Clare Alexander

Clare Alexander has made a major contribution to female participation in sailing through The Women’s Regatta hosted by Double Bay Sailing Club. Clare conceptualised then implemented the program in 2018/19 and 2019/20, and is in advanced planning (in a COVIDSafe iteration) for 2020/21.

As an active member of “sailing circles”, Clare was acutely aware of declining participation rates in the sport, and decided to make a contribution by seeking to engage the large female cohort that departs the sport during teenage years, motherhood, or when life just gets in the way. As a social sailor herself, and a supporter to her sailing family at regattas around the world, Clare saw the need for women and girls to have opportunities to learn, practice, and race in a supportive and inclusive environment, while at the same time enjoying a broader experience with extra activities and little luxuries. Clare’s vision was to engage females of all ages and abilities, including youth moving up the dinghy classes, women wanting to try their hand at dinghy sailing, women who had stopped sailing but wanted a way back in, regular weekend sailors wanting a special experience, and some of Australia’s elite sailors.

The concept was a weekend with more than just “a few races and a sausage sizzle” – an event that would provide access to boats, rigging support, small-group coaching, and short-course racing, as well as other avenues for engagement like gourmet breakfasts, “yoga on the deck”, lunch breaks, and a dinner with motivational female speakers. In her research, Clare found that women and girls are so often overlooked when attending regattas. For example, change rooms are often inadequate, and regatta clothing often has a male aesthetic and is not suited for women. The male-oriented environment was often daunting and had the potential to discourage participation. A unique experience tailored towards women was much needed.

At The Women’s Regatta, participants could feel comfortable to ask questions during coaching and not be embarrassed to do so. The small group coaching allowed individual attention tailored to each participant, and encouraged camaraderie and support among the sailors. In order to make the event a reality, Clare assembled a team of Double Bay Sailing Club volunteers to plan all aspects of the regatta, sourcing funding from sponsorships, donations and grants, as well as sourcing donation of equipment, branded apparel, little luxuries, and services. It took a tremendous investment of time and effort to implement The Women’s Regatta and to repeat it for a second time.

In its second iteration in 2019/20, The Women’s Regatta was fully-subscribed at the cap of 50 sailors (with 10 more on the waiting list), including sailors from around Australia and even New Zealand. Coaching was provided by some of Australia’s highest profile sailors, and participation was from sailors of all walks of life and abilities. The regatta was run by a team of 60 volunteers, including support and attendance from the NSW Government Member for Vaucluse, Gabrielle Upton, and the Mayor of Woollahra Municipal Council, Susan Wynne.

The event was more than just a regatta for women. It was a celebration of women and girls in sailing and women and girls more generally – the female coaches, race officers, volunteers, photographers, speakers, and participants. It focused on building engagement in the sport and a new level of confidence among the women and girls. And it has achieved its aim – it has been a tremendous contributor to female participation in sailing.

Since the inaugural appearance of The Women’s Regatta in 2018/19, female membership at Double Bay Sailing Club has increased 33%, representing a compound annual growth rate of 15% per annum. The club’s membership is now 19% female, with a major strategic priority to continue this growth. In addition to the tangible results at Double Bay Sailing Club, the fact that this event is now being replicated elsewhere across Australia, as well as its publication in several leading sailing magazines and mainstream media, is testament to the significance of its contribution in raising awareness and engagement. Double Bay Sailing Club is delighted to nominate Clare Alexander as a standout candidate for the SheSails Award.