A KISS of Confidence for a Family at Sea

How one ORCV training course turned nerves apprehension into know-how and helped Kim Lawler steer her family through their first big adventure.

When Kim Lawler walked into the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria’s (ORCV) KISS (Keelboat Introduction to Sailing Savvy) program in 2023, she joined with one goal, build the confidence to take her family offshore.

Kim and Duncan pretending to surf past Nazare, famous amidst surfers & known for its 100m waves

At that point, Kim and her partner Duncan had already committed to an adventure many only dream of. They had purchased a brand-new 42-foot Fontaine Pajot Astera catamaran called Satellite in France with the goal of sailing Europe’s coasts whilst waiting to do the Atlantic Crossing in December and bring her home to charter in Australia. With their 12-year-old daughter in tow, they were about to swap routine life for 18 months at sea.  

But Kim knew that before crossing notorious passages like the Bay of Biscay, she needed to sharpen her skills and strengthen her courage. That’s where KISS came in.

Training Without the Intimidation

KISS is built on the idea that anyone can become a capable keelboat sailor with the right guidance, structure, and support. Designed as a welcoming, women-led pathway, the program gives beginners practical skills in a supportive team environment. For Kim, the program provided more than knowledge — it delivered the mindset to tackle the unknown and provided a community of likeminded sailors that offered generous support and shared inspirational stories of their own incredible adventures at sea.

“KISS felt approachable and practical. I wasn’t intimidated walking in. Whilst I had experience of life on the water, it gave me the seamanship, navigation, weather awareness, and safety foundations that set me up for everything that came later.”

Kim and Duncan's first sea trial & sail on Satellite, off the coast of La Rochelle, France

She completed the KISS program and then since completed some additional ORCV training — Safety & Sea Survival, weather courses, and radio qualifications — giving her the confidence to step onto her catamaran in La Rochelle ready to begin the journey of a lifetime.

Covid brought around life-changing decisions

The idea of a family sailing adventure had been building for years. Kim had spent her twenties working and living on boats in the Kimberley, falling in love with life afloat. Duncan had grown up sailing in Melbourne, confident on the water. Together, they dreamed of cruising, exploring, and giving their daughter experiences beyond the everyday.

Just as they were about to buy a boat, Covid hit and the family also experienced personal loss — including the passing of Duncan’s mother. This sharpened their resolve. “Life is short,” Kim recalls. “We decided we weren’t going to wait any longer. We were going to live it now.”  

Perfect spinnaker day off the coast of Portugal. Passage: Lagos & Portimao to Tavilla, Portugal

That decision led them to pivot their business in Melbourne and commission their dream boat in France, spending months outfitting her in La Rochelle, and finally step aboard as a family in April 2024.

From seasick to sea strong, Biscay was their first test

The first major hurdle was the Bay of Biscay, a passage infamous for unpredictable seas. To prepare, Kim arranged for a professional skipper to join them. “I told him he had one job: to set the scene perfectly for our daughter’s first big crossing.”

Kim and daughter Sophia,watching dolphins, counting sharks & crabs during 220 nautical miles, crossing of the Bay of Biscay, France

”I told him he had one job: to find the right weather window to make the passage as favourable as possible for our daughter’s first big crossing, and set the scene for our 18 month voyage home.”  

Instead, the Biscay gave them a reality check. Four-metre waves and above, head-on seas, and ten hours of relentless seasickness tested every ounce of determination.

“Nothing prepares you for the moment you’re so seasick you can’t even move your little finger. But thanks to KISS, I knew what was happening, I knew others had gone through it, and that kept me calm.”

After the rough sea came calm — 20 hours of glassy seas, the catamaran gliding through a gentle swell. The experience, Kim says, was transformative: “It showed us the highs and lows of sailing in just one passage, and gave me enormous respect for preparation and mindset.”

