WWSA Gathering on the Bay 2023

First held in Nelson Bay in 2016, the annual Women Who Sail Australia (WWSA) Gathering on the Bay is a conference and get-together for women interested in boats. Women from around Australia (and even NZ and the US) converge on Port Stephens for three days of presentations and social events, which this year will include diesel engine maintenance, sail trim, ropes and deck hardware, and much more. The Gathering on the Bay promotes friendship, fun, and knowledge sharing in a supportive women-only forum.

Key speakers for 2023 will include record breaking solo sailor Lisa Blair who has circumnavigated Antarctica (twice!) and Australia non-stop and unassisted. The first all-women crew in the two-handed division of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, Kathy Veel and Bridget Canham, and sailing instructor Annette Hesselmans, who skippered her yacht Fika in the 2022 Melbourne to Hobart ‘Westcoaster’ race, will also be speaking at the event. A panel will share personal experiences of rescues at sea and how best to prepare for this. 

While the presentations and workshops are for women only, many male partners accompany women to the Gathering and enjoy meeting with other sailors. Men are welcome at the social events.

The official Gathering dinner will be held at the Nelson Bay Bowling and Recreation Club on Saturday 1^st April (men welcome).

A full program will be available late Feb/early March. Keep an eye on the WWSA webpage for details.

Women Who Sail Australia is a network of more than 5700 women who are involved with boating (or wish to be). You don’t need to be a member of Women Who Sail Australia to attend, all women are welcome.