24 women from 5 different sailing clubs took part in this year’s AUSPAC
Regatta on 17/18 November. The objective of the regatta for the last 2 years
has been to promote women’s sailing and of course sailing Ynglings. On both
counts the event proved very successful. A half day of class room theory was
followed by on the water training in some very testing conditions (lulls of sub
5 knots gusting to 20 with the odd 360 degree wind shift when close to land!).
Sunday entailed 6 short course races with spinnakers, ably run by the mighty
Catnapa Race Committee (Hamish & Geoff Jarrett) and duck crew of Peter
Lowndes & Trent Goldsack.
The broad diversity of skill levels meant some careful planning of who would
sail with who, with additional coaches provided to beginner crews (thanks to
Gary Pearce). The real joy was seeing everyone’s skill level and confidence
growing.
Team Deja Blue owned the pin at the starts and first place at the finish line.
Team Pourquoi were suitably honored with an award for innovative sailing.
This entailed finding a new way around the leeward mark each time – often
embracing other notable landmarks on the Harbour. Amy Naivasha of Team
Balmain 1 actually had her first experience of helming in the first race of the
day. The team finished 4th in the last race!
There are a great many people who do behind the scenes work to make an
event like this possible – so a heartfelt thank you to all of them. Thank you too
to sponsors Control Plus, Casella Wines and Doyle Sails. It feels worth it when
not only do we have 24 more experienced yachtswomen, but 2 extra boats for
the Nationals and high expectations of more boats at other Yngling events.
Ruth McCance (AUS 27)
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