6th annual Ladies of the Sea Coaching Regatta at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron
by Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron 8 Oct 07:21 PDT
3-5 October 2026
6th annual Ladies of the Sea Coaching Regatta © Fynn Sprott @ SprottMedia
The Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron held its 6th annual Ladies of the Sea Coaching Regatta over the October long weekend, welcoming more than 130 participants from 23 clubs across Australia.
Some of the nation's most experienced female sailors provided coaching under the guidance of Nickie Jones, Australian Sailing's Chief Instructor - Keelboats. Among the coaches were elite sailors, including Olympian Karyn Gojnich, ocean racing pioneer Lisa Blair, and experienced mentor Bridget Canham. The coaching lineup also featured RSYS's match racing squad members Gretel Payne and Ali Braden, alongside keelboat program graduate Claudia Thackray, all of whom have competed internationally representing RSYS.
The Ladies of the Sea Coaching Regatta focuses on building skills, confidence, and capability among participants. The event welcomes sailors of all levels - from first-timers to experienced sailors. Divisions cater to both spinnaker and non-spinnaker boats, all-female crews, and female helm/mixed crews; male crew members are welcome and encouraged. After a morning of skill-building activities, sailors put their new techniques into practice in a series of short windward/leeward races.
RSYS Vice Commodore Karyn Gojnich OLY commented: "RSYS hosts the Ladies of the Sea Coaching Regatta to build women's sailing. It's a fantastic opportunity for sailors to test and develop their skills in a safe, supportive environment — and have a whole lot of fun at the same time! We've seen sailors progress each year, gaining confidence until they go on to helm and even own boats. The skills they learn serve them well on and off the water. We'd love to welcome members from even more clubs again next year."
Nickie Jones, Australian Sailing's Chief Instructor - Keelboats, said: "I love coming to RSYS's LOTS Regatta. It's an incredible group of coaches - some of the most elite women sailors in Australia - who really know how to get the best out of everyone. Their experience spans everything from Sydney to Hobarts, round-the-world racing, match racing, and dinghy sailing. The coaches are incredibly generous, sharing their expertise for the benefit of all participants. It's thrilling to see the progress made and confidence gained over the weekend. I'd encourage anyone considering entering next year to do so."
2025 Coaches: Ali Braden, Lindy Hardcastle, Karyn Gojnich, Kathy Veel, Julie Clarke, Lisa Blair, Gretel Payne, India Gilbert, Claudia Thackray, Susan Walters, Marike Koppenol, Nickie Jones, Jonathan McCrae, Bridget Canham, Peta Rose, Vanessa Dudley.
The RSYS Ladies of the Sea Coaching Regatta will be held again next year from 3 - 5 October 2026. Interested sailors can review this year's event on the RSYS website, Facebook and Instagram, or contact for more information. Club enquiries are also welcome.
Find out more at rsys.com.au/web/pages/ladies-of-the-sea