After literally months of planning by the dedicated She Sails taskforce, the Pommery Lady Skippers Race was a huge success on Sunday 20th Feb. It was the day when women of all ages were encouraged to get out and have a go. For some it would be their first time ever crewing on a Couta Boat (or any boat!), others it was their first time skippering a Couta Boat and for those more experienced it was the opportunity to take out the best boats in the fleet. The sailors looked the part in She Sails Couta Boat tee-shirts designed by Jos Law and were welcomed by the Couta Boat owners. With an amazing 24 Couta Boats registered with female skippers (16 Division 1 and 8 Division 2), and with the backdrop of the vacated Clubhouse, there was a palpable level of excitement among the female skippers and their mixed-gen crews, all competing for the trophies and magnificent prizes of Champagne and Rosé.
Our all-female Start Boat crew hit the water looking for a place to set up with almost no breeze. With a combination of patience, optimistic anticipation and resetting the course to the 3 different breezes that swirled and agonised that morning, the race was started only a few minutes late, running a triangle course. The breeze was soft at the start- it could have been the only breeze we got – but to everyone’s delight it settled and built on the south westerly course axis that was set and peaked at around 10 knots. Division 1 got off with (almost) a clear start, followed 5 minutes later by the Div 2 fleet of 8 boats.
The race itself went without a hitch, with all sailors enjoying great sailing conditions. Back on shore there was a party-like atmosphere on the Western Lawn as snags were cooked on the barbies, tall tales were told, and everyone enjoyed the hospitality, with drinks generously provided by Sally Law, Chief She Sailor!
Prizes were awarded by Commodore Georgie Silverwood, remarking on the increasing involvement and engagement of our female sailors, of all ages and experience levels across more of our racing, building on the Volunteering, OTB, 2K Team Racing and Sailing Centre programs where we have a great mix already . The podium was shared by Tess Lloyd who skippered the Division 1 Margarita, and our best junior skipper, Elle Sankey helming Division 2 Peter Pan.
Across the board everyone raved that it was not just a great event for women, it was a great event for the club, it felt so inclusive. All in all it was a glamour day!
Special thanks to sponsors Pommery and Raw Materials, who generously awarded each crew a beautiful hamper. Thank you to the SheSails taskforce who put hours into the preparation of this event. Thanks also to the boat owners who loaned their boats out for the event, and the many volunteers and staff who delivered such a great day!
Final Results were:
Division 1
Line Honours – Bella C2016 – Georgina Oakley
1st – Margarita C97 – Tess Lloyd
2nd – The Barra C2013 – Elena Crichetly
3rd – Rhapsody C1999 – Alex Harvey
Division 2
Line Honours – Peter Pan C150 – Elle Sankey
1st – Peter Pan C150 – Elle Sankey
2nd – Mum C57 – Alison Mighell
3rd Duchess C21 – Jane Morgan