Six months and five hours gave me confidence

Nearing the port of Santander. Passage: 51nm Port of Bilbao to the Port of Santander, Spain

From there, the family spent two months exploring Spain and Portugal’s Atlantic coast, constantly monitoring for orcas, tuna nets, and weather systems. Despite the challenges of the Atlantic, the Atlantic coast remains a highlight for all of the ports they were able to experience that they would otherwise have never seen - A Coruña, Gijón, Vigo, Baiona, Lagos, Cádiz, Tavira where they had the best flaming chorizo at the tiny Port. 

They celebrated their arrival in Gibraltar — a milestone marking survival of the Atlantic leg — before opening the next chapter: the Mediterranean.

Kim recalls her proudest moment at the helm:

“Duncan was homeschooling our daughter, my stepson Max had joined us and was lounging in the sun, and I just kept helming. Before I knew it, I’d sailed my family from the Port of La Duquesa, 53 nautical miles, which was roughly five hours along the coast to the next port Málaga, Spain. To arrive safely, on my own watch having done the weather forecasting, navigation & helming, was the most rewarding feeling. That confidence came directly from KISS which gave me a great head start, and stronger foundations to continue building my skills along the way.”

Eating beachside Paella in Motril, Spain with Max, Kim's stepson, during his visit to celebrate his 18th birthday.

Finding playmates and horses across the ocean

Sailing with a child brought rewards and challenges in equal measure. Their daughter was initially reluctant to leave friends behind and, at times, missed having peers nearby.

“Whenever we connected with other ‘kid boats,’ the difference was game changing,” Kim reflects. “If we’d known where those communities were earlier on, we would have planned our route differently.”

Sophia’s riding lesson at La Flotte, Île de Ré, France

Yet the positives outweighed the difficulties, and it gave their daughter an invaluable taste of Europe. From horse riding in small towns to building independence onboard, their daughter gained memories, maturity and resilience that will last a lifetime.

Be open to plans changing

As with any great adventure, plans evolved. An early return to Australia unexpectedly opened the door for their boat, Satellite, to enter charter in Montenegro—offering a rich and unplanned experience. Wintering onboard while preparing for charter allowed them to connect deeply with locals, gaining insight into the region’s layered history and rapid development. Satellite remains in charter in Montenegro for the timebeing, and Kim dreams of hosting annual women’s sailing courses aboard in the future.

Lessons for others, prepare and seize the moment

Arrival toast after the KISS rally in 2023 on Martilse

Kim and Duncan’s adventure is not just a sailing story — it’s a testament to preparation, courage, and seizing the moment. Her advice for others considering a big leap:

• Prepare, but don’t over-wait. “If we’d waited until we felt 100% ready, we never would have left.”
• Invest in training. KISS, Safety & Sea Survival, navigation, weather, and radio courses “were instrumental in keeping us safe.”
• Add experience step by step. Paid skippers or experienced crew initially helped bridge their skill gaps with their new catamaran until they were confident alone.
• Never underestimate local knowledge and leverage from others experience.  The insight into local Ports, navigating language barriers and understanding the nuances of the Atlantic coast provided additional confidence alongside the crucial preparation for the family's planned December Atlantic crossing.
• Understand the weather. “If there’s one skill to prioritise, it’s weather forecasting. It shapes every decision.”
• Keep perspective. Boats of every age and budget can cross oceans, what matters is seaworthiness and preparedness.

From Port Phillip to the world

Kim is quick to credit KISS and the ORCV for laying the foundation:

“The ORCV programs gave me the tools and the belief I could do this. KISS was the spark that lit the fire. Without it, I don’t think I’d have had the courage to take my family on this adventure.”

KISS 2026: your turn

Kim’s story proves that KISS isn’t just for ocean racers. It’s for anyone who dreams of being confident on the water — whether that means twilight sailing, joining a crew across Bass Strait, or embarking on your own cruising adventure. If you’d like to experience life aboard a modern cruising catamaran, you can follow  Kim and her family,  or perhaps you would like join one of her international women's sailing groups, go to sailingsatellite.com.

