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Sail Our Way Case Study: Mooloolaba Yacht Club
Club: Mooloolaba Yacht Club
Location: Mooloolaba, QLD
Contact: Kristie Hatch | kristiehatch@hotmail.com
About the project
Mooloolaba Yacht Club delivered a series of Sail Our Way initiatives across early 2026 designed to support women and girls in developing confidence, leadership, and sailing skills.
The program included a Women & Girls Mark Laying Theory and Practical Session, a Try Sailing Day, and an ongoing Skills Development Program Coaching Clinic series. Together, the activities created multiple entry points and progression opportunities for women at different stages of their sailing journey.
The initiatives focused on building practical sailing knowledge, increasing female participation in club operations and race management, and creating supportive pathways for women to grow their confidence and involvement within the club community.
Participation
- Approximately 65 sailors participated across all events
- Approximately 23 volunteers supported delivery across the programs
- 25 women and girls attended the Sail Our Way Try Sailing Day
- 10 women participated in the Mark Laying Theory and Practical Session
- 8–12 sailors expected to participate in each Skills Development Coaching Clinic session
About the delivery
The Women & Girls Mark Laying Theory and Practical Session combined Australian Sailing race management eLearning with practical on-water mark laying exercises, helping participants build confidence and skills within race management roles.
The Try Sailing Day welcomed women and girls from across the community through a mix of onshore learning, on-water activities, and networking opportunities. Guests rotated through activity stations and connected with volunteers and club members throughout the day in a supportive and social environment.
The Skills Development Program Coaching Clinics provide structured coaching opportunities led by an Australian Sailing accredited coach, with sessions focused on progressive skill development, communication, teamwork, and confidence building on the water.
Outcomes and impact
The Sail Our Way initiatives delivered strong outcomes in supporting women’s participation and progression within sailing and club leadership:
- Leadership development: Women developed practical race management and mark laying skills, supporting increased female involvement in club race management teams.
- Increased participation: Two participants became active sailing members following the Try Sailing Day, with strong interest in future events.
- Skills development: Coaching clinics created structured opportunities for women to strengthen sailing skills, communication, and confidence on the water.
- Pathway development: The programs encouraged conversations around progression into club racing, volunteering, and Australian Sailing Instructor pathways.
- Community connection: Networking opportunities and social components helped strengthen relationships between participants, volunteers, and club members.
- Long-term engagement: The club plans to continue delivering future Try Sailing Days and ongoing coaching opportunities for women and girls.
How the funding helped
The Sail Our Way grant supported the delivery of multiple initiatives by helping provide accredited coaching, safety boat support, practical learning opportunities, and structured on-water experiences.
The funding also strengthened accessibility and participation by supporting safe and welcoming learning environments for women and girls, while helping create long-term pathways for ongoing involvement within the club and broader sailing community.
