What is the Women’s Day Out?

Yacht clubs around the world are embracing the women’s movement and #steeeringthecourse by hosting sailing events and weekends designed specifically to encourage and foster women’s participation in sailing. Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron are proud to get on board with the inclusive theme, after a hugely successful inaugural event in 2023, Women’s Day Out has become an integral event in our annual sailing season. The Women’s Day Out is designed for girls, teenagers and adults of all ages to participate on the water. Whether you have years of experience, have done a few Rum Races or are completely brand new to the sport, there is a place for everyone. This event is a great way to assemble your crew before one of the other upcoming women’s sailing events, like the Waikawa Boating Clubs Women’s Regatta or Gulf Harbour Yacht Clubs Women on Water events and get ready for the Women’s Summer Series here at RNZYS. The RNZYS gratefully acknowledges the support of our sponsors in being able to offer this event, as well as our members who volunteer their vessels and their time to help deliver a great on water experience.

When and where is it?

RNZYS’ Women’s Day out is held annually in August, head to the website for current dates. The day takes place at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron at 181 Westhaven drive. If you’re new to the Westhaven area, parking is free in the white car parks, you just need to record your number plate with our reception staff on arrival. Yellow car parks are for berth holders only.

Is there a minimum age?

There is no minimum age however participants under 14 years must be accompanied on board a boat by a parent or guardian and ensure they have a suitable PFD. For those aged 14-18 years you will be placed aboard our fleet of Elliott 7s where you can sail with your peers under the guidance of our female Youth Training Programme sailors! However, if you want to be placed elsewhere or have already organised a boat to be on, simply tell us upon registration.

What’s the difference between harbour and sprint sailing?

Harbour Sailing:

Those who sign up for this ticket option will experience the thrill of harbour sailing on one of our Member’s boats. The size and type of these boats will vary from anywhere between 27-50+ feet, from cruising to racing yachts. What remains the same is a passionate member who warmly invites you aboard for an exciting day out on the water. The course on the day will take you on a race around the Waitemata harbour. For this division, there must be a minimum of 50% female participation aboard each boat.

Women’s Day Out 2023. Photo: Chris Cameron

Sprint Sailing on Elliott 7’s:

RNZYS’ Emirates Team New Zealand Elliott 7’s are 7m keelboats used for our world renowned Mastercard Youth Training Programme (YTP) and other offerings. These boats will be helmed by a current or past YTP sailor and will be 100% female! For sailors under the age of 18, we will place you aboard these boats where you will be able to sail amongst your peers. For those over 18, you’re welcome to join this fleet! Simply tell us upon registration that you want to sail and Elliott 7.

While these boats may be smaller, they’re also more responsive than larger keelboats, making for an action-packed day of sailing. The sailing format for this division will be a number of short races sailed in succession around a small course in the vicinity of the Harbour bridge. Due to the fast pace and physicality of these boats, we recommend participants are confident in their ability to move quickly across the boat. If you are unsure if this division is for you, we’d be happy to chat to you and provide a recommendation.

Women’s Day Out 2023 Elliott 7’s. Photo: Chris Cameron

How many races will there be?

For the harbour courses there will be a minimum of 1 and maximum of 2 races. Elliot 7’s will have a minimum of 1 race and a maximum of 4 windward/leeward races.

What do I wear?

Look at the forecast the day before and the morning of the event. Bring a warm layer and a waterproof layer so you are prepared if it rains. What if the weather is bad? No worries, we will still have a networking and socialising event at the RNZYS.

Do I bring a lifejacket?

If you have a suitable PFD/lifejacket, please bring it along! RNZYS has a limited number available for those who need them. Most skippers have a number on board their vessels too, however they may not have enough to loan to every single person. One way or another, there will be a lifejacket for everyone on the water.

Note:
a) For children <40kg the parent/guardian must supply a suitable lifejacket.
b) For children under 15yrs manual inflate lifejackets are not recommended.
c) Lifejackets will be supplied for the Elliott 7’s

If you are unsure what constitutes a suitable life jacket, please get in touch!

Can anyone join in?

YES! That’s the beauty of this special day. All experience levels are encouraged to attend and it’s not just for the grown-ups amongst us! Any female sailor aged 12 and above can join in as we have two separate divisions racing on the day.

What if I don’t have my own boat?

For the more active sailors, aged 12 and above, we will be using the Elliott 7s. These boats will come with a female helm from our Mastercard Youth Training Programme, with no boat hire fee and this division will be 100% female!!! That’s right, no blokes on board! For harbour sailors, we have a great line up of owners who are willing to make their personal boats available for the day. The harbour sailing division will be maximum 50% male ratio, and it’s highly encouraged that the helm be a female. Thanks to all of our generous boat owners and volunteers who are donating their boats and time to make this event happen!

Can I hire an MRX?

Yes, however this will need to be organised with Cameron Thorpe – the fleet manager.

E: [email protected] ​

Ph: 021 679 125

Can I enter a whole team on my boat?

Yes!! Just get your crew to state that they are sailing on our boat when they purchase tickets.

How much does it cost?

If you’re looking for an awesome day out, for the price of a few cocktails and an uber, then get ready to be excited! For RNZYS members it’s $85 for the day, and for guests it’s only $110 (or the same as member’s price if you book in the month of July!!)
For those under 18 – if you are an RNZYS Member – the cost of the day is free, and for non-members we are offering the special price of $55.

And you get a lot for that price!

So what’s included?

This is where it gets exciting! For the small price of a ticket, this is what you get:

  • Sailing Experience
  • Coffee on arrival
  • Packed Lunch
  • Entry to the after party with dinner and guest speakers
  • Access to a boat and crew
  • An entire day to make new friends and collect with like-minded sailors

What if I have dietary requirements?

Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements when booking your tickets.

I’m keen, but a little nervous as I’ve not really sailed these kinds of boats before…

That’s the entire point of the Women’s Day Out – it’s encouragement for you to break down those walls and get amongst it! Sailing can form the most wonderful of friendships that last a life time, and the best way to get yourself out there, is to get out for the Women’s Day Out! You will meet people from all walks of life that have that one thing in common. The love of sailing. While we understand that it can be daunting, we can assure you that the skippers and boat owners will make your day as fun, safe and exciting as possible.

Can I bring a group of friends?

Yes!!! Just let us know who you’re teaming up with when purchasing your tickets. We will do our best to get you all on the same boat, or if need be, at least split your group so you can race against each other! How much fun would that be?!

I have a keelboat and I’d love to provide it for the day.

Rockstar!!! All you need to do is register your boat and we will do the rest!

Can multihulls enter?

Absolutely, all keelboats can enter.

I need more crew for my boat.

We can help! Email [email protected] with your boat name, number of crew you require and experience level, and which berth your boat is located on.

I’m an Optimist sailor… Do you think this day would suit me?

Absolutely! Whether you’re an Optimist, Starling, P Class, 29er, ILCA, or any dinghy class sailor, you are 100% encouraged to take part. We would put you into the Elliott 7 division where the short course racing would be better suited to you. But if you really want to give your hand at a keelboat, then that’s ok too!

What are you waiting for?

Get your friends together and get your tickets! The Women’s Day Out is designed to break down the barriers for women who want to get into sailing, but don’t really know the steps to do so. A day like this is the perfect way to dip your toes, or to use your already established skills to encourage more women into sailing. Sailing is a sport for LIFE, and sailing provides life long friendships.

For more information, just ask! Email [email protected]