Collaboration leads to Balance the Scales for International Women's Day 2026
With International Women’s Day celebrated annually on 8 March, this year’s theme “Balance the Scales” prompted a new collaborative event with ORCV KISS Training Program joining forces with SYC Women’s Development Program to present an interactive forum event “Pathways to Balance the Scales” held at SYC on Monday 2 March.
International Women's Day 2026 Panel and MC / Photo by Cas Bukor
Sailing Master leading the team for the night was passionate sailor Dee Mason, a consummate entertaining host who forecast a rollicking ride keeping the audience both alert and on course, punctuated by the occasional hilarious “squall” coming out of her left field.
Leading off, ORCV Osaka veteran and “SailingNakama” legend Sophie Snijders popped up online to share the live aboard lifestyle of her and her partner with their cat, including their circumnavigation “Keeping Australia to Port”. An inspiration for all present.
Sailing Master Mason then tacked to give voice to the audience and elicit their views of barriers and opportunities. An online polling questionnaire session with panel members Lee Renfree (ORCV KISS Program founder), Robyn Ragauskas (SYC Women’s Development Program founder), Tao Hsu (alumnus from both programs) and Claire Cope (SYC, National Race Officer) revealed a diversity of experiences and wisdom and one for those averse to getting wet - the opportunities of participation and connection as a race management volunteer.
PoIl summary results indicated, 92% of our female audience were over 40yrs with 58% keelboat racers and an additional 9% ocean racers. 83% had undertaken formal training.
Barriers identified gaps in opportunities to improve skills particularly helming and lack of confidence with skills.
The final question “what does sailing give them?” Answer - Confidence, Joy, Friendship & Community, Adventure & Freedom - what a sport to be in! The positive vibe of the evening was palpable as we look to ride the cresting wave.
Where to now?
A Victorian Women’s Sailing Network WhatsApp group was mandated by the audience on the night, and will provide a central resource for all women sailors to connect and share promotion and participation opportunities for female focussed keelboat events in Victoria. The aggregated keelboat calendar information currently resides on the ORCV KISS ALIVE webpage.
The Pathways to Balance the Scales Team from left to right: Lee Renfree, Robyn Ragauskas, Tao Hsu, Claire Cope, MC Dee Mason, Rosie Colahan / Photo by Cas Bukor
Further collaboration and research is on the agenda for our fledgling group to seek greater resources to support and grow women’s keelboat sailing. Watch this space!
Upcoming Training Events
ORCV KISS Women’s Training Program: 15 April -2 August 2026
Sign up now as places are filling up. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary journey!
SYC Women’s Development Program: 1-2-3 May 2026 - Beginner/Intermediate Course
Written by Rosie Colahan
