Entries are now open for the 2026–27 Victorian Women’s Keelboat Series (VWKS), the new name for the long-running Port Phillip Women’s Championship Series.
First introduced in 2013, the series brings together five leading Port Phillip Bay yacht clubs, each hosting its own women’s keelboat event as part of a season-long competition.
The series offers two divisions to encourage participation across different experience levels. The All Female Crew division caters for established women’s teams, while the Female Helm Only division provides opportunities for less experienced female skippers to develop their skills with the support of experienced crew members.
Victoria currently leads Australian states and territories in female sailing club membership, at 38 per cent, and also has the highest level of female boat ownership.
A Pathway to the Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta
Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron (RMYS) is the organising authority for the 2026–27 series, which coincides with a significant period for the club.
RMYS is celebrating its 150th anniversary and will host the 35th Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta (AWKR) in June 2027.
The AWKR is Australia’s original all-female keelboat regatta and remains a major event on the women’s sailing calendar.
Following a successful 2026 edition that attracted 36 boats, preparations are underway for the 2027 regatta, including an invitational social event in December 2026 and on-water training opportunities ahead of the championship.
For sailors considering competing in the AWKR, the Victorian Women’s Keelboat Series provides an opportunity to build experience throughout the summer.
The five-event programme includes three short passage races and two short-course, multiple-race days, offering a variety of racing formats and conditions.
Opportunities for Developing Skippers
The series is particularly valuable for women looking to gain confidence at the helm.
In the Female Helm Only division, less experienced skippers can race alongside boat owners, mentors and experienced crew, providing an opportunity to develop boat-handling, tactical and racing skills in a supportive environment.
Delivery passages to and from the host clubs can also provide additional time on the water and opportunities for practical training.
The series also includes a Teams Trophy, awarded to the club with the greatest participation by boats and female crew members across the events.
Clubs are encouraged to support their female sailors and enter teams throughout the season.
2026–27 Victorian Women’s Keelboat Series Calendar
The series begins on Sunday 29 November 2026 with the Shirley Freeman Memorial Trophy, hosted by Hobson’s Bay Yacht Club.
| Date | Event | Host Club |
|---|---|---|
| 29 November 2026 | Shirley Freeman Memorial Trophy | Hobson’s Bay Yacht Club |
| 31 January 2027 | Val Hodge Trophy | Royal Yacht Club of Victoria |
| 28 February 2027 | SYC Women in Sailing Challenge (WISC) | Sandringham Yacht Club |
| 18 April 2027 | Jennifer Goldsmith Trophy | Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron |
| 2 May 2027 | BLiSS – Brighton Lady Skippers Series | Royal Brighton Yacht Club |
Entries Now Open
Entries are open for both the All Female Crew and Female Helm Only divisions, with sailors encouraged to organise their crews and prepare for the opening event in November.
The Victorian Women’s Keelboat Series offers opportunities for experienced competitors and newcomers alike, while providing a valuable stepping stone towards the Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta in June 2027.
Event information and entries:
- Official Noticeboard – Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron
- 2026–27 Notice of Race
- Online Entries – TopYacht
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