Winter series starts

Wild West, Trim, Calibre and Andiamo! win 2023 LGT Crestone Winter Women’s Series opener.


Photography by David Brogan

18 April 2023

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The first of three Winter Women’s Series races for 2023 was staged in style on Sunday 16 April.

This was the CYCA’s first event supported by new naming rights sponsor LGT Crestone.

It was a mixed bag in terms of weather. A grey, drizzly morning soon gave way to sun and increased breeze, which got the fleet of 46 boats across the four divisions around the racetrack in time for celebrations back at the Clubhouse.

It was great to have Chief Operating Office Michelle Inns and Director of Marketing Arianne Miller on hand to watch the race.

The CYCA was also excited to welcome SKYY Vodka onboard as a supporter of the Women’s Series, with cocktail specials served up to reward competitors after the race.

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The women from Wild West were among the winners of Race 1. Hannah Rutherford was at the helm of Past Commodore Paul Billingham and Pete McGee’s Bakewell White Z39, which won Non-Spinnaker Division 1 ahead of Love & War (Christine Horner) and SOLyMAR (Mary King).

Lauren Walsh was at the helm of the Northshore 369 Trim, which won Non-Spinnaker Division 2. Wild Rose (Kate Lynch) and First Light (Daniela Ludwig) were also on the podium.

Christine Short steered Calibre to victory in Spinnaker Division 1, from Amazingrace (Marike Koppenol) and Ciao Bella (Amber French).

Spinnaker Division 2 was won by Andiamo!, helmed by Kirstin Reblin. Farrst Company (Karen Garnett) was second and Clewless (Suze Hardy) third.

CYCA Sailing Manager Tara Blanc-Ramos was encouraged to see some new boats on the scene.

“It was pretty nice out there,” Tara said. “There was a little drop in breeze half way through the race so they went from a 10 to 12 knot northerly and then it swung around to the west, and then it picked up to about 15 to 20 knots.”

“There were a lot of new boats out there, which is great to see. The fleet is building and we are seeing some new competitors, which is a real goal for the Club going forward.”

CYCA Commodore Arthur Lane handed over the helm of his Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 Wilde Rush to Dinah Eagle, who was skipper of an all-female crew on the boat throughout the 2022/23 Sydney Harbour Women’s Keelboat Series.

“It’s a great way to spend a winter’s day, for participants and observers alike,” Commodore Lane said.

Race 2 of the LGT Crestone Winter Women’s Series will be held on Sunday 11 June.

Results available online. Visit the series page for more information.

 

cyca.com.au

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