SheSails NZ
Empowering women and girls in sailing: Our commitment
In 2019, Yachting New Zealand launched the Women and Girls in Sailing strategy with the primary objective to cultivate and grow a vibrant and cohesive female sailing community.
We recognise the potential in fostering leadership, harnessing data-driven insights, and enhancing participation and engagement. Our commitment extends to promoting value and visibility and providing role models that inspire women to seize opportunities in our sport.
Leadership development: We are working to increase the number of female leaders in every facet of yachting, from race officials to club leaders.
Participation and engagement: We actively support events designed to encourage female participation, and offer guidance to aspiring sailors and coaches as they transition and progress on their sailing journey.
Promoting value and visibility: Our goal is to ensure that women and girls see themselves in sailing. We are committed to promoting, celebrating, and showcasing female role models and successful individuals within the sport. We aim to highlight the opportunities and pathways available to women in all areas of sailing.
Prominent initiatives
Resources for clubs and organisations to support the attraction and retention of females in sailing.
SheSails Events are being held all over New Zealand, catering to new to sailing and keen female competitors. Check them out here.
PredictWind Girls Championship Regatta
One of our notable endeavours in support of women and girls in sailing is our long-standing association with the PredictWind Girls Championship Regatta, held at the Kohimarama Yacht Club for over 30 years. This event has been instrumental in creating increased opportunities for female sailors, both on and off the water. In collaboration with Sport New Zealand and their It's My Move initiative, this video showcases how providers of physical activities can create positive environments for young women.
Major Events - SailGP
We recognise the power of inspiration and connection. Each year, Yachting New Zealand supports opportunities to engage with world‑class yachtswomen through New Zealand Sail Grand Prix events. These moments connect local female sailors and fans with international sailing icons, helping break barriers and create lasting memories.
Read about:
The 2026 Breaking Boundaries event at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, before the 2026 New Zealand Sail Grand Prix. https://www.yachtingnz.org.nz/news/breaking-boundaries-women-leading-change-high-performance-sailing
The 2025 Breaking Boundaries event at the Royal Akarana Yacht Club, in the lead-up to the 2025 New Zealand Sail Grand Prix. https://www.yachtingnz.org.nz/news/sailgp-trailblazers-rising-kiwi-stars-dont-let-failure-hold-you-back
Explore the exciting highlights from the Breaking Boundaries event in Christchurch at the 2023 ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix.
SheSails New Zealand
Yachting New Zealand's partnership with Australian Sailing and their SheSails brand is an incredible opportunity for all Kiwi sailors and will allow us to work together to uplift and empower women and girls in the sport.
Join us online here: https://www.facebook.com/SheSailsNZ https://www.instagram.com/shesailsnz/
Sport New Zealand
Sport NZ is committed to improving opportunities and addressing inequities for women and girls. Read their Women and Girls Action Plan to find out how we are enabling change, plus research, resources and case studies.
https://sportnz.org.nz/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/advocating-for-women-and-girls/about/
#itsmymove – a campaign that addresses the complex issue of why teenage girls gradually fall out of love with structured physical activity. https://sportnz.org.nz/itsmymove/overview/
For more information about Yachting New Zealand's Women and Girls in Sailing strategy, please contact:
Raynor Haagh raynor@yachtingnz.org.nz
Jenny Armstrong jenny@yachtingnz.org.nz
Kirsten Moratz kirsten@yachtingnz.org.nz
