Success in NT Women’s Keelboat Regatta

Mooloolaba Yacht Club’s Women’s Sailing Program, proudly supported by The Next Property Group, was thrilled to have five program members competing in the inaugural Northern Territory Women’s Keelboat Regatta over the weekend of August 15-16.

From the COVID-19 cancellation of the 26-year long annual Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta, hosted by the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron in June each year, grew the seed of an idea for the local Darwin teams to have their own regatta. This quickly grew in momentum and ultimately resulted in 13 teams and over 80 women competing across three classes- S80’s, Sports Boats and large keelboats. Teams came from South Australia, Queensland and the NT.

The Queensland (MYC) team raced in the Sports Boat class on an Elliot 7. They finished both in overall third place after five close races and with growing confidence.

The women were thrilled with this result as it was the first time they had sailed together as a team, the first time on an Elliot 7 and the first time flying an asymmetric spinnaker. Taking advantage of shared local knowledge of the huge tidal influences, afternoon sea breezes and avoidance of sand bars was essential in the competitive field.

The teams enjoyed perfect sailing conditions with light breezes which built throughout the day, minimal swell or chop and beautiful warm and sunny weather.

The Darwin Sailing Club enjoys a premier location on the waterfront where beautiful sunsets were watched each evening whilst enjoying the friendly local and sailing community, delicious meals and thirst-quenching beverages. Many volunteers worked tirelessly to pull the event together and support the on-water racing to make for a hugely successful regatta which is assured to grow in future years.

The MYC team members were Tanya Kelly, Kristie Hatch, Naomi Croft, Helen Wood and Kerry Teed who all look forward to returning next year, and with a larger contingent.

The Mooloolaba Yacht Club’s (MYC) Women’s Sailing Program can provide pathways for women of all ages who may be totally new to sailing, those who are returning to sailing and to those highly experienced. If you are looking for social sailing or competitive sailing there is something on offer for you. Please contact Gaye on 0410477802 if you would like more information.