Inspiring speakers announced for 2024 SheSails Conference

Jenny Armstrong OAM

Jenny Armstrong is an Olympic gold medallist in sailing, having made history with Belinda Stowell by winning Australia’s first women’s sailing gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Originally from New Zealand, Jenny has represented both nations across three Olympic Games. She is now the Women’s Sailing Manager at Yachting New Zealand, where she focuses on increasing female participation and retention in the sport, as well as coaching youth and development programs.

Pinar Cozur

International Race Officer Pinar Cozur recently worked as the Principal Race Officer at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, making her the first Woman in history to hold the position at an Olympic Games. From Istanbul, Cozur’s resume shows an impressive history of dedication to and with the sport of sailing, having also officiated at other major, international competitions – including the Olympics and Paralympics – prior to Paris 2024.

Nicole Douglass (Host)

Nic Douglass, also known as the “Sailor Girl,” is a renowned Australian sailor, multi-platform journalist, commentator, and media personality. Douglass started sailing at a young age and has been successful in numerous international regattas and championships. Her love for the sport led her to pursue a career in sailing journalism, where she has become a well-respected and prominent figure in the sailing world, especially in regards to diversity and inclusion.

Karyn Gojnich OLY

Karyn Gojnich has represented Australia at three Olympic Games (1988, 2004, 2008) and competed in numerous World, European and National Championships. Gojnich is a prominent figure in sailing governance, serving as a board member of Yachting Australia and being elected Vice-President of the Oceania Sailing Federation (OSAF) in 2015. She is currently Rear Commodore of Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and Deputy Chief Keelboat Instructor for Australian Sailing.

Evie Haseldine OLY

One half of the 49er FX duo who set sail in Marseille, Evie Haseldine made her Olympic debut at Paris 2024. In addition to sailing herself, Haseldine is passionate about encouraging others to take part in the sport, and will be taking part in the 2024 Zhik YouthSail NSW between now and the Conference to help coach and foster the next generation of female sailors.

Zoe Thompson OLY

Hailing from Perth, ILCA 6 sailor Zoe Thompson also made her Olympic debut at Paris 2024. A member of the Australian Sailing Team since 2018, Thompson transitioned through a competitive youth sailing career that saw her Youth World Champion in 2016 and Australian Champion in Open Skiff, Laser 4.7, Laser Radial, National 125.

Breiana Whitehead OLY

The first sailor to be selected for the Olympic Games, Breiana Whitehead is Kitesufer from Townsville in North Queensland. Whitehead shot onto the international scene in 2019 when she won a bronze medal at the Formula Kite World Championships and has since gone on to deliver other impressive results, including Gold at the 53rd Trofeo Princesa Sofia (part of the 2024 Sailing World Cup).