For the 2024 Waikawa Women’s Regatta RPNYC was represented by Zig Zag Fullstop, Annie and Phantasea. Here’s reports from ZigZag and Phantasea. Photo credit: Waikawa Boating Club.
ZigZag Fullstop crew perspective, Natasha Eccles
Wellington sailing is known for its strong winds and rolling hills. So, as being ZigZag’s usual mainsheet trimmer – I thought we’d find Marlborough Sound’s rugged coastline and swirling winds very familiar. Sailing just outside Waikawa was not uniform. Every race brought about different challenges, which drew out the best tacticians in our crew. There was never a boring moment in racing, our crew was charged up for every match. It kept me on my toes. In the moments where the wind died off we took in the ravishing views the sounds had to offer.
There was a bit of everything for everyone at Waikawa Women’s Regatta. It presents a good opportunity for women to empower one another, and get out there doing something new in the sport we all love. I can say on behalf of ZigZag, we all enjoyed the new challenge and bonding experience. I am a sucker for a strategical race; Waikawa provided. If anything in my opinion, the regatta finished all too quickly!
Phantasea skipper perspective – Carolyn Stephens
Last year I had the privilege of sailing on Ocean Gem with Sarah Reynolds (Skiff) & her Auckland crew. I had the BEST time on & off the water. This year we stepped it up and entered Phantasea in Div 3 (white sails).
Initially, I wasn’t sure I wanted to helm. But having Phantasea in Wellington for 10 weeks, and spending as much time as we could sailing, gave me the extra boost, plus watching a range of the RYA Racing Rule videos. Paul and I did one of the two-handed races (that wasn’t AP/A) and we were happy with how it went. Our good friend, Jane jumped at the chance to be our crew. Jane had last crewed on Distraction at RPNYC in the 90s. The three of us headed over to Waikawa a day early to get some practice in. Paul had ordered a new headsail from Rogue Sails, but the timing was very tight. After some issues with Air NZ, it was delivered just in time and up an hour before the first race.
We headed out to the start line on Friday with a reef in, expecting stronger winds, then decided to shake it out late in the start sequence. Not the greatest start – but that wasn’t the only issue. We weren’t sure where the first mark was, so headed to the other side of the harbour where Div 1 and 2 were going. We soon realised we were heading in the wrong direction and headed back across the harbour towards the other Div 3 boats and eventually spotted Mark 1. Surprisingly we managed to win online. We won online for all but one race, where we let our guard down. We were ahead of the fleet and didn’t expect more racing that day. So down came the sails and we relaxed into a cruisey lunch. Then we heard a race sequence and thought $#%@! Fast crew work got us to the start line before DNS. We did the course (so much easier to follow other boats) and came last! Not our best race – but we had a lot of laughs!
After the first day, lessons were learned and roles better delegated. Saturday was delayed due to no wind, but the time was well spent attending a Racing Rules presentation at Waikawa Club. When we got out to the start line the wind was consistent and a great day of racing was had by all. We were happy to be runner-up on the handicapped results for Div.3. Thanks to Rawiti and Annie for some great racing.
Besides the racing, there are lots of opportunities to mix and mingle with other sailors and supporters. The Taste Marlborough is loads of fun and a great opportunity to sample local delicacies, along with wine and beer. The launch owners very generously ferry us to the chosen bay and are superb hosts enroute – a great start to an amazing weekend. Back at the Waikawa Club we were treated to a surprise visit by the Americas Cup crew and another photo opportunity with the Auld Cup. Thanks to Geoff and Murray from EBYMBC for organising the Friday night dinner for Wellington crews. Saturday was another opportunity to catch up with other crews at Waikawa Club where Prizegiving was held with some cool spot prizes too. Congrats to ZigZag for winning best Crew kit and Annie for representing Wellington as an ALL Women crew.
Huge thanks to all the organisers, volunteers, sponsors, crews and supporters. You all made it an awesome event. Bring on next year. Who knows – we may enter Div 2!