The Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC) recently hosted a fantastic event celebrating female sailors and showcasing the club’s ongoing efforts to support and encourage women in sailing. The event saw nearly 40 attendees, including partners and supporters, who gathered to share experiences and insights.

RGYC Member Karla Dewhurst kicked off the panel discussions by sharing her sailing journey and recent transition into Race Management as a Race Officer. She highlighted the invaluable support and training she received from the RGYC Race Management team. Following Karla, Helen McCrae captivated the audience with her experiences as an Ocean Racer. She provided essential advice on self-care during races, emphasizing the importance of suitable clothing and adequate dietary needs to ensure peak performance.

Caroline Hall shared her inspiring story of starting her sailing journey less than a year ago. Despite having no prior experience, she has thrived as an active crew member, thanks to the opportunities and support available at RGYC. Her journey resonated with many in the audience, showcasing the club’s commitment to nurturing new talent.

Will and Michelle from DYS added to the event’s excitement by displaying a variety of goodies and introducing a special WOW catalogue of discounts available to all members for the next few weeks. Catalogues can be found at the club or DYS.

The afternoon was made even more delightful with a delicious tea provided by The Yot Cafe new head Chef Jeremy. Women on Water program participants were recognized and presented with a pair of sailing gloves, sponsored by DYS and Musto, along with a certificate. Those who were unable to attend can collect their certificate and gloves from the office.

At RGYC, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for women in sailing. We are immensely proud of the achievements and contributions of our female sailors and look forward to seeing even more women thrive in this exciting sport.

To find out more about the Women on Water Program or to get involved in the 2024/2025 program, click here.