An all-Air Force women’s crew has claimed second place in both the Elliott 7 One Design and Performance Handicap divisions at the South Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta in Adelaide.

The team, skippered by Flying Officer Orla Gray, comprised Flight Lieutenant Alexandria Clarke, Sergeant Ingrid Kogler, Corporal Arianne Barry and Leading Aircraftwoman Maddison Clark.

Originally planned as a joint Australian Defence Force entry, last-minute withdrawals meant the crew became an all-Air Force lineup competing against experienced civilian teams, including a strong contingent from Western Australia.

Despite most members having limited keelboat racing experience, the crew excelled through outstanding teamwork and quick thinking under pressure.

They were the only full military team among seven Elliott 7 entries at the regatta, hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia.

'Our military background helped enormously.'

Sergeant Ingrid Kogler, a logistics specialist with 15 years’ service who has only been sailing Elliott 7 keelboats for the past 12 months, described the weekend as a career highlight.

“What we lacked in experience we made up for in teamwork,” Sergeant Kogler said.

“We had a lot of laughs on the boat and recovered quickly from any mishaps. Finishing first in the very last race and being the only team to beat the Western Australian crew was an incredible high.”

Challenging conditions tested the crew across the weekend, with strong winds and choppy seas on day two pushing the small seven-metre Elliott 7s to their limits.

“Our military background helped enormously,” Sergeant Kogler said.

“We were used to clear communication, short, sharp orders and reacting quickly when things went wrong. Everyone knew their role and we just pulled together.”

Flying Officer Gray called the result the perfect ending to a busy year of sailing.

“Developing women in yacht racing has been my passion project and leading an all-RAAF female crew at this regatta was extremely rewarding,” she said.

“Coming away with second place in both divisions is a testament to an incredible team.”

The achievement caps a strong 2025 for Flying Officer Gray, who also competed in Exercise North Sail and is preparing for the Cabbage Tree Island Race and her second Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race this month.

The team hopes to reunite for next year’s regatta, with several members already planning their return to Adelaide.