Ten very excited and passionate NT female sailors exchanged their shorts and sun-hats for thermals and beanies for the 29th Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta which was held at the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron 8-10 June.

NT Team ‘Arafura Bubbles’ mixed in well with the hot international fleet inclusive of Olympians, short-handed offshore sailors and a foiling Moth building sailor which were among the record 40 entries from Australia and New Zealand.

It was not only a tremendous experience for the NT team but also for over 250 female sailors involved. The weather was superb, great 8 - 15 knot winds with a few big gusts to add lots of challenges, a distinct lack of sleety rain and enough sunshine to make all that wet weather gear seem superfluous at times.

But it was Melbourne after all and the wind ramped up on the last day of sailing. The 20-25 knots predicted, surprised the fleet with gusts at 33 knots just as everyone hit the start line. There was plenty of drama and excitement for all, included a collision or two, a de-masting and a shredded spinnaker amongst the fleet.  Luckily the NT team came out unscathed.

The DSC ‘Arafura Bubbles’ performed beautifully throughout the regatta in the S80 Division. ‘Mood Indigo’ crew: Fiona McManus (skipper), Christine Knight, Merrilyn Diverall, Anna Spartelis and Kelly Wilson managed a couple of podium places on handicap, whilst the ‘Outlaw’ crew:  Karen Geach (skipper), Jennifer Telfer, Edel Doyle, Jeanette Spark and Robin Knox were awarded ‘Most Improved’ over the Series, which also included a podium place in Race 5, on handicap.

Congratulations to both crews who represented the Darwin Sailing Club so well. Interest in sailing amongst the NT girls and especially in competing in the AWKR is growing and it is hoped to be able to enter 3 x teams of 5 for the 30th anniversary event next year.

Get more information and results by clicking here.

Many thanks to the DSC, She Sails and NT Govt for their generous sponsorship. And to the owners of The Cleaning Lady and Glass Onion for making their boats available for training in the NT prior to the event.