The 2025 Gwen Slade Women’s Regatta was sailed on Sunday May 25 2025 in a light nor’wester, with seven Etchells on the start line. The fleet included a mix of experienced and new skippers, and the racing was tight across all three races.
Returning champions Bayley Taylor and Alice Lydement were joined by first-time skippers Emily McCutcheon and Simone Wood-Hanson, as well as returning competitors Jenny Danks, Liz Charles, and Ellie Hobbs.
The Gwen Slade Etchells Regatta is a cherished event at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC), celebrating women’s sailing and honouring the memory of Gwen Slade. Established in 1981 by Life Member and esteemed sailor William Russell Slade to honour his wife, the regatta was created to encourage and promote female participation in competitive sailing.
Russell Slade was a prominent face of sailing in the 1960s, having competed in the Olympics and being a strong competitor in 16ft Skiffs and 5.5m class boats he was also the first person to build a Fibreglass yacht in Australia, Janzoon II.
Russell Slade, as described by his son Paul Slade, was a passionate man who believed sailing should be a family-involved sport, based on fun rather than purely on winning. His love for one-design racing led to the choice of boat and the development of the Gwen Slade Regatta. The Etchells class was selected because it was a growing fleet at the time, and its simplicity made it ideal for both advanced and beginner sailors to race competitively. With a little media help from the Packer family, Russell successfully launched the first Gwen Slade Ladies Regatta in 1981, ensuring it would be a strong platform for female sailors for generations to come.
From its inception, the Gwen Slade Etchells Regatta has been distinctive in its format: a one-design Etchells class competition with women at the helm of each yacht. This structure not only ensures a level playing field, highlighting skill and strategy, but also empowers women to take leadership roles on the water.
Over the years, the regatta has grown in prominence, becoming a highlight of the RPAYC sailing calendar. It serves as a platform for seasoned sailors to showcase their talents and for newcomers to gain invaluable experience in a supportive and challenging environment. The event embodies the spirit of camaraderie, competition, and celebration of women’s contributions to the sport.
In recent times, the Gwen Slade Etchells Regatta has been incorporated into broader initiatives aimed at promoting women’s sailing. For instance, in March 2022, the regatta was part of the SheSails Regatta hosted by RPAYC. This event focused on skill development, networking, and fun, aligning perfectly with the original vision of the Gwen Slade Regatta. Such collaborations have enhanced the regatta’s reach and impact, attracting participants from various backgrounds and fostering a vibrant community of women sailors.
Recent Results show the regatta continues to attract strong female sailors, with fierce competition each year:
- 2024: A competitive fleet of eight Etchells took to the water, with Elaine Fowler (Phoenix) claiming victory, followed by Jenny Danks (Flirtation) and Pru Bennett (Miramar).
- 2023: Six boats lined up for the three-race regatta, with Pru Bennett (Miramar) taking first place, followed by Bayley Taylor (2107 Racing) and Annie Taylor (Grand V).
- 2022: Bayley Taylor (2107 Racing) secured the win, with Alice Lydement (Seawings) finishing in second place.
- 2021: Katie Pellew (Kalika 3) took top honours, with Nicole Butcher (Finesse) and Annie Taylor (2107 Racing) rounding out the podium.
The 2025 Gwen Slade Regatta's Race 1 saw Taylor narrowly beat Danks by just two seconds.
Race 2 was abandoned due to the wind dropping out near the top mark, making it impossible for the fleet to complete the course within the 45-minute time limit.
Race 3 was won by newcomer Emily McCutcheon, with Danks in third and Taylor fourth.
With Danks and Taylor finishing on equal points from the two completed races, the overall result was decided on countback. Taylor’s win in Race 1 gave her the edge, securing her a second Gwen Slade title.
A separate Elliott 7 fleet also raced alongside the Gwen Slade series for the first time, getting more women involved and adding to the day’s activity on the water. Belle Holdsworth led the charge in the Elliott fleet, delivering wins in Race 1 and Race 3 (Race 2 ABN).
The enduring success of the Gwen Slade Etchells Regatta is a testament to the dedication of RPAYC and the sailing community in promoting gender diversity and inclusion in the sport. A huge thank you goes to all our RPAYC Etchells owners for making their boats available and supporting the event, as well as to the Commodore and Vice Commodore for their continued encouragement.
Thanks to Paul Slade for presenting the prizes. Special mention to David Taylor for taking on the pairing of boats and helm, and a big thank you to our Race Committee Volunteers, Rob McClelland (RPAYC Commodore), Virginia McClelland and Liam Bennett.
Congratulations to all skippers and crews on a close and well-sailed regatta.
Next on the RPAYC calendar is the exciting inaugural Kay Cottee Women’s Development Regatta Sunday 29 June – a day of fun, learning, and friendly competition on the water!
The Kay Cottee Women’s Development Regatta is all about building confidence, developing sailing skills, and giving recent Sailing Academy graduates a chance to experience the excitement of racing in a supportive and welcoming environment. The regatta will be sailed on the club’s fleet of Elliott 7s and is aimed at female sailors looking to break into the world of racing. Find out more below.
Report and photos by RPAYC
Kay Cottee Women's Development Regatta
- $100 for RPAYC members per person
- $125 for non-members per person
- Comprehensive Training Session: Shore-based and on-water coaching to prepare you for the regatta.
- Racing on our Fleet of Elliott 7 Inshore Keelboats: You’ll sail with a skilled Mentor Skipper, gaining hands-on experience.
- Some Fantastic Prizes: Because every sailor deserves to be rewarded for their hard work and spirit!
- An Amazing Day on the Water: With a fun, supportive atmosphere to help you grow your sailing skills while making lasting memories.
- A Supportive Learning Environment: This event is specifically designed to help you transition into racing in a low-pressure, fun atmosphere. It’s about development, not just competition!
- Skilled Mentorship: With an experienced instructor at the helm, you’ll have the chance to learn the ropes and refine your sailing technique.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: The focus on working as a crew will help you hone essential skills like communication, coordination, and leadership.
- Networking with Other Women Sailors: Connect with like-minded women who are passionate about sailing and eager to improve, share tips, and make lasting friendships on the water.
- A Confidence Boost: Whether you’re aiming to compete in future races or just looking for more sailing experience, this regatta is a stepping stone to building your confidence and skills in a real-world racing environment.
- A deeper understanding of race tactics and sailing rules.
- Hands-on practice with boat handling, racing strategy, and teamwork.
- The chance to helm a keelboat and swap positions with your teammates.
- Exposure to different sailing styles and techniques from others in the event.
- An amazing time sailing, making new friends, and learning in a supportive, fun atmosphere
