The Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta - AWKR ran over the long weekend and was a huge success.  32 teams from around the country came together (including teams from NT, QLD, NSW, SA and TAS) crewed by 192 female sailors.  The weather was more suited to paddle-boarding than sailing however Principal Race Officer Lou Hutton managed to get 5 races in which was no mean feat. 

Thanks to Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron (RMYS) and the whole team involved in organising and running this fantastic regatta.  Such a great opportunity for women in sailing to connect and race competitively while having a wow of a time.

Congratulations to Sandringham's Emma Maertens and her team on Auretta who won Division 2 on PHS.  Karyn Gojnich's team from RSYS finished third. 

Huge thank you to Fraser Welsh for making The Jackal available for the event for the NSW based team from RSYS.

Photos - Andrea Francolini Photography

The AWKR has grown to become Australia’s premier women’s regatta and one of the largest in the southern hemisphere.  In 2024 it celebrated its 32nd anniversary.  The event is possible thanks to many male boat owners that make their boats available for female teams. 

In 2025 it is hoped to have at least 6 J/70's enter to create a seperate class pointscore for the event.