3 January, 2024 – The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is an iconic 628nm race set on the east coast of Australia that draws attention from around the world. Its growing participation of female sailors showcases the changing face of offshore racing. This year, Magenta Project sailors from multiple nations featured in the race, bringing together talented women from across the globe to compete in one of the world’s most prestigious offshore races.
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in female participation in offshore racing, changing the status quo in a traditionally male dominated sport. The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2023 stands as a testament to this progress, with a significant number of female sailors navigating their way across the challenging Bass Strait in this race. This year’s fleet included 121 women sailors and 9 women skippers and owners, including one all-female double-handed team.
Two Magenta sailors making their Sydney Hobart debut are from the UK and Japan. We spoke with Lydia Barber and Arisa Moriya about their offshore sailing experiences and expectations for this iconic race.
Above: Lydia Barber (UK) @lydia_barber_
Lydia Barber, 2022/2023 Magenta alumni from the UK, travelled down under to participate in a delivery crossing, boat work and training sails on Rogers 46 Mayfair at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in the lead up to the big race. Lydia describes her offshore sailing pathway to date.
“I’ve tried to do as much as possible and be ready to hop on a plane at late notice. This year I’ve managed to do quite a bit of sailing, including three Transatlantics, the Fastnet race, and the Middle Sea Race. Super cool to be also doing the Sydney Hobart in the same year.”
Lydia shares more on her experience in the offshore track during the annual Magenta Project mentoring programme.
“When I was in the program I got the opportunity to join Canada Ocean Racing for their Transat race prep, which was great for learning skills and I met a great bunch of people with the same passion for sailing. It’s been nice to see other women around sailing and know a few more names, always a friendly face to go and say hi too … It’s great knowing people before arriving in a new place. The international network is what makes Magenta so helpful.”
After a highly successful year in offshore sailing, Lydia looks forward to expanding her sailing experience in 2024 with some entirely new experiences.
“I’d like to try and do at least a 1600-miler race. I’d also like to try some inshore racing, not something I’ve focused on before. It’s not a Fastnet year so not sure how focused the UK will be on offshore sailing. I’d like to be involved with a program that does overseas training and is based overseas. I’ve got nothing planned yet so will see how it goes! I’d also like to do some more short-handed sailing. I’m happy to go with the flow and take every opportunity that comes up”
Above: Arisa Moriya (Japan) @sailorgirlhq
Arisa Moriya, 2023/2024 Magenta mentee from Japan, moved to Sydney in October 2023 to improve her sailing. Although she didn’t know anyone here, Arisa visited different yacht clubs each day and introduced herself to as many people as possible. Arisa shares more about her experience.
“I am working hard to become a world level offshore racer … I set my goal to participate in the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2023 in order to get more offshore experience. I went sailing everyday to show my skills and attitudes. One of the people I met connected me to the boat Denali, TP52. They gave me an opportunity to do some trials and finally I got a spot for Hobart. I have done the Fastnet Race 2021 on a Class 40. I participated in the Round Hainan Regatta 2023 with an all female crew as navigator. I have done many offshore races as a navigator with one of the best offshore teams in Japan.”
Following her big achievement of participating in the race, Arisa shares more on her goals for the future and how she plans to achieve her long-term goals.
“My next goal is to participate in the Ocean Race. Towards the goal, in 2024, I want to solidify my basic sailing skills. I am going to start a job in the sailing industry. I am going to improve my helming and trimming skills. I’ll take any opportunity to improve my sailing skills at a high level.”
Only 3 months into participating in the current Magenta Project mentoring programme, Arisa explains how the programme has contributed to her achievement so far.
“My mentor Nic Douglass has supported me through monthly mentoring sessions … In the first month, we set goals including participation in the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. She advised me on strategies to achieve my goals. When I had a challenging time because it was really difficult to find a boat for Hobart as a foreigner at the last minute, she supported me by giving me positive words and good advice. She also gave me sailing opportunities and helped with networking. She connected me to the right people using her big network.”
Above: First time Sydney Hobart sailors at Women in Sailing and Supporters Event hosted by Nic Douglass. @sailorgirlhq
On New Year’s Eve, Nic Douglass, a prominent figure in sailing journalism, She Sails ambassador and Magenta Project mentor, hosted the 2nd annual Women in Sailing and Supporters meetup event in Hobart following the race. This gathering provided a platform for female sailors to network, share experiences, and celebrate their achievements. The camaraderie fostered at such events goes beyond the racecourse, creating a supportive community for women in sailing. The women participating in their first Sydney Hobart race, including Lydia and Arisa, received acknowledgment at the event and were celebrated amongst the many prominent women in Australian offshore sailing.
Incorporating female networking events into international regattas, such as the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, is crucial for building a sense of community and empowerment. These gatherings allow women to exchange ideas, share insights, and create lasting connections, ultimately contributing to the growth and success of female sailors in the world of offshore racing. Reach out to The Magenta Project to find out how you can incorporate such events into your next international regatta.
Photos: @lydia_barber_ and @sailorgirlhq
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About The Magenta Project
The Magenta Project is a collective of passionate people committed to developing pathways and generating opportunities for more equity and inclusion in sailing, leading with gender. The UK-registered charity works with a wide range of individuals and organisations around the world to make a positive and progressive impact on the sport of sailing, from grassroots initiatives to partnerships with international events and leagues.
Established by the sailors from the all-female Team SCA in the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-2015, the programme has evolved into a network of men and women around the world who support developing careers in sailing through events and initiatives such as the annual Mentoring Programme. www.themagentaproject.org
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