RNZYS’ Womens Day Out – FAQ

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 is back on August 24th 2024.

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 Mastercard in being able to offer this event.

When is it?

RNZYS Women’s Day Out is happening on Saturday 24th August, kicking off at 0900 hours. If you’re new to the Westhaven area, we advise you to park in the white car parks which are free and record your number plate with our reception staff on arrival. Yellow car parks are for berth holders only.

How many races will there be?

For the harbour courses will have a minimum of 1 and maximum of 2. 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.

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 our sailors aged 18 and over, we have a great line up so far of owners who are willing to make their personal boats available for the day. So far on the list we have Mr Kite, Favourite, V5, War Machine, Mustang Sally, Extreme, Legless, Road Runner, Bird on the Wing and Young Magic, with more owners joining the line up each day.

The keelboat 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.

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 $80 for the day, and for guests it’s only $100. And you get a lot for that price! Individuals or those who have a group of friends, are encouraged to purchase tickets for the day.

For those under 18 – if you are an RNZYS Member – the cost of the day is free, and for non members who are between 12 and 18 years old we are offering the special price of $50.

So what’s included?

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

• Light Breakfast snack and tea/coffee on arrival for the briefing
• Goodie bag
• Lunch pack
• Dinner with drink on arrival
• 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.

How long will the races take?

There are up to 2 races scheduled for the harbour course and up to 4 races scheduled for the windward/leeward (Elliot 7s).

I need more crew for my boat.

We can help! Email raceoffice@rnzys.org.nz 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! 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 the one on the 12th August which RNZYS is hosting 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 you will long life friendships.

To purchase your tickets and get involved visit https://www.rnzys.org.nz/rnzys-events/womensdayout/

For more information, just ask! Email raceoffice@rnzys.org.nz