Sail Our Way Case Study: Fabulous Female Sailor Clinic

Club: International Laser Class Association (ILCA)Tasmania
Location: Hobart, TAS
Contact: Nicole Davey | loveseabella@gmail.com

About the Project

The Sail Our Way Fabulous Female Sailor Clinic was held on 30 May 2026 at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, bringing together 12 female sailors aged 13–40 for four hours of science, strength, and sisterhood.

Supported by the Sail Our Way grant, the clinic delivered a combined program of physio-led screening, nutrition education, athlete storytelling, mentoring, and group discussions. The aim was to provide participants with practical tools to support injury prevention, communication, goal setting, and long-term participation in sailing.

Sessions were delivered by physiotherapist Kellie Wilkie, exercise physiologist and strength and conditioning coach Taylor Wilczyski, and Australian Sailing coach Amelia Catt. The program included strength and conditioning guidance, nutrition planning, and athlete development discussions, alongside a yarning circle focused on shared experiences and connection.

Program Breakdown:

  1. Physio & Body session 
    • Sailing screening: load changes, Range of Motion (ROM), abdominal strength
    • Individualised strength training areas
  2. Nutrition & Injury Prevention 
    • Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) education
    • Periodisation of nutrition
    • Individual athlete planning
    • Sharing cold and warm food together
  3. Yarning Circle
    • Honest discussion of physical and psychological goals
    • Shared stories, laughter, and connection
  4. Athlete Storytelling
    • Open discussions on barriers
    • Commitment through repeated failure

Participation

·       12 female sailors aged 13–40 participated

·       3 ILCA Tasmanian volunteers supported the event

·       Sessions were delivered by Kellie Wilkie (Physiotherapist), Taylor Wilczyski (Exercise Physiologist and Strength & Conditioning Coach), and Amelia Catt (Australian Sailing Tasmanian and Victorian Lead Coach)

Outcomes and Impact

The clinic exceeded expectations, providing participants with practical knowledge and tools to support their sailing journey. Through physio-led screening, nutrition education, athlete storytelling, mentoring, and participant-led discussions, sailors explored topics including injury prevention, female physiology and energy, nutrition planning, and goal setting.

A key outcome was the strong sense of connection developed throughout the day. The athlete storytelling and yarning circle sessions encouraged honest discussions about physical and psychological goals, barriers, and experiences in sailing. Participants left with clear individual training goals, shared resources through the ILCA Tasmania network, and a peer-supported pathway to ongoing training.

The clinic also inspired several participant-led initiatives, including plans for a run club, strength and conditioning sessions, and a foils maintenance course, to be developed through the collective efforts of participants, volunteers, and trainers.

How the funding helped

The Sail Our Way grant helped support ILCA Tasmania's winter development program by providing opportunities for female sailors to upskill, set goals, and further their development within the sport.

Funding enabled the club to deliver a meaningful and engaging clinic featuring qualified experts in their fields, including a sports science professional and a strength and conditioning coach. Their expertise provided participants with valuable knowledge and practical guidance to support their long-term participation in sailing.