Belle Brightens Grey Day with Clean Sweep at WHNR 2025
by Melissa Warren / ORCV media 29 Jul 2025 22:04 PDT
26 July 2025
Belle triumphs in rough conditions during ORCV's all-female-run WHNR, taking both Line Honours and PHS
After months of planning and a strong return in 2022, the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria's Women's Helm, Navigator, and Radio Operator Race (WHNR) made another inspiring comeback on Saturday 26 July, reigniting the club's commitment to creating space for women in offshore racing.
The 26-nautical mile passage race from Royal Brighton Yacht Club (RBYC) to Queenscliff Cruising Yacht Club (QCYC) brought women to the forefront—with 72% of boats led by female sailors in helm, navigator, and radio roles. They were supported by 28% male boat owners and mentors, and the event was run entirely by ORCV's all-female Race Management Team, led by Race Director Catherine North.
Race day dawned grey and wet, with loitering low-pressure systems overhead—but the energy from the crews couldn't be dampened. Conditions began with calm seas and 10-15 knot northerlies, but built to gusts of over 20 knots and increasingly confused seas as the fleet neared the finish at the West Channel Pile.
The standout performance came from the 60-foot Belle, helmed by boat owner Kylie Balharrie, who spectacularly surfed under kite down the bay to take Line Honours and 1st PHS. Balharrie beamed, "Great day on the water today,,,,We loved every minute of the downwind race...Awesome day thanks everyone and ORCV for getting behind a fabulous race!"
Close behind was the 36' X-yacht DuXelle, helmed by Rachel McGuigan (while boat owner Catherine North ran the race), who overcame an early jib issue and executed a perfect racing peel to climb back into contention and finish second on both line honours and PHS only 10 minutes behind Belle.
Hot on her heels, Michelle Ruskin helmed the Beneteau 393 Martilse into 3rd, just 2.5 minutes behind DuXelle to secure 3rd PHS.
QCYC Commodore Hugh Pilsworth's Wauquiez 41, Kiela 2, earned a double celebration with helm Pauline Liddiatt taking out the WHNR Novice Helm Award, said " This program has opened the door for me to overcome my doubts and move beyond just being a crew member on board. I've now stepped into roles that carry and required real responsibility on a keelboat, and challenged my abilities. It's been a powerful shift from participating to leading. This program and their mentors are there for you, - offering genuine support and encouragement to keep you sailing..."
Heidi Middleton winning the WHNR Radio Operator Award. Middleton shared, "...The most exciting thing about being a female sailor currently is the opportunity to grow and compete in sailing events that promote and nurture respect, inclusion and building confidence without shame. I now see that it's totally possible to take on key roles and actually know that my team mates support me and trust me. Participating in the KISS Program and races like the ORCV WHNR means I can see myself doing far more than I ever imagined previously."
The WHNR Navigators Award for best log documentation was awarded to Belinda Dalli, who joined She's Apples II, a Jarkan 12.5, on short notice. "Winning the award has boosted my confidence and self belief that I can 'do this'..., said Dalli, "...It has provided encouragement to continue on my sailing journey and become the best sailor I possibly can be."
After a long, cold, wet day on the bay, the welcome at QCYC was warm and lively—complete with a roaring fire, pizza oven, hearty comfort food, and a buzz of shared achievement. The camaraderie among crews was palpable.
What's Next? A Growing Fleet. A Sharper Edge. A Call to Action.
This race had reignited something—now it's time to build on it.
We're calling on boat owners who believe in backing potential, and sailors ready to take command of their offshore journey. Whether you're based in Melbourne, cruising down from Queensland, or crossing from South Australia—this race is gaining momentum, and we want you on the start line.
This isn't a token event. It's a proving ground—where confidence is built under pressure, and capability is recognised at every stage of the journey.
Register your interest as a boat owner, volunteer or competitor for 2026 here.