Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron has officially named its newest rescue boat Gai Clough, in honour of the Squadron’s first female Commodore and the woman who helped inspire the very first Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta (AWKR) back in 1991.

The boat was unveiled with a special sail-past in front of this year’s AWKR competitors and RMYS members. Watching on were past Commodore Les Clough and his daughter Sarah Clough,  a regular competitor in the regatta and back again this year.

It was a fitting moment to recognise Gai’s legacy in front of the community she helped shape.

Gai was instrumental in encouraging more women into keelboat sailing, and her passion for the sport continues to shine through every year the regatta is held. The new rescue boat will carry her name into the future, a small but meaningful tribute to someone who made a big impact on our Squadron and the sport.