The 2nd annual Northern Territory Women’s Regatta (NTWR) was held at The Darwin Sailing Club (DSC) over the weekend on 21st and 22nd August 2021 and it was a resounding success. 9 boats, 56 crew and countless volunteers pulled together a fantastic event, even with the local restrictions in place, a few masks weren’t going to hold us back! 

A blend of seasoned and fresh sailors combined to display the best of this event. Designed to promote and increase awareness of women in sailing, this regatta assists female sailors to improve racing skills, leadership and decision-making and to challenge themselves to compete with like-minded women. We aim to create friendships and to ensure all competitors and volunteer sailing experiences at DSC are not only educational but fun and rewarding.

Light winds early both days made the short windward/leeward courses a lesson in sail trim, tactical skills and patience! Happily, the afternoon sea breezes brought some speed to the Darwin Harbour courses with spectacular kite sets and cohesive crews making the most of the conditions.

A local ‘legend’, Jenny Simondson on her Farr 11.6 ‘Zanzibar’, with her crew of 8, took out a combined Mono and Multihull Division 1 with a comprehensive 5 race victory. Division 2, the small Monos, was a hard-fought event with lots of jostling for position. Fiona McManus and crew on the S80 ‘The Cleaning Lady’ pulled 4 out 5 line honours and ‘cleaned up’ in the Division 2 results.

We did miss our friends from across borders this year, with 2 Elliott 7 crews and more than a dozen people unable to attend but we are already planning a huge welcome next year.

Lock in the 6th and 7th August 2022. We want to see you in the NT!