The Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) is preparing to launch the fourth season of its Keelboat Introduction to Sailing Savvy (KISS), a women’s training initiative designed to empower participants from being mere passengers to confident, active sailors. The course will commence on 15 April 2026, with a 14-week programme comprising online webinars and practical on-water training, culminating in a rally from Brighton to Queenscliff Cruising Yacht Club on 1-2 August 2026.
Since its inception, over 100 women have completed the KISS programme, discovering various avenues for engagement in sailing, including racing and cruising. Among these alumni is Petrina Dorrington, who embarked on her sailing journey in 2019 after being inspired by a friend’s ambition to create a crew of women for the Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta (AWKR).
Petrina initially joined Sal Balharrie’s team, training aboard the Sydney 38 “No Man’s Land.” Reflecting on her experience, she remarked, “I need this! What an opportunity. What an experience. Challenged myself? – certainly did. I could have given up at times, but this totally changed my life!” Throughout her training, she engaged in competitive events such as the Port Phillip Women’s Championship Series (PPWCS) and the South Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta (SAWKR), which ignited her interest in owning a boating vessel.
The pandemic shifted her focus as she turned her three-month Darwin visit into a chance to join Darwin Sailing Club, participating in the Northern Territory Women’s Keelboat Regatta (NTWKR) in its fourth year. Despite the challenges posed by COVID, Petrina embraced sailing further, including a charter in the Whitsundays.
In 2022, she signed up for the inaugural KISS programme and trained on a Beneteau Oceanis 393 called Bolero, gaining valuable skills in various crew roles. This training continued with courses on sea survival and radio operations.
By the end of the year, Petrina and her partner had purchased a Beneteau Oceanis 40, “Juliet,” with plans for extended cruising adventures. With valuable support from friends, they ventured across the Bass Strait to explore Tasmania and will participate in the Van Diemen’s Land Circumnavigation (VDLC) in February 2026.
Petrina reflects on her journey from novice to keen sailor, advising others to join the KISS programme, embrace racing opportunities, pursue further education, and get more time on the water to build their confidence.
Registration for the 2026 KISS programme is currently open, welcoming women eager to learn and expand their sailing skills in a supportive environment. More information can be found at ORCV KISS Women’s Training Program.
Throughout her journey, Petrina has truly “dared to dream” and is living proof that with the right training and support, those dreams can be realised.
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Website: www.orcv.org.au
