Ten Helms-Women, Ten Boats, Twenty Knots

Beautiful weather, 10 boats with 10 helms-women and crew, finishing under 30 minutes apart (just over 10 mins apart with handicaps applied) after a race in 20 knots or so of breeze. What was not to love about the Ladies Helm Race on Saturday 11 March?

The race attracted 11 boats (one retired during the race) each with a lady helm. It was especially pleasing to see guest crews on board. Guest crew Clare Van Tiel said, “I’d been wanting to get out on the water so when I saw the ‘call for crew’ in the newsletter I grabbed the chance to get a day away from the kids and finally do it.”

To cap it all, Emma Cliffe, DYC Social Officer, was finally the winner after several years as race sponsor through her business, Pilates with Emma. Good things truly do come to those who … right royally deserve them!

Of course, we were all too busy to take photo on the downwind legs (keeping from gybing), and had our hands full on the reach (fighting the tiller). I can vouch for my arms aching pitifully by the end of the race from fighting the weather helm.

However, some pics where shot by menfolk while they struggled to keep their opinions to themselves during the race. And by us all when we finished and devoured the (once again) delicious BBQ rustled up by the Sailing Master and friends and champagne courtesy of Pilates with Emma.

Emma Won! with Crew: Jan and Scout

Scout knows his safe place

Libby (Bella vita) and Paula (indulgence) came 9th and 10th — No worries!

indulgence breaking my arms (Paula)

Karen webster and crew (lambretta)

Last year’s winner, Lyn mason with past commodore and president Peter Strathdee