We always value the opportunity to welcome St Catherine’s alumni back to campus, particularly when they can share their experiences and offer meaningful advice to our current students. As part of this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations, we were delighted to welcome Grace (STC2015), who spoke to students about competing in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race aboard Love & War as the only woman on the crew.
Drawing on her experience, Grace encouraged our girls to back themselves and pursue opportunities, even when they find themselves in unfamiliar or male-dominated environments. “Don’t be afraid to be the only woman in the room, or in my case, the only woman on the boat,” Grace said.
While acknowledging the progress that has been made, she noted that many fields, including sport, business, leadership and politics, continue to be dominated by men.
“Being the only woman in the room doesn’t mean you don’t belong there,” she told students. “It means your voice matters and that you bring a different perspective. Let that fuel you.”
Grace also gave students a glimpse into the realities of offshore sailing, describing four demanding days at sea covering more than 600 nautical miles in one of the world’s toughest ocean races. “You’re at sea for days and the weather can change in an instant,” she explained. “The waves can be enormous. In our case, they were more than five metres high. There were no showers, very little sleep and more than 24 hours of seasickness. It was wild.”
Being the only woman in the room doesn’t mean you don’t belong there. It means your voice matters and that you bring a different perspective.
Let that fuel you. Every single person on the boat has a role and you rely completely on each other, and in return you gain experience, friendships, confidence and opportunities you never imagined.
Grace (STC2015)
Despite the challenges, Grace and her crew finished third overall on handicap, an incredible result that she attributes to teamwork and trust.
“We couldn’t have done it alone. Every single person on the boat has a role, and you rely completely on each other,” she said. “In return, you gain experience, friendships, confidence and opportunities you never imagined.”
Grace encouraged students to apply the same mindset at school by supporting one another, embracing teamwork and being willing to step outside their comfort zones. “You never know where those experiences might lead,” she said.
We are fortunate that our students are part of such a strong and generous community of St Cath’s girls, where alumni continue to inspire and support the next generation. Giving our students the confidence to step forward with courage and purpose remains at the heart of what we do, and moments like these are a powerful reminder of the deep strength of that shared legacy.
