1 November 2004

Overseeing the event, Carol Middleton, from the RCYC Ladies Association, has been hard at work securing prizes, donations and guest speakers, and generally raising awareness of this unique annual sailing event. Last year’ s inaugural regatta attracted 16 entries overall in both the spinnaker and non-spinnaker classes.

This year, the 12 competing yachts sailed on a beautiful sunny day, but with winds seeming to blow in all directions. Jackie Brand on Impact “found the breeze” and secured first place on Club Handicap in the spinnaker class. The non-spinnaker class first place was awarded to Karina Haines on Suidoos II. Line-honours were taken by Dominique Provoyeur on After You. Sadly, due to a shoulder injury and two very painful operations, Marion Cole, internationally acclaimed skipper, will not be defending her title this year, but assures us that she will be involved from the shore side of things and hopes to be back on the water by the end of the year.

Now in its second year, the regatta has gone a long way towards encouraging and supporting lady skippers and crews to become more prominent in the local racing scene. Whilst RCYC is fortunate to boast of a number of highly accomplished and competent lady skippers and crew amongst the existing fleet, there is still plenty of scope and opportunity for more women to become involved at all levels of sailing. Lion of Africa Insurance Company support the initiative of women and in acknowledgement of Women’s Day, view sponsoring this race a commendable opportunity to show such support.

Fred Robertson, Chairman of Lion of Africa Insurance says: “Lion is proud to support the race. We don’t see this as a one-off investment but as a long-term commitment to helping women and female sailors from all walks of life empower and assert themselves in areas generally dominated by men”.

Viva le femme!!