About the KISS program
In 2022, QCYC's first female commodore, Lee Renfree, had a vision to provide a program "for women by women". The KISS (Keelboat Introduction to Sailing Savvy) is a program developed to provide introductory level information and experience in a supportive team environment to empower aspiring female keelboat sailors to transition from “passengers” to confident active “participants”. We welcome all women who are interested in starting to sail or learn new skills in sailing, to join the KISS Women’s Training Program, which will run in 2026. The only prerequisites are commitment and a keenness to learn.
The 2026 KISS Training Program
The 2026 KISS Training Program is coming soon! Registration will open in mid-November.
Please register your interest using the Waitlist button and we will contact you about the program.
Cost for the 2026 program: $400 for ORCV members, $480 for non-members.
To join ORCV click here
| Date | Event | Venue | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:30 pm Monday 10 November 2025 |
Meet the KISS Community - join us for dinner, listen to our guest speakers discuss their adventures beyond KISS, and hear about the 2026 KISS program. Our guest speakers include Michelle Ruskin (KISS 2024), Kim Lawler (KISS 2023) and Wayne Seaward (participating boat owner 2024). Our MC for the evening is Melissa Warren (KISS 2024 and ORCV Media). This event is not included in the 2026 KISS program and requires a separate booking and payment |
Hobson's Bay Yacht Club | |
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EVENTS INCLUDED IN THE 2026 KISS TRAINING PROGRAM: |
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| Date | Event | Venue | |
| 7.00pm Wednesday 15 April 2026 | Introductory session - Meet your KISS Boat Team | In-person, Royal Brighton Yacht Club | |
| 7.00pm Tuesday 21 April 2026 | Personal gear and boat preparation | In-person, Melbourne City Marina, Docklands | |
| 7.00pm Tuesday, 5 May 2026 | Weather and tides | Online | |
| 7.00pm Tuesday, 12 May 2026 | Intro to Navigation | Online | |
| 7.00pm Tuesday 26 May 2026 | Navigation with Navionics | Online | |
| 9.00am Sunday 14 June 2026 | Safety workshop |
In-person, Elwood Sailing Club |
|
| 7.00pm Tuesday 7 July 2026 | Passage planning | Online | |
| 7.00pm Thursday 30 July 2026 | KISS Rally briefing | Online | |
| Saturday 1 August to Sunday 2 August 2026 | KISS Rally to Queenscliff Cruising Yacht Club | On-water | |
We look forward to having you aboard!
For further information, please email
The ORCV acknowledges Lee Renfree as the KISSTM program Founder.
