Thirty-six all-female crews are arriving in Melbourne ready to challenge for the 34th Australian Keelboat Regatta (AWKR), to be held on Port Phillip over the King’s Birthday weekend from 5-8 June, 2026 and hosted by Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron.
Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron is ready to welcome all – Andrea Francolini, AWKR pic
This all-female keelboat event was the first of its kind ever held in Australia, thanks to Australia’s first ever female yacht club Commodore, the late Gai Clough. It has again enticed a wide variety of sailors from rookies to club racers and experienced sailors, including high-profile offshore racers and again includes Clough’s daughter, Sarah.
New Zealand, Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland, NSW, Tasmania and Victoria, are represented at the regatta with crews flying in from all ports for three days of racing on a mix of round the buoys and windward/leeward races.
Colourful spinnakers set against dark sky last year – Andrea Francolini, AWKR pic
“We’re proud to have 36 yachts racing this year and from all ports,” said Monica Jones, co-chair of the event with Celia Dymond.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming all competitors to our event. We hope to put on a great three days of racing and to keeping everyone entertained ashore after racing,” Jones said.
Apart from the winners’ trophies, the AWKR also contains some special awards: Novice Helm; Most improved over the series; Sportsmanship; Rohan Brownlee Leadership and Endeavour Award and Best Performed Owner/Skipper.
Dress ups are part and parcel of AWKR – pic courtesy Kel Knowles
In the lead-up to the regatta, RMYS held a well-attended Rules night on Thursday 21 May with Darren Eger. For those from interstate and regional areas who were unable to attend a link was provided, so nobody missed out.
Again supported by up to 20 willing, able and friendly Boat Buoys, the event could not do without their unfailing help with repairs and more. These are local guys who make sure the yachts, many of them generously loaned to crews by their owners, are ready to race each day.
The event owes much to its sponsors and Bendigo Community Bank Elwood is the latest: “Through its sponsorship of the Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta, Bendigo Community Bank Elwood continues its commitment to strengthening community connections and empowering women in sport, “ said Carole Mackie, Chairwoman of Bendigo Community Bank.
“We so are proud that our community banking model enables us to reinvest back into local initiatives that make a huge and meaningful difference,” Mackie ended.
The fleet enjoying fresh conditions – Andrea Francolini, AWKR pic
Rothwell, AMS and Melbourne Debt Collectors are joined by long standing sponsor and competitor, Rebecca Badenoch and her law firm, Culshaw Miller Badenoch.
Also in for the long haul is Doyle Sails. Blake Anderson is on standby during the regatta to take care of sail repairs and remains a staunch supporter of the AWKR.
Other recognised sailing brands supporting the event with their products donated as prizes are: Ronstan, Musto, Boating Central and Savage Wharf – whose donation means one lucky owner/skipper will receive a prize to the value of $1500.
Competitors are fortunate that Wine X Sam, Jimmy Rum (last year’s tasting still remains a very pleasant memory) and Drivers Beer return, their products keeping everyone’s thirst quenched after racing each day, aided and abetted by the equally free sausage sizzle.
Jimmy Rum sponsor James McPherson pouring for compliant competitor Anna last year- Andrea Francolini, AWKR pic
Add to those Dan Peel’s Sundae whipped shower foam – there’s nothing as pampering after a day of racing on the water – and Rare and Ready Gifts – their gift hampers are special.
Thanks must also go to the generous boat owners who loan their boats to those who either don’t have, or are unable to get their own boats to the regatta. Many have become friends with the teams they have loaned to over the years.
“Thanks to the generosity of all our sponsors, competitors are guaranteed a fantastic time on the water and ashore. They make an enormous difference to our event,” Jones said.
All information on the AWKR: awkr.com.au/boat-entry
By Di Pearson/AWKR media