The 2026 KISS program launches on 10 November. If you’ve ever thought, “maybe that could be me”, this is your invitation.

Learn more and register here.

Photos provided by Kim Lawler

Written by Melissa Warren

Godzilla Roars to Victory in Light-Wind Tactical Test

DYSC Marine Suppplies Winter Series Race 3 Wrap-Up

After a gale warning just two weeks ago, Race 3 of the DYSC Marine Supplies Winter Series brought a very different kind of challenge—barely-there breezes and a constantly shifting forecast. Throughout the week, the models couldn’t agree: some predicted a light southerly, others a soft north-westerly. One thing was certain—the best chance of wind was likely further south in the bay, near Sandringham.

With that in mind, Race Committee designed a shorter triangular course looping three times through the Sandringham marks. It was a tactical call made late Friday—and it paid off.

Stealth talking tactics from Robert Hague

It was a still and uncertain start to Saturday, with barely a leaf flittering. But an early wind reading brought cautious optimism, and signs of breeze began to appear as th committee arrived at Brighton.

Thanks to seamless coordination with the Port of Melbourne Race Management Team—Sue, Mary Ellis, Bronwin, Marty, Paul, and Mark—the fleet was led down the bay. After a short AP postponement, were relocated to a patch of wind off Sandringham, set a fresh start line, and got the fleet away.

With a 30-degree wind shift shortly after the start, crews were tested from the outset. Salt, with its taller rig, took early advantage, while a tight tactical battle unfolded between Godzilla, Ginan, and Surprise.

Arcardia, Schuss and Trigger below Surprise. Photo by James Russell.

The triangular course kept things exciting. Code Zeros, asymmetric kites, and sharp crew work all played a role in separating the fleet. With breeze slowly building and clocking west, positioning and timing became everything.

Godzilla’s trimmer and tactician, Fletcher Johnson, summed it up:

“It was a challenging but rewarding day on the water. Most of the race was sailed in 6–8 knots of pressure, and we managed a max boat speed of 7 knots on one of the reaches. The triangular course layout was a fun change of pace and kept us busy with plenty of sail changes and peels—our bowman well and truly earned his stripes today. Godzilla thrives in light conditions, so we did our best to take full advantage, staying sharp and focused to keep her moving through the lulls.”

Strong performances from Godzilla, Surprise, and Ginan have defined this year’s Winter Series—and with just one race remaining, all eyes are on Blairgowrie to see who will claim the top spot.

 See below the race results summary for full results go to www.orcv.org.au/results/2024-25/2025MWS/series.htm?ty=51857

Race 3 Results Summary

• Ginan (M111): Took out Line Honours, plus AMS & ORC Division 1 wins
• Godzilla (R111): Dominated Division 2, winning AMS, ORC, and Monohull PHS
• Salt (SM8699): Won Monohull PHS Division 1
• Stealth (R7158): Topped the Double-Handed PHS category
• Ginan (M111) crossed first at 13:41:09

 Godzilla impressively led in all three major overall divisions with strong performances from Ginan, Surprise, Onyx, and Stealth

• AMS Overall
  1st – Godzilla (R111)
  2nd – Ginan (M111)
  3rd – Surprise (SM63)
• ORC Overall
  1st – Godzilla (R111)
  2nd – Surprise (SM63)
  3rd – Ginan (M111)
• PHS Overall
  1st – Godzilla (R111)
  2nd – Onyx (H35)
  3rd – Stealth (R7158)

Melissa Warren/ORCV Media 

Fuelling Offshore Adventure: On Track Meals & the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria

When your hundreds of nautical miles offshore, the wind roaring and waves surging, the last thing you want to worry about is whether you’ve got a decent meal lined up. Offshore racing is about endurance, focus, and resilience, and the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) knows just how much the right fuel matters when the pressure is on.

