NT Womens Regatta

Darwin Welcomes Sailing Sisters for the 6th NT Women’s Regatta

Proudly sponsored by NT Shade

Darwin, Northern Territory – 28-30 August 2026

The tropical waters of Darwin Harbour will once again come alive with colourful spinnakers and big smiles as the 6th Women’s Regatta sets sail this August. Organised by the Darwin Sailing Club and sponsored by NT Shade, this women-only event has become a much-loved highlight on the national calendar, drawing female sailors from clubs across Australia for three days of friendly competition, skill-building and pure sailing fun.

Now in its sixth year, the regatta continues its proud tradition of welcoming women of all ages and experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned offshore racer or stepping aboard a dinghy for the first time, everyone is warmly invited. “We’re not just racing – we’re building confidence, making lifelong friends and showing that sailing is for every woman who loves the sea,” said one of the organising committee members.

The event features four exciting divisions (TBC) to suit every boat and sailor:

Division 1 – Large Yachts: The big girls of the fleet – powerful offshore yachts ready to take on the harbour breezes.

Division 2 – Smaller Yachts: Nimble and quick, perfect for close tactical racing and plenty of laughs.

Division 3 – Multi-hulls: Fast, exciting and spectacular to watch as they fly across the water.

Division 4 – RS Quests: (Sailing Dinghies): The heart of the regatta – small, accessible and perfect for newcomers and club sailors alike.

This year, with NT Shade aboard as our wonderful sponsor, will be bigger and better than previous years.Competitors will enjoy a packed program of windward-leeward and harbour courses, with safety and fun kept front and centre. After racing there’ll be plenty of time for tips from experienced sailors, and those all-important post-sail catch-ups on the club lawn with cold drinks and stunning sunset views.

The regatta’s goals are simple and heartfelt:

· Improve sailing skills through friendly, supportive racing

· Encourage women from interstate clubs to experience the unique joys of Top End sailing

· Celebrate the growing community of female sailors across Australia

Organisers are hoping for a bumper turnout in 2026, with expressions of interest already coming in from interstate clubs. “Darwin in August is just magic – warm days, steady sea breezes and the friendliest welcome you’ll find anywhere,” said one of the organising committee members.

If you’re a woman who loves sailing – or even just wants to give it a go – this is your invitation. Registration details and the full Notice of Race will soon be available on the Darwin Sailing Club website. Whether you’re sailing your own boat or looking to crew, there’s a spot waiting for you on the start line.

Come for the racing. Stay for the friendship, the skills you’ll take home, and the memories that will last long after the last spinnaker is packed away.

Fair winds and big smiles – see you on the water in Darwin! 🌊⛵

History

When the 2020 Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta in Melbourne was cancelled due to COVID, a few devastated locals got together and created the inaugural NT Women’s Regatta. The 20 sailor gals who had intended on attending the 2020 AWKR
turned into 80 women on water over 3 divisions and 13 yachts, including 4 interstate teams crewing the DSC’s Elliott 7’s.

Boats Used

· Private keelboats (Note: All boats must be crewed by women. The owner of the boat may choose to accompany the crew for safety reasons, however he must not helm or hold any other crew position. The owner may assist in any emergency.)

· Charter Boats - DSC has 6 x RS Quests available, as well as a small number of privately owned local yachts available to charter.

· A practice/familiarisation session for charter yachts may be available on 27 August.

Divisions (TBC)

Large Keelboats
Small Keelboats
Multihulls
RS Quests

Crewing Opportunities

If you are interested in crewing only, contact Fiona McManus who will put you in touch with any skippers or teams looking for crew. Some skippers will have permanent crew members, however we also aim to introduce interested new crew to skippers.

Eligibility/experience

All are welcome, the only requirement is that you are a full/crew member of an Australian Sailing affiliated club. The DSC offers SailPass if you are new and have not made the leap into club membership yet.

NOR (available soon)

Registration (available soon)

To express your interest or for more information please contact:

Fiona McManus

Ph:0432622492

Email:fmcmanus10@gmail.com