Thirty-six all-female crews are converging on Port Phillip this long weekend for the 34th Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta, an event born from a quiet revolution in Australian sailing. It was Gai Clough, the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron’s first female commodore, who pioneered this regatta as Australia’s first all-female keelboat racing event. Nearly three decades later, her legacy holds firm, with her daughter Sarah again among the competitors taking to the water.
The AWKR, held over the King’s Birthday weekend from 5–8 June, has grown into something more than a trophy chase. Crews range from newcomers to serious offshore racers, drawn from across Australia and New Zealand. They’re arriving from every state, plus the NT and across the Tasman, all intent on three days of round-the-buoys and windward-leeward racing that will test boat handling and tactics in equal measure.
Co-chair Monica Jones flagged the scale of this year’s entry. “We’re proud to have 36 yachts racing this year and from all ports,” she said. “We’re looking forward to welcoming all competitors to our event. We hope to put on a great three days of racing and to keeping everyone entertained ashore after racing.” The organisers have laid on a full programme, including specialist awards beyond the trophy cabinet: novice helm honours, most improved, sportsmanship, and the Rohan Brownlee Leadership and Endeavour Award.
What underpins events like this is generosity. About 20 local volunteers from the Boat Buoys crew turn up each day for repairs and boat maintenance, whilst many of the yachts racing aren’t owned by the teams sailing them. Owners have loaned their boats across the years, often forging genuine friendships with the crews who charter them. “Thanks to the generosity of all our sponsors, competitors are guaranteed a fantastic time on the water and ashore. They make an enormous difference to our event,” Jones said.
The sponsor roll call tells its own story. Bendigo Community Bank Elwood signed on, with Chairwoman Carole Mackie noting the bank’s commitment to women’s sport through its community banking model. Long-time backer Rebecca Badenoch and her law firm Culshaw Miller Badenoch return, as does Doyle Sails, with Blake Anderson on standby for sail repairs. Equipment donors include Ronstan, Musto, Boating Central and Savage Wharf, the latter contributing a $1500 prize package for one owner-skipper.
After racing, Wine X Sam, Jimmy Rum and Drivers Beer keep spirits buoyed, aided by a sausage sizzle that’s become as much a fixture as the racing itself. Dan Peel’s Sundae shower foam and hampers from Rare and Ready Gifts add to the mix.
A pre-regatta rules night, delivered by Darren Eger on 21 May, ensured competitors from interstate and regional areas weren’t left guessing. Those who couldn’t attend in person received a link, keeping everyone on the same page.
For those tracking women’s keelboat racing in the region, this is where the best gather.
