The Women’s Regatta hosted by Double Bay Sailing Club will be held on 26 and 27 September 2020, being the first Australian Laser regatta of the 2020-21 season.

After the success of the 2018 and 2019 regattas, the organising team of Clare Alexander and Christine Patton are back to present the not-to-be-missed annual event for women Laser sailors of all ages and abilities.

The group from last year’s Women’s Regatta. Photo: Darcie Collington

Sailing training and competition in all classes have been affected by the COVID-19 restrictions, so the first Laser regatta in Australian waters will certainly generate excitement in the community and start the season on a high.

The event format will be adapted to the Public Health advice at the time and will include two days of racing on Sydney Harbour, sailing workshops/clinics, group dinner, and prize giving.

“This event is a highlight in our racing calendar and is an integral part of what we are about as a club – creating access to sailing and promoting participation and improvement in the Laser class,” said Andrew Cox, Commodore of Double Bay Sailing Club.

Racing at last year’s Women’s Regatta. Photo: Darcie Collington

The inaugural Women’s Laser Regatta was held in September 2018 after a year of ideas and planning by Clare Alexander, Christine Patton, and Christine Linhart, with 50 female dinghy sailors ranging from 12 to 65 years gathering to participate in a weekend of coaching, racing, yoga, and delicious food.

The regatta format was a first of its kind; allowing competition, education, camaraderie, and fun.

The event raises awareness and encourages participation for women in Laser sailing, bringing together current female sailors, those who have sailed in the past, those wanting to get into sailing, partners, girlfriends, daughters, sisters, and friends of sailors, as well as an immense show of support from sponsors and volunteers.

Close racing at The Women’s Regatta last year. Photo: Jon West