Sail Our Way Case Study: CCSC Regional Women & Girls Sailing Eve

Sail Our Way Case Study: CCSC Regional Women & Girls Sailing Event

Club: Cairn Curran Sailing Club (CCSC)
Location: Cairn Curran, VIC
Contact: Mandy Buchholtz, mandybuchholtz@gmail.com / women@ccsc.org.au

About the project

The CCSC “Sail Our Way” event was a hands-on, inclusive sailing day aimed at introducing women and girls of all ages and abilities to the sport. The event combined practical on-water sessions with inspirational talks and demonstrations by experienced sailors and coaches. It focused on building confidence, resilience, and an understanding of the diverse pathways sailing offers.

Australian Sailing played a key role in the day, with qualified instructors attending the event and sharing personal sailing experiences, guiding practical sessions, and providing encouragement. The presence of skilled instructors ensured a supportive, engaging, and empowering environment for all participants.

Participation

• Total participants: 21 women and girls
• Volunteers and support: CCSC relied on a small but dedicated team of male and female volunteers, including long-serving local helpers and coaches, to deliver the sessions safely and effectively.

Outcomes and impact

The Sail Our Way grant enabled CCSC to deliver a high-quality, inclusive event despite regional challenges, including limited female instructors and the recent community impact of fires. Outcomes included:

• Skill development: Participants gained hands-on sailing experience and practical knowledge of the sport, applying new techniques and learning throughout the day.
• Confidence and empowerment: Women and girls reported feeling motivated, capable, and excited by the experience, reflecting their enjoyment and sense of achievement during the event.
• Engagement and retention: Many participants expressed a strong interest in continuing sailing and attending future Sail Our Way events, showing that the program successfully sparked ongoing enthusiasm.
• Positive feedback from families: Parents and guardians highlighted how much their children enjoyed the day, felt empowered, and appreciated the supportive and inclusive environment created by instructors, volunteers, and Australian Sailing.
• Community connection: The event strengthened relationships among participants, volunteers, instructors, and families, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement within the local sailing community.

Feedback

• “Such a great day. Miss 11 had a ball. Thank you 😊”
• “Thanks, it was a great day and so well organised. Looking forward to the next one (and Miss 9 is too, I think 😆) 

• “I suddenly had a feeling that I might finally have found something that could make up for the heartbreak of leaving my farm”. 

• “That was the absolute best day! A lot of people were empowered today.  Thank you for being organized but also bringing a lightness to the vibes which set everyone at ease. Miss 12 & I are already excited to go back.”

How the funding helped

The Sail Our Way grant was critical in supporting this regional event, allowing CCSC to:

• Provide skilled instructors and coaches to deliver hands-on sailing sessions.
• Create an inclusive and engaging program despite a limited pool of female volunteers in the region.
• Give participants access to meaningful sailing experiences and inspiration that would not have been possible otherwise.

The event demonstrated the importance of Sail Our Way funding in growing women’s and girls’ participation in regional sailing and building confidence, resilience, and connection through the sport.