Competition was close last weekend in one of Queensland's most popular women's sailing events, the 2023 Mooloolaba Women’s Keelboat Regatta. The event has gone from strength to strength, having won the 2022 National SheSails award for outstanding contribution to women’s sailing.

Local crew, Team Orange once again came out winners, although the results were based on Saturday’s Qualifying Round outcome, as Sunday’s Finals competition was abandoned due to lack of wind.

2023 MWKR winners, Team Orange - L to R - Jasmine Mudie, Kristie Hatch, Tanya Kelly (helm) and Lea Van Dijk with the perpetual trophy, a painting by Amanda Davidson

Nevertheless, it was competitive, quality sailing that saw six teams from as far away as Townsville compete on the club’s fleet of Elliot 6 keelboats in a 12-race round-robin qualifying series on a challenging Mooloola River short course that always keeps the action constant!

The event started on Friday, May 5, with morning training sessions for boat familiarisation, followed by the annual ‘Battle for the Bubbles’ series.

The regatta itself was won by Team Orange, skippered by MYC Commodore, Tanya Kelly, followed by Team Lunasea, skippered by Danielle Kennedy, in second place. Hailing from Townsville, Team NQ Girls, skippered by Renee Cordingly, placed third.

Team Orange racing - Photo Bruno Cocozza

“Once again we had a great competition, which is a fantastic learning experience, both in skills and confidence: all teams reported a significant improvement in their boat handling across the weekend,” commented Tanya Kelly.

“The network of women sailors around the country is building, with more women’s regattas like the MWKR gaining in popularity and skill levels. At the same time, there’s terrific camaraderie and sharing of knowledge.”

The Elliot 6 keelboats racing on the Mooloola River in the 2023 MWKR - Photo Bruno Cocozza

The regatta has grown out of the Mooloolaba Yacht Club’s successful Women’s Skills Development program, which aims to promote pathways for women to build their racing, cruising and skippering skills in the traditionally male-dominated sport of sailing. It’s designed to give women experience both on and off the water, with the opportunity to helm or act in leadership roles in event management, admin, promotion, training and club/crew preparation.

“We are a totally volunteer-run club, and staging this year’s regatta was even more challenging as our new club house – mostly built by volunteers from the ground up – only opened two days before the regatta. The success of the program and the regatta is testament to the hard work of our volunteer organisers, sponsors, coaches, race committee and community. We’re incredibly grateful to all of them!” said Ms Kelly.

Mother and daughter, Lauren Twigg (left) and Caitlin Calder from Maroochy Sailing Club raced on Team L-Platers - a name that belies their high skill levels - Photo Bruno Cocozza

RESULTS

1st Team Orange – Tanya Kelly MYC, Kristie Hatch, Jasmine Mudie, Lea Van Dijk

2nd Lunasea – Danielle Kennedy CYCA/MYC, Kerry Lorimer, Kerri Smith, Tamra McFarlane

3rd NQ Girls – Renne Cordinley TSC, Tilley Pain, Lynda Sawbridge

4th The L Platers – Caitlin Calder MSC, Lauren Twigg, Shira Gingell

5th Boss Squad – Michele Lochhead MYC, Fiona Bengtsson, Julia Loginova, Emily Kolokotas

6th Wing’n It – Helen Wood RQYS/MYC, Naomi Croft, Ann Porter, Oliva White

2023 MWKR winners, Team Orange, checking the start line between races - Photo Mark Dowsett

For further details: www.mooloolabayachtclub.com.au