EFYC Shares Women's Sailing Success at the 2026 Australian Sailing Summit

East Fremantle Yacht Club was proud to be represented at the 2026 Australian Sailing Summit, held at Perth Flying Squadron Yacht Club last Saturday, with our On Water Coordinator, Kylie, joining sailing leaders, volunteers and club representatives from across Western Australia for a day dedicated to shaping the future of our sport.

The annual summit provides an opportunity for clubs and class associations to come together, exchange ideas, celebrate successful initiatives and explore new ways to grow participation in sailing. It is a valuable forum for sharing knowledge, learning from one another and strengthening the sailing community across the state.

One of the highlights for EFYC was Kylie’s opportunity to present the journey of our Women’s Sailing Team, a program that has experienced remarkable growth in the past year. What began as an initiative to encourage more women to experience sailing has evolved into a vibrant and supportive community where participants continue to build confidence, develop their skills and create lasting friendships on and off the water.

The presentation explored the strategies that have contributed to the program’s success, including creating an inclusive and welcoming environment, providing structured pathways for new sailors, encouraging ongoing participation, and fostering a strong sense of community among members. These principles have helped attract women from a wide range of backgrounds and sailing experience, demonstrating that sailing is a sport for everyone.

The summit also featured a range of insightful presentations from clubs and organisations across Western Australia, each showcasing innovative ways to grow participation in sailing.

One session highlighted the work of the University Sailing Club (USC) in partnership with Royal Perth Yacht Club, demonstrating how the program is introducing more university students to sailing and creating pathways for young adults to become lifelong participants in the sport.

Another engaging panel featured representatives from the Hobie Cats WA in partnership with Exmouth Yacht Club, who shared their experience in growing participation through successful club initiatives and events. The panel explored strategies to attract and retain youth, women, adults and social sailors, with members sharing practical insights into the programs, partnerships and community engagement that have helped strengthen participation within their clubs and associations.

Beyond the presentations, the day offered countless opportunities to connect with fellow club representatives, exchange experiences and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing sailing today. These conversations are an important part of ensuring clubs continue to evolve and provide welcoming, enjoyable experiences for current and future sailors.

At EFYC, we are passionate about creating pathways for people of all ages and abilities to discover the joy of sailing. Attending events such as the Australian Sailing Summit allows us to continue learning, improving and bringing fresh ideas back to our members.

We are incredibly proud of Kylie for representing East Fremantle Yacht Club and sharing the achievements of our Women’s Sailing Team on a state-wide stage. Her passion, dedication and commitment to growing participation in sailing continue to make a positive impact within our club and the wider sailing community.

A big thank you to Australian Sailing and Perth Flying Squadron Yacht Club for hosting another outstanding summit. We look forward to putting new ideas into action and continuing to grow opportunities for everyone to enjoy life on the water.

Congratulations, Kylie, we’re proud to have you representing EFYC and helping inspire the future of sailing in Western Australia. ⛵💙