Manly Yacht Club 2014 Helly Hansen Women's Challenge

Graduates from the RSYS LOTS (Ladies of the Sea) program joined Yngling sailors to participate in the Manly Yacht Club Helly Hansen Women’s Challenge on Sunday March 23.  The regatta attracted a record 55 entries. Saturday racing was for the Access 303, Lasers and Optimist while Sunday was racing for the yachts.  There were numerous divisions with both female helms with a mixed crew and all female crews.

The Yngling fleet started after both Division 1 and Division 2 yachts and raced around the northern end of Sydney Harbour.  Some of the LOTS ladies had never sailed in a Yngling before, had never competed in a race before, had never helmed in a race, or had ever sailed under spinnaker.  It was a big day by the time boats were launched, towed to Manly, raced and towed back to Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron to be hauled out.  

Conditions were perfect with a blue sky and a 10 to 12 knot north easter.  Unfortunately WYANDOT lost its main halyard halyard up the mast before the start. The reception and help when they arrived at MYC was fantastic. Although they did not get to race the crew enjoyed some great hospitality and advise on the deck at Manly Yacht Club.

It was smiles all round over a glass of champagne at the end of a long day back at Manly Yacht Club for the presentation.  Sailors were thrilled to receive certificates and Helly Hansen prizes as well as exchange the days experiece.

Final handicap results:

1)   AUS 58 Holly: Emma May, Charlie Gundy, Kathleen Sweeney 
2)   AUS 40 Debacle: Fiona Carter, Ellis Todres, Helen Impey 
3)   AUS 56 Blackadder: Gay Lavery Ruth McCance Gary Pierce 
4)   AUS 59 Evie Kate McCallum Sue Armstrong Karyn Gojnich

DNF AUS 4 Wyandot: Bryan Ridell, Joanna Klaus

Many thanks to Hansoff and Hamish Jarret for the tow, and to Yngling sailors Gary Pierce, Ellis Todres, Ruth McCance, Helen Impey and Bryan Ridell for supporting both the regatta and getting Ynglings involved in the regatta.

Make a note in your diary -  March 2015 Manly Yacht Club will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Helly Hansen Women's Challenge.  

 © 2014 Crosbie Lorimer - AUS 58 Holly: Emma May, Charlie Gundy, Kathleen Sweeney

© 2014 Crosbie Lorimer  AUS 59 Evie Kate McCallum Sue Armstrong Karyn Gojnich

For more details including a video of the days racing see Manly Yacht Club webstite