Women’s Regatta sailed in light airs

Middle Harbour Yacht Club’s 2021 Women’s Regatta was held today in light and tricky conditions, testing competitors and the race management team.

The event attracted 18 entries, with a diverse fleet competing with either all-female crews or a female helm and mixed crew.  Four J/24s sailed as a one-design division.

Race Officers Robyn Tames and Kathy Johnston set up near Sydney Heads for two windward leeward races in a reluctant westerly.   The first race got away on time but the breeze faded, forcing the course to be shortened.  With a weak easterly fighting the established but insipid westerly, there was insufficient wind to get the second race started.  Race 3 was a passage race running between North Harbour and Balmoral.  With the light and unsteady breeze persisting, a shortened course brought all the boats to the line just before 4pm. 

Tracy Richardson sailed the Adams 10 Artemis to a win in Division 2, also claiming the Harken Women’s Trophy for all female crew.  Brooke Wilson’s Elliot 7 from RSYS was second and Anna Alvsdotter on Slac’n Off was third in the division.

Sarah Parker steered the Farr 40 Bluetack to the top of Division 1 with two race wins and secured the Harken Women’s Trophy for female helm and mixed crew.  Deborah Dalziel sailed Exile into second place ahead of Lisa Callaghan’s Sydney 38 Mondo, also an all-female crew. 

Janette Syme and Ace won the J/24 One-Design series on tie-break from Robertina Varga on Innamincka.  Ros Humpreys’ Okavango Delta was third.

Many thanks to the race management volunteers, to Sail Racing for prizes and to the owners who made their yachts available for the day.

Results for the Mixed Keelboat Divisions – click here

Results for the One-Design Division – click here

Thankyou also to Marg Fraser-Martin for the photos.............