Queenscliff Cruising Yacht Club and partner club Ocean Racing Club of Victoria have had a bumper year for their 2024 intake of women sailors for the KISS (Keelboat Introduction to Sailing Savvy) training program. Established in 2022 by then QCYC Commodore Lee Renfree, the program has now graduated over 100 women in the last three years, transitioning female sailors from passengers to active confident participants.
The pilot program started out in 2022 with 25 women and now fast forward to 2024, there has been 50 women enrolled this year (100% increase) with a wait list of 22 more women signed on already for KISS 2025. KISS has expanded to involve 9 clubs (80% increase), with 13 boat owners providing boats for on-water training (120% increase), 17 mentors on board (110% increase) including 15 female mentors (400% increase).
The Class of 2024 have brought great enthusiasm, energy and commitment to the practical on-water training sessions as well as a thirst for knowledge with diligent attendances at all webinars and a full day hands-on Safety workshop.
With the program coming to its finale, the women have been keenly honing their skills to take up lead roles of helm, navigator and radio operator in preparation for the 26nm Passage Rally from RBYC to QCYC, with an overnight stay and celebration.
Unfortunately, the weather gods have had other ideas, forcing abandonment of the scheduled KISS Passage Rally on 24 August due to a polar blast with gale force winds continuing over a couple of weeks. A period of improved weather in the lead up to the planned Rally Resail on 14 September buoyed confidence for a good “run to Paradise” but unfortunately suffered a similar fate with a second abandonment.
Fortunately, our associate club RBYC has twice provided a safe haven for all those awaiting the Rally activities and at short notice have swiftly changed tack to provide access to the restaurant for dinner and socialising on both occasions of abandonment. A huge thank you from the KISS Program to Commodore Niesje Hees and staff for their stewardship in hosting the KISS 2024 Launch back in May and accommodating the recent dinner events.
As the program has grown exponentially and with a clear mandate for 2025 from women sailors waiting in the wings, QCYC remains the destination club for the KISS Passage Rally with the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria taking the program under their training pathway to manage logistics and deliver the program statewide including regional areas.
Watch this space. There is more to come …….
Rosie Colahan
KISS 2024 Chair
