BLiSS!
There was a sea of pink on Sunday 4th May as Brighton Ladies Skippers’ Series was run at RBYC.
RBYC was established 150 years ago, and for more than 100 years, women were not eligible for full membership. Since 1980 The Associates’ Cup has acknowledged their inclusion, and over the last 15 years, BLiSS has showcased the expansion of women in leadership roles in yacht racing.
On Sunday 16 boats from around the bay, all skippered by women, raced in exhilarating conditions. There were two divisions – the traditional windward-leeward races, and a newly-added non-spinnaker division.
Significant winners were Caledonia, Another Chapter, Serendipity, and Salamander III. (Full results available here)
In April RBYC ran two keelboat training courses for women preparing for BLiSS, generously sponsored by YRSA.
On the day, support was kindly donated by local businesses Yachtmaster, K2 physiotherapy, and Mandy Jackson Independent Nutrimetics Consultant and as always, huge input came from RBYC Sailing Office and race management volunteers.
Thank you to those boat owners who handed over the helm for the day.
Lastly, thank you to all BLiSS competitors! Thanks for joining your fellow female sailing buddies for a day of active racing and celebration. Enjoy wearing your pink polo shirts.
Marnie Irving
Club Captain RBYC
images from the day
