RQYS Mainsheet 2021

Women on Water (WoW!)

FEATURE

For RQYS Sailing Academy Coordinator KARYN RALPH, it’s all about leadership, sharing knowledge and empowering others in the arts of decision-making and problem-solving.

“I’ve also worked in learning support in a schools and working in that kind of setting ashore really gives you a good background into what works on water. “I want to make it inclusive and get all the kids involved, and in the future bring more people out on the water and give everyone an opportunity to try sailing – it’s a great way to see Moreton Bay socially and you come have a go and at any age.” Karyn has helped steer many women through a range of introductory RQYS programs and admits to more than a frisson of pleasure at watching them ‘graduate’ to events like WAGS, She Sails and Div.Yachts racing. “The Squadron is probably the biggest of its kind in Queensland for sailing programs and opportunities,” Karyn muses, “with so many pathways for women of any level of experience, and at any age, to come and belong.”

“My kids have been into sailing and I love watching the parents’ reactions and the kids’ development here over time, from coming through as small children and seeing them grow – and by how much! – and the relationships you see through the Youth Squad and where they go on to dinghies and yachts and they all show a real sense of accomplishment! Our current Laser 4.7 Youth Squad is 50/50 with about 11 girls, and it is so good to see them come through – they love racing and it teaches them decision-making. Some of them are just eight or nine years old when they start sailing and over the time they grow hugely as little people, gaining confidence, challenged to work out solutions and developing a whole range of transferrable skills.” It’s how you conduct yourself as coach or instructor, says Karyn, and how reflect yourself as role models to any of the young boys and girls here at RQ.

FEATURE • WoW!

Originally starting her career in the Defence Force, over the years holding a number of administration positions, and as a mother to two, Karyn’s finely-honed organisational skills well equipped her when she stepped up to her present role 18 months or so ago, with only a few years as an RQYS member after relocating the family from Victoria. Sailing is a sport that brings the family together, Karyn says and, whether it’s sailing itself, or volunteering in one of the many support roles, there’s always a job or everyone in the family to be involved in some way.

Mainsheet 2021

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