The 31st Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta was held over the Kings Birthday Weekend.  The Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron (RMYS) hosted this premier event that was first sailed in 1991.

Racing over the weekend was in 10-12 knot shifty Northerlies.  Temperatures were also a good, 8-10 degrees warmer than in 2022.  The J/70s were promoted to Division 1 this year after cleaning up in Division 2 last year, and were also handicapped accordingly.

This regatta is unique. The racing is serious, but the banter and camaraderie onshore afterwards at the daily BBQs, the crew dinner and the prize giving, is nothing short of hilarious.  The regatta is only possible as many boat owners from clubs around Port Phillip Bay make their boats available for the all girl crews.  Organisers spend a lot of time collecting sailing CVs and matching crews with boat owners. This year’s event had 30 boats with over 200 sailors from Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and the Northern Territory.

Racing over the weekend was in 10-12 knot shifty Northerlies.  Temperatures were also a good, 8-10 degrees warmer than in 2022.

Claire Heenan’s Adams 10, Jungle Juice (NSW) claimed the Division 1 overall win. Clare Olding steered Vertigo (Vic) to second overall, the Summit 35 finishing a mere point and a half behind Jungle Juice. Third was the Helen Willmer skippered Bavaria 38 Match, Mrs Overnewton (Vic).

In Division 2, Sophie Davidson’s J24, Vice Versa from South Australia took the overall win.  Sixth place in the final race gave them a buffer of two and a half points over Darwin entry, Outlaw, skippered by Jenny Simondson.  Up N Go, steered by Victoria’s Kath Beaufort, rounded out the top three, finishing just one point adrift of Outlaw in a close series that came down to the final race, which was won by the Stevenson 30, Tom Cat, helmed by Maree Fitzpatrick (Vic).

While it was not planning conditions the J/70’s did attract interest and there are skippers interested in J/70’s for next year if boats are available.  Please talk to Sara or Karyn if you are able to help.

Photos by Andrea Francolini