For the first time in the sport’s history, female participation in sailing at an International Laser Class Association (ILCA) championship has just cruised past the number of boys taking part at this week’s event at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron in Brisbane.

The single-handed Laser dingy has continued to rapidly attract junior, female sailors in Australia, as it has for many years around the world, to provide a pathway from a fun weekend hobby in smaller boats and into a pathway toward professional athletics and for some, Olympic status.

“The girls don’t really get seen when selecting teams, as the boys are so much more competitive and appear to be stronger and faster” says Robyn Mary Tutty from Perth.

“And I wouldn’t have applied if my brother wasn’t already here sailing. This has given me a chance to travel and compete when usually I would have stayed home in New Zealand” adds Lucy Luxton.

The ILCA Solidarity team, which supports young female sailors to participate in a world-class sailing championship, has seen eight girls aged between 13 and 16 years receive free entry to the championship and social events, access to ILCA4 boats as well as professional coaching throughout the regatta to encourage their success in the Laser class. Mel Watson and Libby Kirby have been at the girls’ side for the entire event, with the support of Sailing Australia.

“The opportunity to participate in an international regatta gives us a new environment to sail with a much larger group of competitive sailors and improve our skills. They can be mean on the water but are really nice off the water” laughs Evie Maguire from Southport.

“I usually sail on bigger waves but without currents, so the chance to sail on the water of Moreton Bay and on different courses with over 240 other boats, is invaluable to me” says Robyn.