The South Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta was a great success! Hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia (CYCSA) over the recent October long weekend, the State’s first all-women regatta was enthusiastically supported by local sailors and sailing communities, notably PASC and RSAYS, and drew on competitors from around the state and across the borders.

Well over 100 women competed in the 6 race regatta in spring weather that tempted supporters and spectators to get out and enjoy the on-water spectacle. The 21 boat fleet was divided into two sections with the majority racing in Gulf St Vincent off North Haven and the trailerables racing in the Port River off the Port Adelaide Sailing Club. In the sure hands of Principal Race Officer Lou Hutton (from RMYS), the mixed fleet was able to make the most of the sea state and wind shifts to guarantee a competitive and highly enjoyable regatta, finishing with a flourish of wind on the last day. 

Division 1 boats were well-matched with Janet Thornley (RSAYS) on Balancing Act 2 and Jacqui Cole    on Clockwork rotating for first and second on PHS with Balancing Act 2 taking first place overall.

Division 2 saw Barbara Beecham (PASC) skippering Stella Rouge to a hard won victory against Sarah Clough (RMYS) on Team Georgia with Anne-Marie Meegan and Helen Klingsporn (CYCSA) co-skippering Sahara to claim third overall.

The CYCSA’s new Elliott 7s made a good showing with some fine close racing between Madeline Salter (Musto), Lesley Roberts (Foodland), Jo Mitton (Rinaldi GFB) and Karen Butcher (Footers), with Salter (1st), Roberts (2nd) and Mitton (3rd) taking out podium finishes on PHS and Line Results.

Racing in the Port River showcased boats from the Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club (GRYC) with Foxy and Elanora, and Kungari and Girlzown in paired battles over the six races. A big tide on the first day, bullets between massive sheds on the western bank and shifting winds made it tricky to avoid missing the edges of the channel and still come out in front. Mounting a successfully consistent campaign over the three days, Jo Pilmore on Foxy went on to claim the overall win. 

Monday’s final presentation of trophies and prizes was attended by her Excellency the Governor of South Australia, the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, the Deputy Premier Susan Close, Port Adelaide Enfield Councillors and other guests along with a huge crowd of enthusiastic women sailors who had had a great weekend.

This is a regatta to put in your diaries for next year. Don’t miss it!