The rain cleared and the sun came out, winds remained constant at around 15 knots S/SSW for the second race day in this year’s Port Phillip Women’s Challenge Series. The Jennifer Goldsmith Trophy hosted at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron on March 14. The seas created some challenging conditions when swell, wind and tidal flow met out on the course. There was, however, plenty of energy on the water and in the bar this week as competitors gained confidence with the sailing season back under way, with the easing of restrictions.

It was an aggressive start with several boats pushed out as they jockeyed for position on the line, and there were a couple of close port-starboard calls during the race.  

Janina Goethel at the helm of the 40-footer Arcadia was a popular winner from the host club, taking out Line Honours, IRC, AMS and the Jennifer Goldsmith Perpetual Trophy for PHS for the female helm only division.

It was Janina’s first time at the helm of the boat, making her achievement doubly impressive. She said it was the support of the regular crew that gave her the confidence to steer the boat. Janina said she enjoys office and trim when she races on the boat as a regular member of the crew on the bay and in ocean races.

Another first-time skipper in the race was Carin Campbell on Buck. Carin says stepping up for her was like going from “hand washing to being in a washing machine” but she believes you learn more under pressure as it’s “do or die”, there is nothing like it. Buck has a mixed crew of 4 women and 4 men and mentors’ younger women to give them experience of racing. Carin says “it’s a case of finding your tribe, knowing what to do and then executing on it”. She completed a keelboat course at RMYS and will soon be doing a Yachtmaster course at RBYC to build her skills and confidence even more.

Past Commodore of RMYS Linda Goldsmith was delighted with the 19 strong fleet who took to the water coming out of the Covid fog. She was pleased to see some new faces including Swallow, an Explorer 16 skippered by Sue Burke from the Williamstown Sailing Club placing second in the Jennifer Goldsmith Trophy. The Goldsmith family remain actively involved in the event personally selecting the trophies and showing support on the day.

Serious Yahoo from RBYC skippered by Katie Holroyd placed second on the day in both IRC and AMS and equal third with Ca Bouge from RMYS skippered by Liah Hunter in the Jennifer Goldsmith. Salamander 3 from RMYS skippered by Club Captain Monica Jones was third on IRC and Red Dog also from RMYS skippered by Yvette De Haan was third on AMS on the day.

The contest for the Port Phillip Women Championship Series winner is hotting up with Serious Yahoo taking the overall lead for the Series in IRC and AMS and Swallow for PHS.

There are still three races left in the Port Phillip Women’s Championship Series. 

The next race day in the series is the Women in Sailing Challenge (WISC) at Sandringham Yacht Club this Sunday 21^st March.

To register for the Women in Sailing Challenge at Sandringham Yacht Club this Sunday click link here Women in Sailing Challenge 2021 ~ 21st March 2021 ~ TopYacht Entry System

To enter the rest of the races and the Series click link below.

Port Phillip Women's Championship Series 2020-21 ~ 2020 ~ 2021 ~ TopYacht Entry System

For all the full results of the Jennifer Goldsmith Trophy and Port Phillip Women Championship Series results click link below.  Results - Australian Sailing - SheSails