The SheSails International Conference 2025, part of World Sailing’s Steering the Course Festival for Women, set sail on Monday 20 October at 7:00 pm (AEDT) with an inspiring evening dedicated to the theme “Accelerating Action through Mentoring.”
This year’s conference celebrated the power of mentorship to create meaningful change — highlighting how experienced sailors and industry leaders are empowering the next generation to chase their ambitions, break barriers, and shape a more inclusive future for the sport.
The evening was officially opened by Shevaun Bruland, the first female President of Australian Sailing, who now leads alongside the organisation’s first female Vice President. Bruland spoke about Australian Sailing’s commitment to leading by example, championing gender equity and creating opportunities for women to thrive in every facet of the sport — from grassroots participation to high performance and leadership roles. Her remarks set the tone for an evening focused on action, collaboration, and the long-term impact of mentoring within the sailing community.
The program featured another outstanding line-up of international speakers who embody the transformative impact of guidance, support, and shared experience:
- Jazz Taylor – the first disabled sailor to complete a solo circumnavigation of the UK
- Arisa Moriya – offshore sailor from Japan and mentee of The Magenta Project, who accelerated her pursuit of a sailing career in Australia
- Victoria Low – CEO of The Magenta Project, driving global mentoring opportunities for women in performance sailing
- Ana Sanchez del Campo – International Judge and high level sports administrator, championing pathways for women in sailing governance
- Sharon Ferris-Choat – Olympian, offshore sailor, and mentor inspiring the next generation to take on ocean racing
Returning as MC was Nic Douglass from @SailorGirlHQ, who guided the audience through a dynamic evening of stories, discussion, and insight into how mentorship accelerates growth — not only for individuals but for the entire sailing community.
You can watch the recording of the evening here.
The SheSails International Conference continues to be a cornerstone event for Australian Sailing’s participation in World Sailing’s Steering the Course Festival for Women, bringing together passionate sailors, mentors, and advocates from around the world. Together, they are proving that when women and men support women, the sport of sailing moves forward faster.
Next up for the SheSails events online will be the International Women’s Day Conference in March 2026 with SailGP’s Tash Bryant joining as the keynote speaker. In person, you can head to the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania from 10am on New Years Eve if you are in Hobart or the Festival of Sails and Royal Geelong Yacht Club for their SheSails Breakfast on the Australia Day long weekend.
For more information visit www.sailing.org.au
