Fresh Perspectives – a SheSails Networking Event was held on Friday 23^rd July with five incredible and engaging women taking to the stage at Brisbane Sailing Squadron to talk about how sailing has impacted their lives. Ashleigh Kelly (nee Stoddart) Olympian, Joanne Keen Australian Sailing Board member, Annie Eastgate International Sailor and Queensland Academy of Sport Coach, Kara Cook Councillor, Tanya Kelly Mooloolaba Yacht Club Commodore.

The 60 strong crowd that included men and women from many different clubs and a wide range of ages enjoyed listening to the panelists stories from their past, present and what their future plans were in the sport.

Their stories created many conversations afterwards that included the benefits of recognizing female youth sailors; how to balance sailing with work and family; How to improve the ratio’s of women on club committees; How to ensure that female sailors think about coaching as an option; How to improve your sailing skills so you feel comfortable on any boat..

The She Sail Fresh Perspectives networking evening is about opportunities to get involved in our sport.  It’s about changing attitudes, supporting our community, enabling women to feel confident to stand up and make a difference. From the crowd, Becky Molony from Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron and Multihull Yacht Club Queensland encouraged all female sailors to “be available” for racing as skippers were always looking for crew.

Our panelists also highlighted the fact that the culture is changing within our Queensland Clubs with committees recognizing that there are great opportunities in having women as part of the sailing community. SheSails key driver is to change the culture and elevate the conversation to a club committee level to improve clubs ability to attract and retain female members - it’s not just about running events.

There are many pathways in sailing outside of being on the water and racing, and at this annual event we have had panelists from different parts of our sport. If you want to be part of the SheSails conversation, please get in touch with your Club Services Officer.

Click here for the booklet which gives an insight into what our panelists talked about on the night.