Champions of WOWW
Published 13:23 on 19 Mar 2024
Over 130 women, aged from 15 to 78, on 22 boats took to the waters for another successful Evolution Sails Women on Water Weekend (WOWW) hosted by Gulf Harbour Yacht Club. The three-day event focuses on encouraging women to take up the sport of keelboat sailing in an environment where they feel supported and able to meet fellow female sailors who are keen to share their knowledge and experience. This year the event included a team from Australia who skippered a boat from local Gulf Harbour Yacht Club member, Peter Strathdee. The Aussie crew is keen to replicate the WOWW model over the ditch, providing opportunities for women to enjoy a weekend on the water, meeting new people and learning a new skill. "Warm hospitality and close racing in challenging conditions made the Gulf Harbour Yacht Club's 'Women on Water Weekend' well worth the trip from Sydney. Specials thanks to the sponsors and Volunteers!" Lyn Evans, Balmain Yacht Club, Sydney
Friday gave all crews an opportunity to meet each other and boat owners, many of whom had little or limited experience. Then on Saturday the challenging weather provided an exhilarating three races managed by Red Beach based Race Officer, Celia Carson and was beautifully captured by Live Sail Die Photographer, Georgia Schofield. Sunday however, witnessed the boats sitting like ducks in the water as no wind equated to no racing. Instead, the crews took to the water for an Autumnal dip before heading back to the clubhouse for final prize giving. Raynor Haagh, National Sport Development Director from Yachting New Zealand attended the prize giving: "Initiatives such as the Women on Water Weekend play a crucial role in fostering greater female engagement in our sport and it is encouraging to see that these events are not only gaining in popularity domestically but are also being recognised in other countries."
A massive thanks to our all our local sponsors who made this event happen: Auckland Yacht & Boating Association, Baldry & Sanford, Bay Marine Insurance, Burnsco Marine, Chains Ropes & Anchors, Hibiscus Marine Coatings, Live Sail Die, PredictWind & South Pacific Marine.
Division A Series Positions: 1st Pace; 2nd Fez, 3rd Azure
Division B Series Positions: 1st Korora, 2nd Rene Chance, 3rd Glory Days
View the photos from Live Sail Die: https://www.ghyc.co.nz/woww/woww-2024-gallery
Last updated 13:23 on 19 March 2024
