AWKR Stories, Laughter & Lessons: An Evening with organiser, Monica Jones, and WOW
At our recent gathering, Monica shared her journey through the Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta (AWKR), reflecting on its evolution from a mixed-gender event to a celebrated women’s-only regatta. She recounted first competing at around 22 years old, sailing alongside her dad — and following his every instruction — to later skippering solo, making mistakes, and learning from them along the way. She eventually bought into her own boat, Salamander II, an Adams 10, marking her new chapter of independence on the water.
Her stories of camaraderie, fierce competition, protests, and plenty of laughter stricks a chord with sailors of all levels. Monica generously shared a mix of handy tips and hilarious fails — relatable to both the new and seasoned yachties in the room!
Perhaps the most important take-away was emphasis on the importance of preparation. Monica outlined some of the ways like understanding key documents as the Notice of Race (NOR) and Sailing Instructions (SIs), as well as other crucial information for any skipper or crew planning to compete.
Looking ahead, AWKR 2025 is set to welcome around 30 yachts, across two divisions, with three races each day over the three-day event. Sailing Instructions will be available online soon, and a spectator boat will be available for those keen to come along and support. (Let Mary McCauley know if you're interested!)
All in all, it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening — fueled by wine, cheese, and a shared passion for sailing — with plenty of excitement in the air for AWKR 2025, or for some, a solid commitment to join the fun in 2025!
Thanks,
Mary McCauley
[email protected]
0444 595 668
At our recent gathering, Monica shared her journey through the Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta (AWKR), reflecting on its evolution from a mixed-gender event to a celebrated women’s-only regatta. She recounted first competing at around 22 years old, sailing alongside her dad — and following his every instruction — to later skippering solo, making mistakes, and learning from them along the way. She eventually bought into her own boat, Salamander II, an Adams 10, marking her new chapter of independence on the water.
Her stories of camaraderie, fierce competition, protests, and plenty of laughter stricks a chord with sailors of all levels. Monica generously shared a mix of handy tips and hilarious fails — relatable to both the new and seasoned yachties in the room!
Perhaps the most important take-away was emphasis on the importance of preparation. Monica outlined some of the ways like understanding key documents as the Notice of Race (NOR) and Sailing Instructions (SIs), as well as other crucial information for any skipper or crew planning to compete.
Looking ahead, AWKR 2025 is set to welcome around 30 yachts, across two divisions, with three races each day over the three-day event. Sailing Instructions will be available online soon, and a spectator boat will be available for those keen to come along and support. (Let Mary McCauley know if you're interested!)
All in all, it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening — fueled by wine, cheese, and a shared passion for sailing — with plenty of excitement in the air for AWKR 2025, or for some, a solid commitment to join the fun in 2025!
Thanks,
Mary McCauley
[email protected]
0444 595 668
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