The inaugural South Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta (SAWKR) will be held over three days, in the pristine waters of the Gulf of St Vincent, at the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia (CYCSA). There will be both mixed class divisions and also One Design divisions for Elliott 7s and J24s.

The CYCSA is very supportive of women’s sailing, running regular ladies helm racing and, together with the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron, conducting a Women’s Series over summer consisting of eight races. 

The reaction to the announcement by the local SA sailing community has been overwhelmingly positive and filled with excitement. 
I have been very fortunate to participate in three AWKRs in Melbourne, a NT Women’s Regatta and a Mooloolaba’s Women’s Regatta. These events have been highly competitive with great opportunities to learn more about sailing on the water and later at the bar! The most memorable aspect of these events is the comradery that is developed with a group of women who also have a passion for sailing. I am delighted to learn that CYCSA will be holding the first SAWKR in 2022. It will provide a wonderful opportunity to have women from all over Australia come to Adelaide to sail at our wonderful club.  Kerry Parker, Race Member CYCSA.

Having participated in the well-established Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta three times, as well as the Mooloolaba and the inaugural Darwin WKR, I am very excited about the SAWKR. These events provide a great opportunity for women to be challenged and to gather experience and knowledge in the many aspects of sail racing. I have been very fortunate to skipper a Bavaria 40 in Melbourne and crew Elliot 7s and 6s in Darwin and Mooloolaba. The camaraderie at these regattas is fantastic and provide support for women sailors of all ages and experience. Mary Ann Harvey, Race Member and Skipper CYCSA. 

I’m very excited to be part of then inaugural SA Women’s Keelboat Regatta! It’s going to be a whole lot of fun getting the girls together to hone our skills, learn some new ones and get out of our comfort zones! Joanne Pilmore, Race Member CYCSA and current Crewperson of the Year 2020-21.

The Cruising yacht Club of South Australia is very proud to be associated with the inaugural South Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta This event, designed to promote and develop women’s sailing, and enjoy some short course “around the buoys” fleet racing in the beautiful waters of Adelaide’s Northern beaches. Over the past few years, the CYCSA has had a strong interest in promoting women’s development in sailing, and we are looking forward to sharing our idyllic sailing venue with an enthusiastic, like-minded group of female sailors. 

This regatta is open to female sailors and boat owners from clubs around the nation who wish to form their own teams. Opportunities may also be available for interstate participants to have access to local keelboats. If bringing your own from interstate, the CYCSA will provide berthing solutions during the regatta. Adam Hays - General Manager CYCSA 

The Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia’s Youth Sailing Foundation (YSF) is excited at the prospect of assisting in the success of the South Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta. Through our foundation, the CYCSA will present an opportunity for up to 4 to 5 female crew to sail on one of our club’s six Elliott 7 keelboats. 
Access for entry into the regatta through the Elliott 7’s YSF program will be made available for female participants and offer the opportunity for teams to train and enhance their skills through our programmes in the lead up to the event. Perfect for those wanting to gather a group of sailing friends and come join us for some on water, educational and competitive fun in the sun!  Dale Geddes - YSF Head Coach CYCSA 

More details to follow but initial enquiries can be made to the CYCSA Race Manager, Inese Lainis Ph: 08-8248 4222 or email: racing.manager@cycsa.com.au