Please select your home edition
Edition
Selden 2020 - LEADERBOARD

Experience and youth a panacea for success at Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta

by Di Pearson / AWKR media 11 Jun 2023 17:34 PDT 9-12 June 2023
Salamander III (second from right) on the first work yesterday - Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta © Andrea Francolini / AWKR

Sabina Rosser has plenty of knowledge to impart and a wealth of stories to share when it comes to those sailing at the Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta (AWKR), the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron (RMYS) hosted premier event held since 1991.

The 70 something year-old is a local sailor who is taking part in her 29th AWKR, missing only two since the event's inception. She sailed with Gai Clough, founder of the regatta and a past Commodore of RMYS, where Rosser has been a member for 33 years.

"I crewed for Gai on Your Shout Next. Since then, I've helmed 25 of my 29 regattas, the last one I helmed was Mood Indigo in 2017," Rosser said.

And the respected stalwart of the regatta is as enthusiastic as ever, sailing this year as mainsheet hand on the Adams 10, Salamander III, owned by Monica Jones: "Monica asked and I accepted. It's nice for a change to crew, as I don't have to organise a boat or the training. I sail all the time through the year, so it's good to just get on board and go racing.

"I don't usually do main, so I'm enjoying that and I'm also on the spinnaker at times."

She is a great advertisement for the more mature women in sailing. It has kept her fit and in good humour - a must on Salamander III where the mainstay crew are, at the risk of sounding rude, a little mad.

Rosser says she loves the AWKR, "Because when you sail with guys, they tend to take the key positions and tell you what to do. This regatta gives everyone opportunities to helm, call the shots, navigate and do other positions they like on the boats.

"They learn a lot more in this atmosphere. I never get bored with it, it's part of my life and I love doing it," she says of the regatta that has appealed to 15 year-olds and those in their late 70's alike.

"It's all good and fun ashore too. Everyone chatting and catching up - and the whole camaraderie thing is good at the BBQ after sailing every day."

At the other end of the spectrum you will find quietly spoken 19-year-old Alex McDonald who has never sailed on a keelboat before. The statuesque uni student is a rower with great upper body strength, making her perfect for her position on the bow.

McDonald is still learning the ropes from the experienced sailors, such as Rosser and getting used to their humour, but she is loving it. She is not clueless, having coached Tackers at Royal Brighton Yacht Club (Vic) as a kid, but gave it up for rowing, before coaching dinghies at RBYC again later.

"I had an O'Pen Bic (a fast and exciting small skiff) when I was 12, but I started rowing at 15 and that took over my life," McDonald said.

"Last month, one of my coaching friends at Brighton invited me to sail in the Commodore's Challenge and I realised I had a passion for sailing again. I saw this regatta coming up and my mum knows a committee member at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron who put my name down. From there, Monica reached out to me and threw me in the deep end!

"I went out just once before this regatta. I was a little nervous, but Monica reassured me I'd be fine and I was," McDonald said.

Jones introduces a new face or two to her crew each year. It's her contribution to make sure women come sailing in a fantastic environment and to keep them coming up through the ranks.

This regatta is unique. The racing is serious, but the banter onshore afterwards at the daily BBQs, the crew dinner and the prize-giving, is nothing short of hilarious. And those involved in the regatta could not be more welcoming.

"There are so many talented people on the boat," McDonald continued. "I've been observing and taking it all in, using their knowledge and experience. They've been so welcoming and entertaining, so I've been very comfortable. I love the bow because you have to be active.

"I would love to continue to sail with Monica and keep learning. I'm going to Canada for six months on an exchange, working at Kingston Yacht Club, so I'd love to continue university sailing there. When I get back, I'd love to do more."

McDonald is doing a double degree at university, studying politics, philosophy, studying for a Bachelor of Arts, "So I haven't had much time for sailing but I'm going to find the time."

Salamander III's owner, Monica Jones said, "They are two very different people who bring their own talents to the boat and the crew is happy they could join us. Sabina has experience that is hard to beat and we've known her for years through the Club and this event.

"Alex's rowing background, physique and temperament makes her perfect for the bow. She's doing a great job and fits in well. We hope she continues to sail, as she has the right attitude and learns quickly."

Full results at www.topyacht.net.au/results/rmys/2023/AWKR23/index.htm

Related Articles

Vaikobi Launches V-DRY-X
The New Standard in Grand Prix Sailing Dry Gear Vaikobi, a global leader in high-performance ocean sports apparel, is proud to unveil V-DRY-X: a breakthrough range of sailing dry gear engineered for Grand Prix racing and coastal yachting. Posted on 27 Jun
Rolex Fastnet Race at 100 – the making of a giant
At present 469 yachts have entered this special edition - a far cry from its humble origins in 1925 One month remains until the 26 July start of the Rolex Fastnet Race, this year celebrating both its centenary as well as that of the club it spawned: the Royal Ocean Racing Club. Posted on 27 Jun
America's Cup: Confidential settlement reached
A confidential settlement reached over five year Cup legal claims. New Zealand website, Newsroom has obtained the confidential settlement reached between the America's Cup team Emirates Team New Zealand and their formerly contracted Event Managers, Mayo & Calder, and others associated with the company. Posted on 27 Jun
Crew dynamics will be decisive in Course des Caps
Just two days to go before the start of the first race of the eagerly-awaited 2025 IMOCA season With just two days to go before the start of the first race of the eagerly-awaited 2025 IMOCA season, all eyes are on Boulogne-Sur-Mer as 11 crews prepare to race around the British Isles in the Course des Caps-Boulogne sur Mer-Banque Populaire du Nord. Posted on 27 Jun
2025 Marion to Bermuda Race concludes
Celebrating the remarkable seamanship and sportsmanship of every team After days of strategic sailing, shifting winds, and open-ocean challenges, the results are in—and we're proud to celebrate the remarkable seamanship and sportsmanship of every team that took part. Posted on 27 Jun
29th Superyacht Cup Palma day 2
Linnea Aurora turns the tables as it gets tight at the top A bigger and better breeze welcomed the racing fleet on the second day of the Superyacht Cup Palma 2025, resulting in full-tilt sailing around the 23nm five-leg racecourse. Posted on 27 Jun
CYCS 2025 Tiedemann Classics Regatta preview
Bringing together some of the most beautiful yachts on the water The Classic Yacht Owners Association's annual Classic Yacht Challenge Series (CYCS) kicks off a summer of stunning northeastern sailing with the 2025 Tiedemann Classics Regatta this weekend. Posted on 27 Jun
Kieler Woche Day 8
Mourniac & Retornaz take the lead in the Nacra 17 class A dream day ahead of the second weekend at the Kieler Woche regatta off Schilksee: Moderate to fresh westerly winds with strong gusts, alternating sun and clouds, provided ideal sailing conditions for all participants on Friday. Posted on 27 Jun
J/70 Mixed-Plus Worlds at Lake Garda Day 2
Spanish team Yupi top the leaderboard Friday was the second day of racing in Torbole for the inaugural J/70 Mixed-Plus World Championship. Although the "Ora" breeze was lighter than yesterday, it didn't disappoint; it blew steadily enough to deliver three fair, fun and hard-fought races. Posted on 27 Jun
SailGP: Roger Federer inspires Swiss SailGP team.
Roger Federer joins forces with Switzerland SailGP Team to inspire success One of Switzerland's greatest sporting icons, Roger Federer, features in the newest episode of Racing on the Edge, SailGP's official behind-the-scenes docuseries, produced in partnership with Rolex. Posted on 27 Jun
Zhik 2024 DecemberCyclops Marine 2023 November - FOOTERHenri-Lloyd Dynamic Range