Emerging Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club (NCYC) sailing academy graduates will get an opportunity to try racing at the upcoming NCYC SheSails Development Regatta.
Designed to promote and develop women’s sailing at NCYC, the Development Regatta provides training and entry level racing for women who have some basic sailing skills and are looking to try their hand at keelboat racing.
The first half day will focus on training and getting to know the crew, with the second half day consisting of up to 4 windward/leeward races on the club’s custom one design Force 24 fleet. Each boat will have onboard an instructor and experienced mentor to support the additional three crew members there to learn the racing ropes.
Mary Holley and Jan Howard are both keen supporters of women’s sailing. The pair won the 2019 Australia Sailing Awards SheSails award and have worked alongside the NCYC sailing office and SheSails committee to organise this event.
“The aim of the regatta is to help the participants develop skills throughout the event,” explained Mary. “Everyone will get to try a bit of everything during the regatta – including helming if they wish and feel comfortable.”
This is the 5th time the club has run the annual regatta, but the first-time places have been offered to sailor from other clubs.
Previous regattas have been very successful, according to Mary.
“The vibe is really good; people get to know new people and we have received a lot of great comments at the end of the day.
“Lot of the women have continued to race at the club, and some have moved into offshore racing, including the Sydney to Southport and Sydney to Hobart yacht races.”
If you’d like more information or interested to participate in this event head to the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club website or email sailingacademy.net.au.
Regatta Details
Format: Up to 4 races
Course: Windward/Leeward
Day 1: Training morning (8:00am to 1:00pm) – Saturday 6th March 2021
Day 2: Racing morning (8:00am to approx. 1:00pm) – Sunday 7th March 2021
Entry Fee: $100 per person
