Bringing women together under sail
The Women’s Day Out, hosted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, is back on the calendar for Saturday 23 August 2025, and this year’s event promises to be bigger, bolder, and even more inclusive.
After the success of the 2023 and 2024 editions, the RNZYS is once again inviting women from across the country — and across the sailing spectrum — to experience the magic of the Hauraki Gulf together. Whether you’re a veteran yachtie or stepping aboard for the first time, the day is about connection, empowerment and fun on the water.
“No boat? No problem,” says the team at RNZYS. “We’ll organise everything — boats, skippers, crew positions. All you need is a positive attitude and a desire to get involved.”
What to expect on the day
From the moment the doors open at 9am for registration, Women’s Day Out is full steam ahead. A 9:30am briefing gets everyone familiar with the format, followed by on-water racing starting at 11:25am. It’s less about placing and more about participation — and the joy of being part of a uniquely uplifting fleet of all-women boats.
Sailing wraps around 4pm, but the celebration is far from over. The “White, Pink or Sparkles” party kicks off at 5pm — a lively social gathering that blends glamour with good fun. There’ll be prizes, music, bubbles, and plenty of opportunities to connect.
By 5:30pm, it’s time for some serious inspiration, with guest speakers Keryn McMaster and Karleen “Dixie” Dixon sharing their stories of resilience, excellence, and sisterhood at sea.
Dinner is served at 6:15pm, followed by more music and dancing into the evening — because women’s sailing deserves a proper party.
Featuring: Olympians and champions
This year’s guest speakers are trailblazers in every sense.
Keryn McMaster, born in Auckland and but representing Australia, is a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist and Olympic swimmer who knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Her insights into mental toughness, goal setting, and navigating elite sport as a woman promise to resonate with sailors and non-sailors alike.
Then there’s Karleen “Dixie” Dixon — a name well-known in New Zealand sailing circles. A lifelong Squadron member and one of Aotearoa’s most accomplished keelboat sailors, Dixon’s impact spans both domestic and international arenas. In 2026, she’ll be skippering the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron’s team at the International Women’s Championship in Newport, Rhode Island — a regatta that marks a milestone in women’s one-design competition.
“Our team has been together for 30 years,” Dixon told international media. “We’re lifelong friends, not just teammates. We’ve supported each other through everything — and that’s our secret weapon.”
More than a regatta
While the racing component is central, Women’s Day Out is a chance to lower barriers and raise confidence. The event caters to every age and experience level, from juniors to grandmothers, from professional crew to first-timers dipping their toes into a new hobby.
“It’s about creating a space where women feel seen, welcomed, and celebrated,” says the RNZYS team. “There’s something powerful about stepping aboard and knowing every boat in the fleet is filled with women.”
That power has been growing. With support from major sponsor Barfoot & Thompson, and contributing sponsors Toyota, Mastercard, The Sisters, ecostore, and GlowGuard, the event has gained momentum as part of the global push for greater representation in sport, particularly sailing.
Globally, we’re seeing an upswing in high-profile all-women events — from the PUIG Women’s America’s Cup and SailGP’s Athena Pathway programme, to the upcoming International Women’s Championship at New York Yacht Club. Karleen Dixon’s selection as one of the first five skippers for Newport 2026 is a proud moment for the RNZYS, and Women’s Day Out provides the perfect local opportunity to build from the grassroots up.
Learn more
Registrations for Women’s Day Out 2025 are now open via RNZYS.org.nz, and spots are expected to fill quickly.
You don’t need to be an RNZYS member, and you don’t need to own a boat. Just bring yourself, a friend if you like, and a willingness to join an incredible day on the water.
