“Keelboat Introduction to Sailing Savvy”
(KISS) program is back for its third year in 2024.
Buoyed by positive feedback from our 52 graduates over the last two years, preparation for the program is well underway with roll out from 14 May through to 24 August, providing accessible training during the winter months.
The KISS program initiated by QCYC Immediate Past Commodore and ORCV Member Lee Renfree, was created by women for women, to provide an introductory level of information and experience through a series of social, learning and practical activities for female sailors.
Why KISS ?
To empower women to transition from ‘passengers’ to confident active ‘participants’.
And how to empower?
- By encouraging women to “Face Your Fears” and achieve confidence and skills through power of knowledge and hands-on experience
- Provide opportunity for personal growth, build camaraderie through teamwork
- Encourage stepping up to lead roles.
So if you are a female sailor wanting to take the opportunity to set your own course, come and join us.
KISS 2024 Program Sessions - Proposed only
SESSION | DATE / TIME | EVENT | LOCATION |
1 | Tue 14 May 7pm | Launch KISS 2024 - Panel Discussion "Facing your Fears" | Royal Brighton Yacht Club |
2 | Tue 28 May 7pm - 8.30pm | Personal & Boat Preparation | Online via Teams Session |
3 | Tue 18 June 7pm - 8.30pm | Navigation | Online via Teams Session |
4 | Tue 2 July 7pm - 8.30pm | Introduction to Navionics | Online via Teams Session |
5 | Tue 16 July 7pm - 8.30pm | Weather & Tides | Online via Teams Session |
6 | Sun 28 July 7pm - 8.30pm | Hands on Workshop - VHF Radio & MOB and Marine Safety | Hobsons Bay Yacht Club |
7 | Tue 6 August 7pm - 8.30pm | Passage Planning for KISS Rally | Online via Teams Session |
8 | Thu 22nd August, 7pm - 8.30pm | KISS Rally Briefing | Online via Teams Session |
9 | Fri 23 August | KISS Rally Overnight prior to Rally | On Water |
Sat 24 August | KISS Passage Rally (RBYC to QCYC), Presentation Dinner | On Water |
Program Launch
The KISS 2024 Program Launch kicks off on 14 May 2024, with a panel discussion on “Facing Your Fears” featuring our three KISS Rally Trophy winners from the class of 2023.
You will be assigned to a boat team of 3-4 KISS sister sailors, your boat owner and mentor, with the first task to appoint a Boat Team Manager and the team to design your own on-water training schedule to fit.
Skills Training
For the practical experiences, you will undertake a safety audit on your assigned boat and learn to use the equipment safely and effectively.
The single-day hands-on workshop run by the ORCV provides “live” VHF radio training, Man Overboard training and Safe Transport Victoria (STV) Maritime will also attend and present a flare demonstration and how to self-service your own inflatable life jackets.
Additional Skills Training
is also encouraged outside of the KISS content and we can recommend training providers for these courses -
Recreational Boat Licence and VHF Radio Licence.
Small keelboat training - helm, competent crew, etc provided by Discover Sailing Centres at clubs or private providers.
Please note this additional training is not included in the KISS program fee.
KISS Rally
The program concludes with a real journey, with you and your boat team planning and stepping up to roles of helmsperson, navigator and radio operator for the KISS Rally, a 26 nm passage from Brighton to Queenscliff, with a celebration dinner and overnight stay at Sand Island, the home of the iconic Queenscliff Cruising Yacht Club.
Register for KISS 2024
Registrations for this program will open mid-March, so come back and visit us
We look forward to having you aboard!
For further information, please email
KISS - supported by the ORCV and QCYC.