Women Embrace Sailing Opportunities at Gosford

22 women and girls took part in a weekend of sailing activities at Gosford Sailing Club, highlighting the growing participation of females in the sport across both training and competition.

The weekend began with a Try Sailing Day in the Waszp class, giving young female sailors aged 12 to 17 the opportunity to experience the thrill of foiling under the guidance of class expert and Gosford Sailing Club representative Bridget Conrad.

In sunny conditions and a gusty north-westerly breeze, participants embraced the opportunity to learn new skills, including the techniques required to lift the high-performance Waszp onto its foils. Sailors also watched Conrad demonstrate advanced foiling manoeuvres, including tacks and gybes, and were thrilled by the experience. Gosford Sailing Club would like to thank Bridget for her time and the Waszp Class Association for providing a boat for the initiative.

Attention then turned to competition on Sunday, with the Gosford Sailing Club SheSails Regatta attracting sailors in both the Magic 25 and ILCA classes. This year marked the first time the regatta has included two divisions. Variable south-westerly winds provided testing conditions throughout the day, but competitors completed the full racing schedule for the series.

The regatta also welcomed Under-21 bronze medallist Frances Beebe, who is currently training at the club alongside former Olympian and coach Carolijn Brouwer. Both sailors shared valuable tips and advice with competitors throughout the day.

In the ILCA division, Elisa James claimed victory ahead of Meggan Turner and Tina Vella. The Magic 25 division was won by the crew of Lorna Jackson, Libby Rowbotham, Meggan Turner and Tina Vella, while Nicole Bond, Lilliana Calley, Elisa James and Abby Langley finished second. Aimee Graham, Kellie Roberts, Leonie Thirlaway, Debi Lloyd and Gaenor Burcul completed the podium in third place.

Paralympic champion and local Member of Parliament Leisl Tesch attended the presentation ceremony to congratulate participants and acknowledge the efforts that made the weekend possible. A strong advocate for inclusive sporting opportunities, Tesch’s attendance highlighted the importance of initiatives that encourage women and girls to develop skills, build confidence and participate in community sport.

The weekend demonstrated the continued growth of female participation in sailing, providing opportunities for women and girls to develop skills, build confidence and enjoy the sport in a supportive environment.

Gosford Sailing Club acknowledges the efforts of Race Officer Peter Walsh, SheSails Fleet Captain Minkang Kim Sankey, on-water support volunteers Nathan Davis, Russell Smith, Charles Hill, Richard Hatherly and Brian Baker, and Sailing Academy Manager Sophie McIntosh for their contributions to the success of the event.

As women and girls continue to embrace opportunities both on and off the water, events such as these are helping to develop sailing skills and inspire the next generation of female sailors.

Results:

ILCA

Tina Vella

Meggan Turner

Elisa James

Magic 25s

Aimee Graham, Kellie Roberts, Leonie Thirlaway, Debi Lloyd, Gaenor Burcul

Nicole Bond, Lilliana Calley, Elisa James, Abby Langley

Lorna Jackson, Libby Rowbotham, Meggan Turner, Tina Vella