Sail Our Way Case Study: Hillarys Yacht Club

Club: Hillarys Yacht Club
Location: Hillarys, WA
Contact: Kim Pring | kim@hillarysyachtclub.com.au

About the project

Running from 8 February to 15 March 2026, Hillarys Yacht Club delivered the Northern Beaches Girls Sailing Championships & Start Sailing Course, a four-week Learn to Sail program designed specifically for girls aged 11–16.

The program followed the Start Sailing 1 & 2 syllabus, providing participants with foundational sailing skills in a supportive, all-female environment. The course ended in a Championship Race, giving participants the opportunity to apply their skills in a fun and encouraging racing setting.

The program was delivered by an all-female Australian Sailing qualified instructor team, supported by the club’s Head Coach, with additional volunteers assisting on race day.

Participation

10 participants aged 11–16
3 female instructors delivering weekly sessions
1 female training coordinator/instructor
6 volunteers supporting race day

Outcomes and impact

The program successfully increased participation and visibility of girls in sailing while creating a strong pathway for ongoing involvement:

Skill development: Participants developed foundational sailing skills through structured Start Sailing training and race experience.
Increased participation: The program introduced 10 new female sailors to the sport.
Confidence and progression: Participants gained confidence on the water and many expressed interest in continuing sailing in both casual and racing environments.
Female representation: The all-female instructor team provided strong role models and helped create a welcoming, inclusive environment for young sailors.

How the funding helped

The Sail Our Way grant contributed to the overall program budget, allowing the club to subsidise participation fees and reduce barriers to entry. Funding also supported event delivery through BBQ catering and participant prizes, enhancing the overall experience and engagement for all involved.