Over 85 yachts will take to the water this Sunday 26 April for the annual CYCA Ladies Day Race, which is sailed in conjunction with the Great Veterans Race, and marks the opening of the Audi Winter Series 2009. Ladies Day sees women skipper yachts to compete for the Jill McLay Trophy. All of the yachts sailing will also be participating in the Audi Winter Series 2009.
The race also marks the commencement of the Freedom from MS Regatta which is a three race regatta held at various yachts club around Sydney from 26 April – 3 May. Six boats in the Ladies Day fleet will be flying that flag for ‘Freedom from MS’ and host MS guests onboard.
Sue Crafer will take the helm on The SubZero Goat in Spinnaker Division 1. Sue has completed 11 Hobarts and has supported the Australian Sailing team as a physiotherapist for the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
Other yachts participating in Ladies Day include Alpha Carinae, skippered by Debra Barker, who placed first in Non Spinnaker 1 Division at the closing Ladies Day Race 2008; Never a Dull Moment with Denise Wilson at the helm; Occasional Coarse Language skippered by Sarah Goddard-Jones, Shortwave, helmed by Christine Short, LBxx with Cathy Langman skippering, and Mortgage Choice Rumba with Stephanie Cook in charge.
“We are continually seeing women participate in the sport of sailing and throughout the Audi Winter Series. Events like this provide the opportunity for women to take the reins of some magnificent yachts and showcase their prowess on water to their male counterparts,” said Justine Kirkjian, CYCA Sailing Manager.
The Audi Winter Series opening day is on Sunday 26 April, with racing commencing at 11.30am. The winter pointscore series starts the following Sunday 3 May, with 11 pointscore races for eight spinnaker, two non-spinnaker and a Sydney 38OD division. There are currently 130 block entries for the Audi Winter Series with more expected, and casual entries will join as the season progresses. Those wishing to be in the pointscore must block enter before race 4.
As well as great Line 7 gear for the top three in each division, all the divisional placegetters go in the draw for the chance to drive a brand new luxury Audi A6 for the week.