That’s where On Track Meals comes in.

Offshore Racing: More Than Just Sailing

The ORCV has long championed the spirit of bluewater adventure, running some of Australia’s most iconic offshore races, from the Melbourne to Devonport to the mighty Melbourne to Hobart. Competitors in these events face more than just rival yachts; they face the unpredictable power of Bass Strait, the ever-changing Southern Ocean, and the sheer fatigue that sets in after hours or days at sea.

Food on board isn’t just about calories. It’s about morale, keeping the crew sharp, and ensuring every sailor can dig deep when conditions get tough. The right meal can be the difference between fading on watch or pushing through to trim that sail one more time.

Why Offshore Racers Choose On Track Meals

Photo provided by On Track Meals

On Track Meals were born out of years spent leading expeditions through the jungles of Papua New Guinea. Out there, in hot, humid, and unforgiving terrain, we learned first-hand what it means to rely on food that fuels performance without slowing you down. Meals had to be lightweight, nourishing, and easy to eat even when conditions and stomachs weren’t ideal.

That same philosophy carries into our meals today, perfect for offshore sailors who need nutrition that keeps them sharp without leaving them sluggish, and meals that are palatable even when the sea state is working against you.

Here’s why they’ve become a staple for many sailors:

• Ready in Minutes – Just slip the pouch into hot water or use the flameless heater bag. No waiting around for meals to rehydrate, no juggling pots in the galley.
• Lightweight and Packable – Space is always at a premium on racing yachts. Pouches fit neatly into crew bags and dry lockers.
• Built for Endurance – With a three-year shelf life and high-quality ingredients, they’re designed for extended adventures.
• Variety That Matters – From Slow Cooked Steak & Mash to Coconut Ginger Chicken, meals keep crews satisfied without meal fatigue.

And let’s be honest: after a wet, cold night watch in 25 knots, sitting down to a warm serve of Bolognese instead of a soggy sandwich makes a world of difference.

Straight from the Cockpit: Feedback from the Melbourne–Osaka

One Melbourne–Osaka competitor summed up the value of On Track Meals perfectly:

“On Track Meals significantly reduced the workload during provisioning. Knowing that a large portion of the meals was already sorted meant we could focus our energy on other planning tasks. It simplified the shopping, packing, and storage process, and gave us confidence that we’d have reliable, nutritious meals ready to go.”

When asked about resource use on board, they added:

“While On Track Meals were comparable to other pre-packed hot meals in terms of cooking time and resource use, the simplicity of heating them helped reduce prep and clean-up time. This was especially helpful in conserving water used for washing up after meals. Heat bags were great when we had no gas on board. Flat packaging also made storing waste easy.”

And in terms of flavour and sustenance over a long passage:

“The portion sizes were spot-on and the meals held up well over the duration of the passage. Flavour-wise, the bolognese, chicken curry, and slow-cooked steak were standouts. 

Real-world feedback like this proves that when conditions get tough, On Track Meals delivers not just in convenience, but in taste, nutrition, and practicality.

Supporting Offshore Racing: Sponsoring the Wescoaster

This year, we’re proud to sponsor the Wescoaster, the Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race. Known for its challenging conditions and stunning but unforgiving route down Tasmania’s rugged west coast, the Wescoaster is a true test of seamanship, preparation, and endurance.

It’s exactly the kind of event where reliable, nourishing meals can make a difference. By supporting the race, we’re backing the sailors who push themselves to the limit and making sure they’ve got the fuel to match their ambition.

By Erin Wyatt, Co-founder of On Track Meals

Beautiful 'Belle' by Cas Bukor

Belle Brightens Grey Day with Clean Sweep at WHNR 2025

Belle triumphs in rough conditions during ORCV’s all-female-run WHNR, taking both Line Honours and PHS

MELBOURNE, July 29, 2025 — After months of planning and a strong return in 2022, the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria’s Women’s Helm, Navigator, and Radio Operator Race (WHNR) made another inspiring comeback on Saturday 26 July, reigniting the club’s commitment to creating space for women in offshore racing.

