Mooloolaba Yacht Club Announces 2021 MYC Women’s Keelboat Regatta
Main photo: Camaraderie and competitors of all standards are highlights of the MYC Women’s Keelboat Regatta, with Stacey Jackson hiking the bow for Team Knot Shore, helmed by Kristen Davidson.
Entries will open this month for the third Mooloolaba Yacht Club (MYC) Women’s Keelboat Regatta, to be held from July 30 to August 1, 2021. All-women crews from around Australia are invited to participate – but will need to be quick, as the number of entries is limited and the event sold out within hours last year.
Despite a postponement due to COVID-19, the 2020 event attracted teams from as far away as Adelaide and Brisbane, with women ranging in age from 16 to over 60. For the first time, this year the event will see three days of racing, with at least eight crews competing in a short-course, round-robin tournament. The racing will be on board the MYC’s fleet of Elliot 6 keelboats, on the beautiful Mooloola River.
The event developed from the MYC’s Women’s Skills Development program, which is designed to provide pathways for women to progress in the traditionally male-dominated sport of sailing. The program has seen over 100 women sign up for sailing at the club since its inception in 2017.
“Last year saw some great competition and exciting tactical racing. 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 Commodore, Tanya Kelly.
The event is open to teams of three to four crew and on-line entry will be available on the MYC website: www.mooloolabayachtclub.com.au. Expressions of interest can be registered now at women@mooloolabayachtclub.com.au.
“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 Keelboat Regatta is run in association with SheSails, the Australian Sailing campaign running in yacht clubs across the country to increase women’s participation in the sport of sailing, and is sponsored by Next Property Group.
For details and on-line entry: www.mooloolabayachtclub.com.au
