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More than 120 women, aged from 13 to 85 years participated in the inaugural Evolution Sails Women on Water Weekend (WOWW), hosted by Gulf Harbour Yacht Club from March 10-12.
The event aimed to provide an opportunity for women of all ages to get out on the water and increase their confidence and enjoyment regardless of prior experience or expertise.
Organisers say WOWW was a huge success and proved that sailing is most definitely a ‘sport for life’. Memories were made and friends gained over the event, with women attending from as far afield as Christchurch, New Plymouth and Taupo to take part.
Complete novice sailors had the opportunity to experience sailing for the first time, as well as competing with and against some of New Zealand’s top female sailors, such as Karleen Dixon.
Day one of racing was described by many as “exhilarating’ and ‘challenging”, with strong south westerly winds and choppy seas testing the fleet, but also allowing some fun, fast racing, not to mention a few upset stomachs.
Crews enjoyed perfect sailing conditions on day two to complete racing followed by prizegiving back at the yacht club.
Karleen Dixon and her crew won the spinnaker division on local yacht Planet X. The non-spinnaker division was won by Sandspit yacht Rene Chance, skippered by Amanda Wilson.
Gulf Harbour Yacht Club rear commodore, Diane Lindsay, says the club appreciated the support of sponsors and volunteers both on and off the water.
She says the event brought “a fantastic positive vibe” around the club and everyone is already looking forward to next year’s WOWW.
Action on the water, as Satisfaction passes Toyshop. Photos, Suellen Hurling, Live Sail Die, The winning crew of Rene Chance combined locals and women from all over the country – from left, Xtina Manuela of Manly; owner/skipper Amanda Wilson, of Matakana; Alison Evans of Christchurch; Lennie McCabe of Red Beach and Kama Burwell from New Plymouth. Photo Sarah Morgan.
