Mooloolaba Yacht Club to Host 2020 Women’s Regatta

Following the success of the inaugural Mooloolaba Yacht Club’s (MYC) Women’s Winter Regatta in 2019, MYC is now inviting crews from around the state – and the country (COVID restrictions permitting) – to participate in the 2020 event.

Initially scheduled for late June, COVID restrictions saw the event postponed. It will now be held over the weekend of October 31 to November 1, 2020 as part of the club’s program to encourage more women into sailing.

Last year saw teams from as far away as Newcastle and Brisbane competing, reflecting a strong interest in promoting women’s sailing amongst east coast sailing clubs. 

The regatta will see two days of short-course, ‘around the buoys’ fleet racing on Mooloolaba’s beautiful Mooloolah River, utilising the club’s Olympic class Elliott 6 fleet of keelboats.

“Last year saw some great competition and exciting tactical racing across the two-day event. We had a broad range of skill levels and it was fantastic to see the support and camaraderie within – and between – the different crews. We’re looking forward to recreating that atmosphere this year,” commented MYC Women’s Sailing Captain, Tanya Kelly. 

The event is open to eight teams of three to four crew and entry is open from September 21.

Organisers said the regatta has grown from – and is integral to – the club’s Women’s Skills Development Program, which has seen over 100 women sign up for sailing at the club since the program’s inception in 2017.

“We are looking forward to sharing our idyllic sailing venue with an enthusiastic, like-minded group of female sailors, welcoming back teams from last year as well as new contenders,” said Tanya Kelly. 

“Even if you haven’t finalised your crew, send us an expression of interest. Individuals keen to sail – please let us know and we will put you in touch with a team that may be in need of additional crew.” 

The Mooloolaba Women’s Regatta is run in association with SheSails, the Australian Sailing campaign running in yacht clubs across the country to grow pathways for women to enter the sport of sailing. Additional sponsorship and prizes have been supplied by Next Property Group, Helly Hansen and Nauti-Bags Australia.

For details and on-line entry: www.mooloolabayachtclub.com.au