BYS Women's Sportsboat Regatta 2026 showcases the rise of female leadership in sailing
by Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron 19 Apr 05:06 HKT
21-22 March 2026
Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron has again hosted the BYS Women's Sportsboat Regatta in 2026. It was held over the weekend of 21-22 March, and continues to demonstrate the growing strength, depth and leadership of female sailors in Australia's competitive racing scene.
Now in its fifth year, the regatta continues to evolve - both in scale and impact. What began as a smaller round-robin format, limited by boat availability, has grown into a fully subscribed fleet racing event. In 2026, all loan and club boats were booked, supplemented by teams bringing their own J/70s, reflecting both increased demand and a welcomed cultural shift within the sport.
At its core, the regatta addresses a long-standing gap in sailing: providing women with the opportunity to develop and lead in competitive racing environments. Unlike introductory or participation-focused programs, this event is designed for skill progression. It is a powerful platform for skill development, placing female sailors at the forefront of on-board decision-making; from helming and tactical strategy to sail trimming and crew coordination, women take full command - building confidence, capability, and leadership in every aspect of racing. This commitment to empowerment continues with women in the key race management roles, including Course Race Officer, Deputy Race Officer, Jury Chairperson, and On-Land Regatta Manager. Together, they demonstrate the growing strength and depth of female initiatives in sailing, helping to shape a more inclusive and dynamic future for the sport.
Across nine teams and 39 sailors, the racing was tight, tactical and relentless. Fifteen short-course windward-leeward races were completed over two days, with target times of just 15 minutes per race. The format demanded constant manoeuvres; tacks, hoists, gybes and drops, testing both technical execution and teamwork under pressure. Light, shifty conditions of five to ten knots, combined with strong tidal flow across the course, added another layer of complexity.
"It was a great weekend of racing and camaraderie; boat handling was key," said Alex Birrell (Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron). "We did at least 30 sets and 30 drops and I lost track of how many gybes we did but each manoeuvre improved over the weekend."
The close racing was reflected in the results, with multiple teams sharing race wins. Local team Lithium claimed an impressive victory in Race 10, while Jabiru skippered by Natasha Miller, who travelled by road from Sydney, secured a standout win in Race 14. Ultimately, consistency prevailed, with Karyn Gojnich and her RSYS crew onboard Jumpin' Jack Flash taking overall honours, ahead of fellow RSYS team Sara Ladd sailing Synapse, and Blairgowrie's own Sara Lloyd and the Lithium crew finishing third.
Lithium's result is particularly significant. Owner, Narelle Kudnig has spent recent years building and developing an all-female team through regular club racing. After earning the "Rising Star" award in 2024, the team's podium finish this year highlights the tangible pathway this regatta provides for skill development and progression.
A defining feature of the event's growth has been the increasing role of boat owners. Generous J/70 owners from Blairgowrie continue to support the regatta through a loan pool, while more teams are now campaigning their own boats. Notably, a number of these are female-owned - a shift that was once rare in the sport. Owners such as Narelle Kudnig (Lithium), Georgina Plumridge (Maw Civilized), Kim Ketelbey (Anemology), Samantha Stevenson (Fujin), and the Jabiru syndicate led by Danielle Gerace, Karyn Gojnich, Rhian Hughes and Natasha Miller represent a changing landscape in sailing ownership and participation.
"Seeing the boat handling and tactics packed into the tight racing area really highlighted the skill across the sailors - the pressure was on and they were up for the challenge," said Course Race Officer Michelle de Blaquiere.
Beyond the results, the regatta continues to foster a uniquely supportive environment. While fiercely competitive on the water, sailors shared knowledge and encouragement across teams, reinforcing a culture that both challenges and uplifts participants.
Supported by Australian Sailing's Sail Our Way initiative, part of the Play Our Way program, the event plays an important role in creating meaningful opportunities for women to lead, compete and thrive in sailing.
As the BYS Women's Sportsboat Regatta continues to grow, its impact is clear: more women are stepping into leading roles, more are owning and campaigning boats, and more pathways are emerging for female sailors to compete and officiate at the highest levels.
Overall results:
1st AUS 1624 Jumpin' Jack Flash, representing RSYS: Karyn Gojnich, Alex Birrell, Gill Shearman & Dee Mason.
2nd AUS 1756 Sequel, representing RSYS: Sara Ladd, Kathryn Wotherspoon, Maria Nash & Megan Schmalzried.
3rd AUS 83 Lithium, representing BYS: Sara Lloyd, Narelle Kudnig, Fiona Cowell, Jaqueline Lawson.
Rising Star Award, AUS 22 Javelin, representing MYC: Jemma Donnellan, Rose Carlson, Maureen Laverty, Melissa Warren.
Full results available here.
For more about Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron visit www.bys.asn.au.