The 26-nautical mile passage race from Royal Brighton Yacht Club (RBYC) to Queenscliff Cruising Yacht Club (QCYC) brought women to the forefront—with 72% of boats led by female sailors in helm, navigator, and radio roles. They were supported by 28% male boat owners and mentors, and the event was run entirely by ORCV’s all-female Race Management Team, led by Race Director Catherine North.

All female race management team - L to R Cas Bukor (photographer), Vicki Bayly (Radio Operator),  Marg Goddard (Incident mManagement Lead) and Catherine North (Race Director and Duxelle owner)

Race day dawned grey and wet, with loitering low-pressure systems overhead—but the energy from the crews couldn’t be dampened. Conditions began with calm seas and 10–15 knot northerlies, but built to gusts of over 20 knots and increasingly confused seas as the fleet neared the finish at the West Channel Pile.

The standout performance came from the 60-foot Belle, helmed by boat owner Kylie Balharrie, who spectacularly surfed under kite down the bay to take Line Honours and 1st PHS. Balharrie beamed, "Great day on the water today,,,,We loved every minute of the downwind race…Awesome day thanks everyone and ORCV for getting behind a fabulous race!”

Close behind was the 36’ X-yacht DuXelle, helmed by Rachel McGuigan (while boat owner Catherine North ran the race), who overcame an early jib issue and executed a perfect racing peel to climb back into contention and finish second on both line honours and PHS only 10 minutes behind Belle.

Duxelle changing jib, by Cas Bukor

Hot on her heels, Michelle Ruskin helmed the Beneteau 393 Martilse into 3rd, just 2.5 minutes behind DuXelle to secure 3rd PHS.

QCYC Commodore Hugh Pilsworth’s Wauquiez 41, Kiela 2, earned a double celebration with helm Pauline Liddiatt taking out the WHNR Novice Helm Award, said " This program has opened the door for me to overcome my doubts and move beyond just being a crew member on board.  I’ve now stepped into roles that carry and required real responsibility on a keelboat, and challenged my abilities.  It’s been a powerful shift from participating to leading.   This program and their mentors are there for you, - offering genuine support and encouragement to keep you sailing..."

Heidi Middleton winning the WHNR Radio Operator Award. Middleton shared, "...The most exciting thing about being a female sailor currently is the opportunity to grow and compete in sailing events that promote and nurture respect, inclusion and building confidence without shame. I now see that it’s totally possible to take on key roles and actually know that my team mates support me and trust me. Participating in the KISS Program and races like the ORCV WHNR means I can see myself doing far more than I ever imagined previously.”

The WHNR Navigators Award for best log documentation was awarded to Belinda Dalli, who joined She’s Apples II, a Jarkan 12.5, on short notice. “Winning the award has boosted my confidence and self belief that I can ‘do this’..., said Dalli, "...It has provided encouragement to continue on my sailing journey and become the best sailor I possibly can be.”

She's Apples II by Cas Bukor

After a long, cold, wet day on the bay, the welcome at QCYC was warm and lively—complete with a roaring fire, pizza oven, hearty comfort food, and a buzz of shared achievement. The camaraderie among crews was palpable.

What’s Next? A Growing Fleet. A Sharper Edge. A Call to Action.

This race had reignited something—now it’s time to build on it.

We’re calling on boat owners who believe in backing potential, and sailors ready to take command of their offshore journey. Whether you’re based in Melbourne, cruising down from Queensland, or crossing from South Australia—this race is gaining momentum, and we want you on the start line.

This isn’t a token event. It’s a proving ground—where confidence is built under pressure, and capability is recognised at every stage of the journey.

Click here to register your interest as a boat owner, volunteer or competitor for 2026