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 KISS program will run every second year.
KISS comes ALIVE in 2025
In 2025, our ‘gap year’, we have devised a program designed to keep out KISS graduates in touch. KISS graduates and future KISS participants are welcome to attend these events,
KISS ALIVE 2025 Events
| Date | Event | Venue | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 March 2025 | International Womens Day: An Evening with Fika | RBYC | |
| 26-27 July 2025 | ORCV Women Skippers, Navigators and Radio Operators Race & Return Sprint | RBYC to QCYC | |
| November 2025 | Program Launch for the 2026 KISS Womens Training Program | TBD |
KISS in 2026
We are working on outr KISS Womens Training Program for 2026 and will be posting our Training Program Schedule soon!
Register for the KISS 2026 Training Program
If you are keen to join the KISS 2026 Training program, please add your name to our Waitlist to keep you updated as we further extend the program's reach and resources.
We look forward to having you aboard!
For further information, please email
2025 Female Keelboat Sailing Events in Victoria
KISS ALIVE - powered by the ORCV and has the support of QCYC.
The ORCV acknowledges Lee Renfree as the KISSTM program Founder.
