The first woman flag officer (Vice Commodore) at LMYC, Pam Parker, probably never really expected to be sailing competitively with her granddaughters, but on Sunday (16th January, 2022) a little bit of history was made.

The Parkers have been a visible presence at LMYC for years. Always competitive & involved at the club, & when approached & asked to enter the inaugural SheSails Regatta, there was no hesitation. No males were allowed on board though, this was a day out for the women in the family.

Kylie steered the family’s J24 (‘The Shed’), with Pam as first mate instructing her granddaughters.

They clearly had fun. They had time for a beer down wind & there were lots of smiles all round. 

L to R : Ellie McVey, Georgia McVey, Matisse Parker, Pam Parker, Alex McVey, Kylie Parker.

The wind on the day was predicted to be about 7-12 knots, S to SSE, but it filled in and at times gusts were up to 20 knots. The women on the course all handled the conditions well & the buzz in the marquee after the race clearly indicated that they had all enjoyed extending themselves a little. 

It was a great day on the water with boats from LMYC, NCYC, RMYC – Toronto, & WASC competing. The handicap start for the non-spinnaker event meant that novices & those unfamiliar with their borrowed boats weren’t intimidated on the course

Race Place Getters

FIRST : Lyn McAllister helming ‘Ruffian’ (WASC)

SECOND : Erika Markanen-Haire helming ‘Dreamweaver’ (WASC)

THIRD : Mandy Maddox helming ‘Sheer Pleasure’ (LMYC)

Photographs courtesy of Gemma Burns from Australian Sailing & Jack Buchan, Sailing Manager at NCYC

LMYC is planning to include this race in the annual sailing calendar, so be sure to enter next time. It’s going to be bigger & better.

Many thanks to our sponsors : LMYC, Marine Outlet, Carole Wright & Crusoes on the Lake

Facts & Stats

• 20 boats raced
• There were 91 women on the water, including our race officer Judith Bradford
• Fastest time : ‘Fathom’, steered by Jan Howard from NCYC
• Best start : ‘Misguided’, steered by Jessica Thatches representing WASC

Full race results are found here:

http://www.lmycraceresults.com.au/results/2021/tyregattas/shesails2022/01RGrp1.htm