Women's Helm, Navigator & Radio Operator Race (WHNR) & Return Sprint (WRS)
| Ocean Race distance: | 26 nautical miles |
| Safety Category: | 5 |
| Start Location: | Royal Brighton Yacht Club |
| Start Time WHNR: | TBA |
| Start Date WHNR: | 29 August 2026 |
| Race Record: | GUSTO (Ash Taylor) 4:19:56 (2015) |
| Start Time WRS: | TBA |
| Start Date WRS: | 30 August 2026 |
Click here to enter the race - coming soon
Competitor’s Guide: How to Enter a Keel Boat Sailing Event
The reintroduction of the WHNR in 2025 aligned strongly with the International Women’s Day 2025 theme to @accelerateaction. Now for IWD 2026 the theme moves to "Balance the Scales", to ensure diversity, equity and inclusion across all clubs and the sport of sailing, to see more women on the water more often and continue to grow a community of passionate skilled women sailors
The reinstated WHNR is now a stand alone passage event with QCYC as the destination club. This revamped event recognises the increasing number of women becoming involved with the ORCV with the move of the KISS (Keelboat Introduction to Sailing Savvy) program formally to ORCV Training. The Racing Division will attract more experienced sailors whilst the Cruising Division will encourage newly graduated KISS alumni, less experienced women or those who prefer cruising.
An additional opportunity exists for a return race from QCYC to boats’ home clubs on Sunday to maximise the opportunity for all women to actively participate across a variety of roles.
The reintroduction of the WHNR in 2025, aligned strongly with the International Women’s Day 2025 theme to @accelerateaction. Initiatives to see more women on the water more often will build a community of passionate skilled women sailors, ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion across clubs and the sport of sailing.
