The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) will celebrate female leadership in sailing this Sunday, 24 May, when the Gwen Slade Women’s Skipper Etchells Regatta returns to Pittwater with a strong fleet of accomplished helmswomen competing aboard the Club’s Etchells fleet.
Named in honour of Gwen Slade, a respected figure in Australian sailing and a passionate advocate for women in the sport, the regatta has become a highlight of the RPAYC winter sailing calendar, showcasing both emerging and experienced female skippers in one-design keelboat racing.
This year’s fleet features nine teams representing a diverse mix of club sailors, competitive racers and experienced campaigners:
- 2107 Racing | Bayley Taylor
- DOT | Ali Hobbs
- Flirtation | Helen Wood
- Grand V | Liz Charles
- Greybeard | Hannah Lanz
- Karabos | Jenny Danks
- Sea Wings | Alice Lydement
- TBA beta | Elaine Fowler
- Wimmera | Sue Burk
Racing will take place on the waters of Pittwater in the highly tactical Etchells class, renowned worldwide for close one-design competition where crew work, boat handling and race strategy are critical.
The event continues RPAYC’s long-standing commitment to supporting participation pathways for women in sailing, while providing an opportunity for sailors of all experience levels to compete in a friendly but highly competitive environment.
Club officials expect tight racing throughout the fleet, with several experienced skippers and crews bringing extensive offshore, one-design and club racing credentials to the start line.
Spectators and supporters can follow the event and regatta information via the RPAYC website: https://rpayc.com.au/the-gwen-slade-womens-skipper-etchells-regatta/
Regatta Briefing 1030hrs followed by the first warning signal is scheduled for Sunday morning at 1155hrs, with post-race presentations and celebrations to follow at RPAYC.