- Home
- About About
- News
- New to Sailing New to Sailing
-
Events
Events
Events SheSails International Conference 2025 SheSails International Conference 2024 SheSails International Conference 2023 South Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta Victorian Port Phillip Women's Championships Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta (AWKR) Tasmanian Women's Keelboat Regatta Sydney Harbour Women's Keelboat Series Brisbane Women's Keelboat Cup SheSails NZ
- Club Resources Club Resources
- She Learns She Learns
- How SheSails
- Sail Our Way
Sail Our Way Case Study: SheSails Lady Skippers Day 2026
Club: Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club
Location: Sorrento, VIC
Contact: David White | training@sscbc.com.au
About the project
Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club hosted its SheSails Lady Skippers Day 2026, bringing together women sailors of all ages for a day of competitive racing, leadership, and celebration on the water.
The event featured 33 boats across three racing classes and welcomed 180 sailors, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that highlighted women’s participation and leadership within the club. Sailors aged 16 to 80 took part in the regatta, including four mother–daughter crews competing together on the water.
The event combined high-quality racing with a strong social and community atmosphere, celebrating women’s involvement in sailing while also creating visible pathways for ongoing participation and leadership within the club.
A special highlight of the day was the announcement of the inaugural Margie Marks SheSails Award, recognising individuals who go above and beyond to support women’s participation in sailing each season.
In addition to the event, Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club delivers a broader SheSails program, including monthly on-water sessions called “SheSails and drives ducks”. These sessions provide opportunities for women to build skills on Couta boats and powerboats, connect with others, and continue their involvement in sailing.
Participation
- 180 sailors participated across the event
- 33 boats competing across three racing classes
- 15 female volunteers supported delivery of the event
- Included four mother–daughter crews
Outcomes and impact
The event delivered strong outcomes in supporting women’s participation and leadership in sailing:
- Leadership opportunities: Women were given the opportunity to skipper boats and take on key leadership roles on the water.
- Increased participation: The event attracted 180 sailors, highlighting strong engagement and support for women-focused sailing initiatives.
- Visible pathways: The regatta showcased female leadership and created pathways for women to become more active within the club.
- Community connection: The event brought together sailors of different ages and experience levels in a supportive and social environment.
How the funding helped
The Sail Our Way grant supported volunteer development, staffing, and the social component of the event, helping create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere both on and off the water.
The post-racing social activities played an important role in bringing participants together, strengthening connections within the sailing community, and celebrating women’s participation in the sport.
