What did we do?
Shelley Wright • May 13, 2021
What did we do?
It was with a sense of disbelief that I learned our beloved Women Who Sail Australia FB group had vanished this week. Gone. With no warning.
Apparently, FB disabled us.
As the implication sunk in, the tears rolled. Seven years of hard work and love from our WWSA members erased.
Some might wonder, why so emotional over a FB group? Perhaps because WWSA is no ordinary FB group. Rather, it is an extraordinary network of caring, inspirational, knowledgeable, supportive women. More a family than a social media group.
Over the last seven years, lifelong friendships have been forged. Emotional and physical support extended to women perhaps never met in person before. No matter what time of the day or night, or where you are around the world, a member is bound to be online, ready to offer advice or just a kindly ear.
What started out as ten sailing friends keeping in touch has grown to almost 5000 women. Our ages, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences are as varied as the vessels we helm (or aspire to helm) but the one thing we have in common is just that – boats.
We developed our own burgee, have a magazine, and of course our annual Gathering on the Bay.
As word of the disappearance of our group spread, messages of shock, concern, and support from members flooded in, including a surprising number from the male partners of our members, all expressing feelings from despair to outrage that such a valuable resource had been lost. Behind the scenes the admin team worked hard to resolve the situation and to find other avenues to stay in contact with our members.
The Women Who Sail Open Page kept members updated, as did the various WWSA regional and special interest subgroups.
In the early hours of this morning our precious network was restored. We may never know what triggered our temporary banishment but we are back!
As one member commented "The short absence of WWSA showed how many of us on the water rely on the advice, support and connections provided through this community".
Women Who Sail Australia sails on!
*Group photos above from previous WWSA Gatherings on the Bay.
From Yoga4Yachties to Finding Stillness Between the Waves
Gathering on the Bay 10th Anniversary!
The Pacific Rally 2026 is officially underway, with a fleet of nearly 190 vessels registered so far, and preparing to depart from key staging points across New Zealand & Australia in early May, marking the start of the South Pacific cruising season. Organised by Island Cruising, the flexible Pacific Rally has grown to become one of the largest organised yacht rallies in the world, attracting a diverse fleet ranging from 30-foot sailing yachts to 75-foot yachts & powerboats. Unlike traditional rallies, the flexible format means people are free to choose their own departure date, route and destinations, while still being able to tap into all the Island Cruising support and resources along the way. Over the last six months, rally participants have enjoyed regular online training sessions to help them get prepared for the adventures ahead. Then during the last two weeks, they have gathered to enjoy a range of briefings and social events at the Boat Works on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Marsden Cove Marina, and Bay of Islands Marina in New Zealand. There are additional vessels joining the rally along the way, including yachts crossing west from French Polynesia. Popular cruising grounds for rally participants include Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia, with many vessels planning onward passages to Asia or returning to New Zealand or Australia later in the season. “The Pacific Rally is about giving people the confidence to set sail,” says Viki Moore, Managing Director of Island Cruising. “We work hard to ensure participants are well-prepared, well-supported, and never feel like they are out there alone. That sense of connection makes a huge difference to both safety, fun and the overall experience.” Moore also works closely with the border officials across the Pacific to ensure everyone is prepared for the arrival formalities for each country along the way. Participants benefit from a comprehensive support framework, including pre-departure training, weather guidance, communications support, detailed guides on where to go, and access to a wide network of trusted marine partners. A strong community network — both online and on the water — is central to the rally, enhancing safety while creating a shared and social cruising experience. A key focus of the rally is responsible and respectful cruising. Through its partnership with Citizens of the Sea, some rally participants volunteer to collect Ocean eDNA samples on their passage and everyone is encouraged to engage with local communities in a culturally aware manner and contribute to environmental stewardship efforts throughout the Pacific. The success of the Pacific Rally is supported by an extensive network of marine industry partners across New Zealand and Australia & the South Pacific. These partners play a vital role in preparing vessels before they set sail and along the way, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge, equipment, and confidence needed for the journey ahead. As the fleet prepares to head offshore, anticipation is building for another season of cruising, connection, and exploration across one of the world’s most iconic sailing regions. For more information, visit: www.islandcruising.nz Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/islandcruising.nz More information about Citizens of the Sea - https://www.citizensofthesea.org/ Photo: Viki and Cecile are joined by partners from Yachting World Port Vila and Vuda Marina for the briefings at the BoatWorks
On improvements, unintended projects, and a boat that keeps evolving By Fiona Bengtsson
In a unique joint research partnership, world record explorer Lisa Blair OAM, the Australian Composites Manufacturing CRC (ACM CRC), UNSW Sydney, and Steber International are announcing the launch of a solution-focused research project: Sustainable Composites for Next Gen Boat Hulls. This two-year, $1.9 million research partnership aims to investigate the viability of Basalt Fibre (derived from volcanic rock) and current bio-resins as a scalable solution to outperform fibreglass and provide a circular solution to the growing industry problem. Following the initial research, Lisa Blair will build her new expedition yacht from these sustainable materials before setting off for her next record. Lisa is announcing her new world record attempt: ‘The Arctic Impact Project’. Lisa will be sailing in July 2027 to become the first person to sail solo, nonstop and unassisted around the Arctic Circle in one season. The 8,000 nm journey will see Lisa tackle freezing conditions, dodge icebergs and spend an estimated 3 months solo at sea. Cover photo: Research Kick Off Meeting. Left-Right Scientia Professor Gangadhara, Luke Preston, Lisa Blair OAM, Jessica Mevel Soenecs. Insert Photo Alan Steber MD Steber International who was unable to attend but is a valued partner. Below: Lisa Blair OAM.
Home is changing
WWSA's Shelley Wright shares ten of her favourite books by women solo sailors
Cruising in croc country
NEW SAILING RECORD COURSE SET IN NZ BY SAILOR LISA BLAIR
Orcas, giant swells, and stunning sunsets accompany Lisa Blair on the home run for new sailing record
