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A grandmother with her daughters and grand daughter were among nearly 30 women who participated in the inaugural Bay of Islands WOW (Women on Water) weekend recently.
The boats anchored at Urupukapuka for the Saturday night.
The objective of the course was to promote a passion for sailing and enhance confidence and competence in sailing and boat handling skills, regardless of starting base.
Some had considerable experience, including some who had competed in international sailing events, and there were also offshore sailors, club racers, and local cruisers to first-time sailors.
“It was a wonderful first sailing experience, " said Kay Russell, a sailing novice. "I loved staying on Kokako and being part of the team. Good company, good food, beautiful environment, supportive learning experience... it was a fantastic weekend. I would like to learn more and have more sailing experience.”
The weekend started at Opua Cruising Club on Friday evening when crews were finalised, a couple of short video clips were played and there was a review of the weather forecast and passage planning.
Friday night's briefing.
The crews assembled on their boats on Saturday morning and were briefed on vessel operation and safety equipment. With following winds of 15-20 knots and gusts around 25 knots, the boats all made very fast passages to the beautiful anchorage at Urupukapuka. Enroute, boats had POB (person overboard) drills and the team aboard Liaison had a realistic practice when one of the younger crew members decided to throw their practice person (an old lifejacket) for a second POB rescue without any warning. Great work on the pointing and resuscitation.
Once the fleet was safely anchored, all the sailors met for a delicious shared meal ashore. There was plenty of food, lots of laughter, sailing stories and a few fun prizes awarded. For various reasons, each boat won a bottle of bubbly.
There was plenty of time for a picnic.
Crews had time for swimming and walks ashore on Sunday morning before a nice beat home. With a short stop at Motuarohia (Roberton) Island for lunch, all the boats and crews were safely back at Opua by Sunday afternoon. Those who could attended a final debrief at Opua Cruising Club on Sunday evening.
“[It was] so empowering for all of us," said Rose Loveridge. "A highlight for me was the buzz my three young women got. You planted a seed in each of them. I'll make sure I water and nurture their new-found love of sailing. Who knows? Next year they could take their own boat in the WOW weekend.”
The WOW weekend was organised by Julie Kidman from Great Escape Sailing School and Hire Boats.
Carousel on the way home.
