Tassie duo toast of sailing after Keelboat Regatta wins

Two Tasmanian crews showed their class at the Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta. Check out how they fared here.

Hot Shot skipper Orla Gray, Derwent Sailing Squadron sailing manager and Spartan tactician Colleen Darcey and Spartan skipper Jo Breen. The two crews won their divisions at the Women’s Keelboat Regatta Picture: Chris Kidd

Tasmanian crews are the toast of the sailing nation following incredible displays at the Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta.

Held at the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron since 1990, this year marks one of Tasmania’s most successful editions.

Jo Breen’s Spartan (100 Rating Division) and Orla Grey’s Hot Shot (Australian One Design Champion) took out their respective divisions, getting the best of some of Australia’s best female sailors in the process.

Breen said it came down to an intense final day, with the star sailor admitting the team wasn’t sure they came away with the win straight after the finish.

“I’m so incredibly proud of my team. We’re just ecstatic with the result to back up from an AMS win from last year,” Breen said.

“The first day was amazing for us. It was a relatively strong breeze which suited our boat well and we came away with three firsts. The second day was more challenging with a lighter breeze and longer passage race.

“It all came down to the final race. There was a huge amount of pressure and there was only four seconds between first and third.

“I didn’t think we had it. It was quite a sombre feeling but it was only afterwards we realised we won. It was quite a rollercoaster.”

Breen said her team was overjoyed with being able to perform at this level.

“It’s a big achievement with so many competitive fleets,” she said.

“It’s something that I highly regard, being able to get a good result in that regatta.”

Gray skippered one of the younger teams to compete throughout the event, and was proud of the way they were able to compete.

“It’s our first time that myself or any of the team have been here, and it was such a cool event to be a part of, especially when you look out and all the boats you see are full of women,” Gray said.

“To go out there and win the division was so exciting. The racing was hard and there were some great sailors out there.

“We had no expectations. We raced really hard over the three days and raced well. I’m so proud of my team. The oldest in our team is 31 and the youngest is 21. We’ve all had some experience in different areas.”

Gray was appreciative of the support to get to this stage, as they look forward to a bumper season ahead.

“It’s so amazing and I’m humble to be a part of this team. The communication on the boat works really well,” she said.

“There’s been so many messages of support and I’m so stoked to be a part of this network.

“We’re looking at getting a team into the South Australian Keelboat Regatta, and then the winter season in Hobart.”