Helly Hansen Women’s Keelboat Challenge Celebrates 30 Years of Empowering Women in Sailing

The Helly Hansen Women’s Keelboat Challenge, hosted by Manly Yacht Club, concluded its 2025/26 series on Sunday, March 22nd, marking another successful year for the event and its ongoing commitment to women in sailing. The final race of the seven-race series saw a fleet of 30 boats compete despite light wind conditions.

A Legacy of Women’s Sailing

First conceived in 1995, the Women’s Challenge has grown into the most popular event on the women’s sailing calendar [1]. It is now a key component of the Sydney Harbour Women’s Keelboat Series, attracting competitors from numerous clubs across Sydney Harbour [3]. Manly Yacht Club has been a leading organizer of the event since 2019 [3].

Race Results and Winners

Despite the challenging light winds, the fleet was able to complete a shortened course. Lisa Callaghan’s Sydney 38 Mondo demonstrated strong performance, winning on both scratch and PHS (Performance Handicap System) [2].

Division 1

Mondo also secured first place on PHS in Division 1, followed by Stephanie Cook’s Summit King 40 Jambo in second, and Kate Leeson’s Adams 10 Sirius (out of Manly Yacht Club) in third [2]. Ashleigh Larkin’s Beneteau First 40 Blink took out Overall PHS in Division 1, with Bridget Canham’s Payne 38 It Happens in second and Sirius in third. Blink was also recognized as the first woman helm, and Bandit was the first all-women crew overall [2].

Division 2

In Division 2, Jenny Danks’ CYCA yacht Bashford Etchells Total Nuisance won on PHS, with Jade Tokarczyk’s Far East 28R Cool Runnings in second and Rhoslyn Humphreys’ J24 Ace in third [2]. Ruth Lawrence’s modified Swarbrick S80 Alcamy won Overall in Division 2, followed by Marike’s Swanson Dart Melody in second and Catherine Thornton-Rofe’s J24 Kaotic in third [2].

Celebrating a Milestone

The 2025 event marked the 30th anniversary of the Helly Hansen MYC Women’s Challenge, celebrating three decades of empowering women in sailing and fostering a competitive spirit on the water [4]. Sailors gathered at Manly Yacht Club after the race to celebrate the series’ success.