The 34th Australian Keelboat Regatta (AWKR) has attracted 27 entries from New Zealand, Northern Territory, South Australia, NSW and Victoria, with crews flying in from all ports.
Scheduled for the King’s Birthday weekend from 5-8 June 2026, and hosted by the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, the event has garnered interest from a mix of rookies, club racers, and experienced sailors, including ocean racers.
Wendy Tuck will helm the Beneteau First 34.7, Spartan. Tuck, from NSW, is notable for being the first woman to win an around-the-world race (Clipper on Sanya Serenity Coast in 2017) and has participated in 18 Sydney Hobarts.
Recently, she helmed MWF Kayle (Making Waves Foundation), taking Invictus Australia athletes sailing on Sydney Harbour, with special guests Prince Harry and Meghan.
Tuck’s crew this year includes returning members and a few newcomers, such as Kathy Veel and Sanne Rodenstein.
Tuck expressed her enthusiasm for the AWKR, stating, “It’s one of the best organised and fun regattas around. It’s a great event for both inexperienced and competitive sailors alike.” She praised the event’s organisation, noting the provision of loan boats and the enjoyable atmosphere fostered by the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron.
Janet Thornley, an Adelaide doctor and a regular at the AWKR, returns with a fresh perspective after completing her first Sydney Hobart last year. Thornley appreciates the regatta’s atmosphere, including the social aspects and post-race barbecue, and looks forward to sailing an S80 this year.
Retired Melbourne doctor Rosie Colahan, an experienced sailor with a history in the double-handed Melbourne Osaka race and Sydney Hobart, will participate in the AWKR this year after a break from the event. Colahan emphasised the importance of confidence and participation, especially for women in sailing.
Mary Ann Harvey, who completed her fourth Sydney Hobart last year, will return with her Sydney 38, Clockwork. She and her partner Andrew Lloyd have been active in sailing major events around Australia.
Onshore activities include a spinnaker packing competition, breakfast options, and a Saturday night dinner, which requires advance booking.
Entries can be made via the official website: https://awkr.com.au/boat-entry/.
For crew opportunities, visit www.awkr.com.au/crew-noticeboard or contact awkr@rmys.com.au.
For more information, visit: https://www.awkr.com.au/.
By Di Pearson/AWKR media
Follow the regatta on social media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AustralianWomensKeelboatRegatta
Instagram: www.instagram.com/awkr.rmys
Twitter: @awkr1 https://twitter.com/awkr1
#AWKR2026 #Sailing #WomenInSailing #AustralianSailing #KeelboatRegatta
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