The Women's Open Regatta started as a way to get more women into sailing. The base rule was simple, a woman must be at the helm for the entire race. What has been beautiful to watch is interest grow and now we see boats with all-female crews.  We also tried something a little different this year. In June, the pursuit start for the Blake Van Winkle proved so popular we made it the start for the Women's Regatta. 15 boats got their staggered start and enjoyed a mix of winds for 7 NM.

Congratulations to Blue Streak, helmed by Teresa Eckersley, winner overall and of the QCYC Split One fleet, and second place finisher, Maya Rukavina aboard Fritha, with Mary Ann Tevlin and her Bandoleer crew in third. In the Split Two fleet, Alix McLaughlin helmed Seraphina to a first-place finish, Amanda Thambirajah at the wheel of Panache came in second, Borne Home driven by Lisa Parra was third. Skipper Amanda Karahanas on Abrabacadabra led the non-QCYC fleet, with Bones taking second place and Popcorn in third. Blue Streak also took home the Marilyn MacDonald and the QCYC Class A 1913 Trophies.

Many thanks to the prize sponsors, which included The Rigging Shoppe, Fogh Marine, Penguin Random House Canada, Assembly Press, C’est What Brewery, and Great Lakes Brewery.