Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta 2022: Fulminant pictures and concentrated women's power from Australia

Thirty years ago, two female sailors were inspired to start a women-only regatta in Australia after attending the New Zealand Women's Regatta. Their aim was to encourage women to take an interest in sailing. This goal is still at the centre of the Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta today.

Originally held on the weekend of the Melbourne Cup, after four years the regatta was moved to the Queen's Birthday long weekend in June. Over the years, the event has grown to become Australia's leading women's regatta and one of the largest in the southern hemisphere. In 2016, 26 boats with 168 participants from all states and territories of Australia and New Zealand took part.

About the regatta

The regatta comprises two divisions, scored in AMS, IRC and PHS, and includes class racing. Awards include the owner-skipper, best novice helmsman, best improvement, sportsmanship and an award for special commitment during the competition.

The Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta has been organised by RMYS since 1990 and is a pioneering event for women's sailing in Australia and around the world. The squadron also organises the annual Jennifer Goldsmith Trophy for women skippers, which is part of the Port Phillip Women's Championship Series.

Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron (RMYS)

With 140 years of history, the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron (RMYS) is one of the oldest yacht clubs in Victoria and has a long list of historical achievements. Located in St Kilda near Melbourne's central business district, it is considered the centre of watersports events in Victoria.

The St Kilda Sailing Club, founded in 1876, was renamed the St Kilda Yacht Club in 1884 and was given the suffix "Royal" in 1924. The final renaming to Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron took place in 1961 through the merger with the St Kilda 14 Foot Sailing Club.