Mooloolaba Yacht Club Wins Sailing Australia SheSails Award for QLD

Mooloolaba Yacht Club’s Womens’ Skills Development Program took out the SheSails award for QLD at the annual Australian Sailing gala awards night, held at the Royal Queensland Yacht Club on Friday (July 20, 2019).

The award acknowledges an outstanding contribution to female participation in the traditionally male-dominated sport. The MYC Womens Skills Development Program was launched in 2017 utilising the club’s four Elliot 6 keelboats. It’s open to women of all ages who have some sailing experience and would like to improve their keelboat sailing skills. It currently has around 100 registered participants. Training is held on the Mooloolaba River fortnightly.

“The program has achieved outstanding results in the short time it has been operating, thanks to the dedication of a core group of volunteers, who share their skills, time and passion for sailing to advance the MYC Sailing opportunities for women,” commented Danielle Kennedy, Coach and Mentor for the program and Canadian 2012 Olympics Laser competitor.

Beyond the regular training sessions, these women have arranged races and regattas, sought and obtained sponsorship, developed program materials, and worked together effectively to drive the program to be recognised within the local business and sporting community.

Critically, they have used their professional and personal skills to ensure the sustainability of this vital program.

The MYC Women’s Skills Development program continues to prove sailing is accessible to women of all ages and backgrounds. It empowers women to overcome fears and barriers, build self-confidence and to connect with their local community all while ensuring there is fun experiencing the great outdoors with a sense of freedom, adventure and achievement.

Congratulations to everyone who has assisted with and participated in the MYC Women’s Sailing Skills Program, making it the growing success that it is. Thank you for all your hard work and support.