Women’s Development Program

The Women’s Development Program was launched in 2023 and is designed to build your confidence, hone your skills and strengthen your connection in the Club. The program is supported by the SYC Boating Academy, and our amazing SYC keelboat instructors and coaches. We could not run this program without the support of SYC and YRSA-AMS.

Several courses will be held during the sailing season. These courses will be targeted to different levels of sailing ability with a description of the competencies for each level below.

Different levels explained

Beginner

  • Haven’t sailed much before (only a few times)
  • Struggle to understand boat ‘jargon’ (words such as halyard, mainsheet etc)
  • Does not understand the concept of trimming based on wind direction

Intermediate

  • Some sailing experience
  • Understands the fundamentals of sail trim and points of sail
  • Can navigate a boat around a course
  • Have some racing experience
  • Understands simple maneuvers (eg tack, gybe)

Advanced

  • High level racing experience
  • Understands basic tactics and rules
  • Understands powering and depowering methods for the boats
  • Able to perform all boat maneuvers (tack, gybe)
  • Can trim a sail on all points of sail

Some participant feedback:

“What a fantastic weekend.  I’m absolutely shattered but totally delighted by what I have learned and the people I have met. Thank you to the energetic and committed organisers for a job well done.” 

“What an awesome weekend everyone! Thank you for the teamwork, comradery and all the learning. It’s been amazing.”

2025/26 Course Dates:

Single Day Course:

2026/27 Course Dates:

Weekend Courses:

Format for these courses:

  • Friday evening (theory session)
  • Saturday – all day (on and off the water sessions)
  • Sunday all day (on and off the water sessions)
  • Cost: $200 SYC Members, $250 non-members

There are four weekend courses scheduled for the 2026/27 season:

J/70 Training Program

This program is designed for intermediate/advanced sailors who want to build their sailing skills on a J/70 – max 1 boat per intake.

Format for this program:
  • Runs over 4 Sunday mornings (must attend all 4 days)
  • 1 x coach and 4 x women per boat
  • SYC Members only
  • Cost: $200
Dates:

Thursday Twilight Training Program:

This program is designed for intermediate sailors to continue their skill development in a racing environment – max 1 boat per intake.

Format for this program:

  • Runs over 4 consecutive Thursday Twilight races (must attend all 4 races)
  • 1 x coach and 4/5 x women per boat
  • Cost: $100 SYC Members, $150 non-members

Courses:

  1. 5, 12, 19, 26 November 2026 – Expression of Interest
  2. 21, 28 January, 4, 11 February 2027 – Expression of Interest
  3. 25 February, 4, 11, 18 March 2027 – Expression of Interest

There will also be opportunities to continue your skill development once you have completed one of these courses.  For more information contact wisc@syc.com.au.

To register your interest for this program, complete the EOI for the course you would like to be involved with.