RILEY Marlay Point Overnight Race puts the "GLOSS" on for women

Fabulous Four all-female crew for MPONR 2018 © Anne Delahay

The Gippsland Lakes sailing community is gearing up for its iconic annual Marlay Point Overnight Race (MPONR) to be contested on Saturday 8 March 2025.

Hosted by Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club (GLYC) and Lake Wellington Yacht Club (LWYC), over 50-plus years, the event has attracted trailable yachts and sports boats, keel type or ballasted yachts, or trailable multihulls (all 4.8m - 10.5m overall length) to sign up. With a long tradition of fierce competition, stunning views and unforgettable experiences of some Marlay Magic!, there is much to enjoy.

This year, the organising authority collaboration adds another history to the race. Recognising the growing emphasis on gender inclusivity within sailing in a historically male-dominated arena, more women are being encouraged to form all-female boat teams to compete and be awarded at the highest levels for their hard work, dedication and skill with a new trophy specifically for women. The new Trophy race will awarded to the first yacht to the finish line (excluding the lap of Raymond Island) on corrected time with an all-female crew.

Marlay Point Overnight Race - photo © Rosie Colahan

Anne Delahay, Vice Commodore of GLYC strongly encourages women from around Victoria to gather a team and enter this iconic race:

"There will be like minded women to support you all the way. We know women are active sailors in all our yacht clubs and are very keen to develop new skills and build their confidence. Evidence clearly shows that when female specific training and events are provided women shine and bring a new level of enthusiasm to yacht clubs and the sport of sailing. The Riley- Marlay Point Overnight Yacht race provides the perfect experience for women to build their sailing skills and to connect with other women sailors."

The timing for this auspicious new event for women, aligns directly with International Women's Day (IWD) annual and global celebration on 8 March each year. The 2025 IWD theme "Accelerate Action" signals an "all clear" start for levelling the race course for all female sailors for the future. So no better time to put the "GLOSS" (Gippsland Lakes Overnight Sailing Sisters) on the "2025 Marlay Point Overnight Race Top All Female Crew Trophy" with the award going to the highest-placed all female-crewed boat on handicap.

Di Floyd from the organising authority comments:

"Whether you have experienced the race before or a newcomer to it, the Marlay Point Overnight Race welcomes all to experience some Marlay Magic! The new trophy offers an exciting incentive for female competitors to showcase their talents and determination, to get involved in night sailing and pursue their passion for the sport.

"It's not just a race; it's an opportunity to make history and inspire future generations of female sailors."

Come and be part of this historic race on Saturday 8 March 2025.

Further information is available at mponr.com