Victorian Women Keelboat Sailors “Balance the Scales” for IWD 2026

by Rosie Colahan 16 Feb 04:42 UTC 8 March 2026

Sophie Snijders aboard Fika Melbourne Osaka Cup 2025 © Rosie Colahan

Victorian women keelboat sailors are getting onboard building momentum for the annual International Women's Day's celebration on 8 March. A diverse range of on and off water events are being planned across clubs, aligning with the IWD 2026 's theme to "Balance the Scales - a promise that every woman and girl - regardless of background or identity - should be safe, heard, and free to shape their own lives"(UN Australian Women).

With Australian Sailing's strategic target for participation by 2032 to rise to 50% female, recent surveys show female numbers rising slowly from 33% in 2023 to 35% females in 2024, with a lower 29% female keelboat participation. So more engagement, opportunities and action are needed to ride a wave of diverse inspirational activities on and off the water, to provide pathways and build confidence for more women to grow in the sport.

So what's on for female keelboat sailors in March 2026?

Sunday 1 March, Sandringham Yacht Club will host their club signature Women in Sailing Challenge (WISC) event in conjunction with Day 2 of the Port Phillip Women’s Championship Series (PPWCS) 2025-26. Options for two windward/leeward races for racing division or a single longer race for female helms in the cruising group.

In the lead up to be race ready, 80 SYC women eagerly attended a women's only Racing Rules of Sailing session on Monday 9 February, confirming the commitment and keenness of women to progress their learning and participation. Convenor Robyn Ragauskus reported - "The buzz in the room absolutely added to the success of the event. The networking opportunities as a result of attending in person were also a huge benefit." Watch this space.

Monday 2 March, SYC Women's Development Program joins ORCV KISS ALIVE and RMYS Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta (AWKR) for an interactive forum exploring “Pathways to Balance the Scales”. Passionate sailor and presenter Dee Mason from RMYS, interviews young keelboat owner and adventurous offshore sailor Sophie Snijders of Sailing Nakama as she "Lives the Dream".

Meet a stellar panel of passionate women sailors - program founders Lee Renfree (ORCV KISS - Keelboat Introduction to Sailing Savvy) and Robyn Ragauskas (SYC Women's Development Program), SYC Race Officer Claire Cope and alumni from both training programs, Kate Woodlock and Tao Hsu. Come with your questions and ideas and engage in an online quiz to have your voice heard. We need you!

Thursday 5 March 7:00 pm (AEDT), Australian Sailing SheSails hosts an IWD Webinar "Balancing the Scales" with an inspiring online conversation with young sailor Tash Bryant. As the only woman in the formidable Australian SailGP crew racing a hi-tech F50 foiling catamaran, she occupies the critical lead key role of strategist.

Saturday 7 March, Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club (GLYC) with the support of Lake Wellington Yacht Club (LWYC) will see women sailors celebrating IWD 2026 in a special on-water after-dark challenge, participating in the annual Marlay Point Overnight Race (MPONR). In 2025 a new all female crew trophy division was added, leading to entries for 2026 of 8 female helms with three boats sporting all female crews. Fittingly the race concludes on the gazetted IWD 8 March, giving high visibility to the women's passion and skills, worthy of a great celebration.

Tuesday 10 March, IWD 2026 at Mornington Yacht Club (MYC) hosts a special evening, with stories of sailing, leadership, industry and community, with an inspiring panel of MYC and ORCV women, moderated by MYC Youth Captain, Rose Carlson. Arrive early by 4pm and there is a chance of a sail as well before the 6.30pm presentation start.

Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 March, Royal Yacht Club of Victoria (RYCV) have a big weekend planned. Saturday, a midday get together for women for bubbles, panel and real talk about Women’s Health across a Lifetime.

Sunday, the re-sail of the club's signature women's race will be "take two" for the Val Hodge Trophy race With 7 female focussed events over the first 15 days of March, jump onboard, meet more like-minded women and explore the opportunities. "You can't be what you can't see" - emphasizes the necessity of representation, role models, and vision for achievement to be able to "Balance the Scales". Come and join us!

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