The KISS 2026 Safety Workshop a Grinning Winner

Photo by Stephen Renfree

KISS (Keelboat Introduction to Sailing Savvy) 2026 Training program is in full swing with only 6 weeks to go to the final event, the RBYC to QCYC Passage Rally, where our women will test out their newfound skills in lead roles of helm, navigator and radio operator and Boat Team Managers lead the logistics.

Since 15 April with our first session meeting at RBYC, our 43 women have been through a series of online knowledge webinars along with building their on-water skills under the watchful eyes of their boat owners and mentors.

On Sunday 14 June, the 8-week mark, all 11 boat teams gathered together at Elwood Sailing Club with our women jumping into a full day Safety Workshop, putting their shoulders to the wheel, rotating through rules of the road, lifejacket servicing, VHF practical and MOB drills and equipment. Throughout the day, home made soups and vittles provided by the KISS committee ensured performance stamina and hydration for the duration. A sea of grinning sailors left the venue buoyed with confidence and seeking more on-water time to progress their sailing.

Thanks to RBYC Commodore Peter Demura for engaging keelboat club commodores in providing donations from their members of pre-loved wet weather gear. Thanks to RYCV, HBYC, RBYC and SYC for their donations for a silent auction which raised over $1000 for the program and put a smile on the dial of many women as they dived into their new gear.

It was all action for the day, with Stephen Renfree generously capturing the vibe in this short video - KISS Safety Workshop June 2026

Now only 6 weeks out, with remaining webinars of Passage Planning and Passage Rally Briefing to go and increasing on-water training activity, RBYC will support and provide the rally start on Saturday 1 August to destination club QCYC for an overnight celebration, presentation and graduation from the KISS program.

Good luck to all our crews for their epic journeys ahead.

Written by Rosie Colahan