SheSails set for Inaugural Combined Clubs Women's Keelboat Regatta
by Jane Austin 17 Apr 2021 18:03 NZST
24 April 2021
Women's sailing will be the hot sports topic in Tasmania next weekend when the Derwent Sailing Squadron hosts the inaugural Combined Clubs Women's Keelboat Regatta.
Over 50 female sailors will be on the water for the one-day regatta which starts at 10.30am on Saturday 24th April. The event is part of Australian Sailing's SheSails program which recognises the contribution of women and girls in sailing and is designed to encourage female participation in all aspects of sailing through organised activities at local clubs.
The event has attracted the support of high-profile Australian sailing pioneer, Jessica Watson OAM, who, while not racing, will be a guest commentator on the water during the sailing and will be a keynote speaker at the post-racing social function.
"I'm very much looking forward to heading to Hobart for the inaugural Women's Keelboat Regatta. The regatta is a great opportunity for more girls and women to get involved with sailing and showcase our fantastic sport," said Watson.
The evening function will also hear from one of Australia's leading sports presenters and producers, Tiffany Cherry, a long-term advocate for women in sport. Cherry boasts a media career spanning nearly three decades across three continents in television, film, radio, print and digital media.
Australian Sailing Regional Manager, Chris Jones, is thrilled with the interest in the event. "The Derwent Sailing Squadron received intense interest from across the state, and with the addition of our fantastic guest speakers, Jessica Watson and Tiffany Cherry, both trailblazers for women in sport, it's shaping up to be a great event."
The one-day regatta is an initiative of the Combined Clubs Committee, with the host club working in partnership with the Bellerive Yacht Club and the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania. Local company, Detail First, is sponsoring the regatta while Australian Sailing and Clubs Tasmania are supporting the evening social function.
Derwent Sailing Squadron Commodore, Scott Brain, is impressed with the calibre of entries for the event. "Tasmania is a stronghold for sailing talent. The regatta will showcase Tasmanian female skippers and crews as they compete in Elliott 6M keelboats over the fast-paced, short course windward - leeward legs in what will be a highly competitive event," said Brain. This regatta is a significant event marking women's participation in sailing in the State and is part of a broader roll out of other SheSails activities at sailing clubs across Australia.