthening community involvement and capability within the club.
Increased participation: Growth from a round-robin format to a fully subscribed fleet reflects rising demand.
Growth in female boat ownership: Multiple female owners actively campaigned boats, highlighting a shift in the sport.

A key outcome is the event’s role in inspiring broader participation. By creating opportunities and sharing these experiences, the regatta demonstrates to other women what is possible in sailing.

Marketing and promotion

The event included a strong focus on professional promotion and visibility:

Investment in professional media coverage, including photography and video content
Daily social media posts, including professional photos and reels shared across both days of the event
Content shared across club and class platforms, with Australian Sailing SheSails channels tagged to amplify reach
Marketing materials acknowledged Australian Sailing and the Department of Health in line with grant requirements

This approach was designed to extend the impact of the event beyond participants by showcasing real examples of female leadership and participation in sailing.

How the funding helped

The Sail Our Way grant supported the delivery of the regatta and contributed to creating a high-quality, inclusive event experience. It enabled broader participation and helped elevate the visibility of women’s sailing through strong event delivery and promotion.