Australia's Gippsland Lakes sailing community gears up to Accelerate Action

Sporting events across the world comprise an exciting component of International Women's Day (IWD) activity.

Australia's Gippsland Lakes sailing community gears up for its own iconic IWD Marlay Point Overnight Race (MPONR).

This brilliant event for women sailors aligns directly with IWD and its Accelerate Action theme. 

"The 2025 IWD theme Accelerate Action signals an “all clear” start for levelling the race course for all female sailors for the future. So no better time to put the “GLOSS” (Gippsland Lakes Overnight Sailing Sisters) on the “2025 Marlay Point Overnight Race Top All Female Crew Trophy” with the award going to the highest-placed all female-crewed boat on handicap," it was reported.

Build, connect, and shine

Anne Delahay, Vice Commodore of Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club has been strongly encouraging women from around Victoria to gather a team and enter this iconic race. “There will be like-minded women to support you all the way. We know women are active sailors in all our yacht clubs and are very keen to develop new skills and build their confidence. Evidence clearly shows that when female specific training and events are provided women shine and bring a new level of enthusiasm to yacht clubs and the sport of sailing. The Riley-Marlay Point Overnight Yacht race provides the perfect experience for women to build their sailing skills and to connect with other women sailors."

All-female boat teams awarded with new trophy

For IWD 2025, the organising authority collaboration adds another history to the race. Recognising the growing emphasis on gender inclusivity within sailing in a historically male-dominated arena, more women are being encouraged to form all-female boat teams to compete and be awarded at the highest levels for their hard work, dedication and skill with a new trophy specifically for women. The new trophy race will awarded to the first yacht to the finish line (excluding the lap of Raymond Island) on corrected time with an all-female crew.

Making history and inspiring future generations of female sailors

Di Floyd from the organising authority commented: "Whether you have experienced the race before or a newcomer to it, the Marlay Point Overnight Race welcomes all to experience some Marlay Magic! The new trophy offers an exciting incentive for female competitors to showcase their talents and determination, to get involved in night sailing and pursue their passion for the sport. It's not just a race; it’s an opportunity to make history and inspire future generations of female sailors.”

A sailing race with a long tradition

Running on the Gippsland Lakes since 1969, the MPONR is the only overnight race for trailer sailors in Australia and has earned the reputation as the Sydney-Hobart for smaller yachts.  The MPONR starts at sunset, when competitors sail across Lake Wellington, through the McLennan Straits into Lake Victoria for the run home to Paynesville. Regarded as Australia’s premier race for trailable yachts and multi-hulls, about 4,000 boats and 11,000 sailors have been involved over the past 50 years, making the Overnight Race a must-do on every trailer sailors bucket list. With a long tradition of fierce competition, stunning views and unforgettable experiences, there is much to enjoy during this iconic race.

"You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop."
- RUMI -