Newcastle SheSails Open Regatta CREDIT Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club

RSYS members Danielle Gerace, Rhian Hughes, Natasha Miller and Karyn Gojnich last weekend joined Newcastle Yacht Club’s She Sails Open Regatta. Eight teams contested the event raced in the club’s fleet of Elliott 6s.

It was a challenging weekend with six races on Saturday in a light and shifty ENE breeze, overcast and raining. On Sunday there were five races in a hot and gusty north-westerly breeze. The race course was on Newcastle Harbour and the frequent shifts, random gusts on top of the changing current across the course, demanded that all crews anticipate ‘what's next’. It was a spectacular amphitheater for spectators in the waterfront cafes and restaurants lining the shore.

Newcastle SheSails Open Regatta CREDIT Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club

Racing was close and positions changed regularly. Our team, the core of whom had also contested the Darwin SC’s Women’s event in August quickly adapted to the Elliott 6. Racing with the symmetrical spinnakers in the shifty conditions proved challenging for all. Ultimately we all agreed, sailing in different waters and conditions helps you grow your understanding. It is also really enjoyable to sail against other competitive women of mixed ages.

Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club is also hosting a development regatta on Saturday 2nd March & Sunday 3rd March 2024. The event is for female sailors who have typically completed introductory start crewing/helming, plus introductory start racing and spinnaker courses.

As development level sailors, you will build your skills with one of NCYC’s Mentor Skippers.

The She Sails Open Regatta will be run again next year in late November.

Newcastle SheSails Open Regatta CREDIT Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club