Welcome to Yachting Girls

Welcome to a blog where the adventures of a team of crazy women who are mad about sailing can be shared.
We are living in the beautiful Huon Valley in Tasmania, surrounded by outstanding sailing waters.  In June 2007 my husband and I purchased a Columbia 27 cruising yacht.  My husband crews in a Top Hat 24 in the races held by the Port Cygnet Sailing Club so our yacht was going to sit idle for most of the sailing season.  A great idea came to us - lets have an all women crew and take on the men!

Follow our adventures...share our laughs...cheer us on...

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Twilight Sailing 2012

After many months of inactivity we have finally been racing in the 2012 Twilight season. With a new coach "Cap'n Tank" and a new crew "Overboard" and "CC",  I have finally been on the helm full time. We have had a great season to date. After 4 races we have had a 9th place, two 2nd places and a 5th which puts us pretty close to the lead over the season to date. We have been blessed with near perfect sailing conditions up until tonight when we were subjected to 15-20 knot winds and choppy waves. "Overboard" and I managed to put a reef in the main sail for the first time ever which was not easy to do when the yacht was heeled at 40 degrees. On reflection it probably would had been better to have rolled in a little of the giant genoa on the furler and left the main sail at full size. I needed to battle constantly with Pathfinder's tiller to keep her from turning up into the wind. A couple of times this was unavoidable as she just did not respond to the helm. This usually occurs in strong winds and when the yacht is over powered.  I have tired shoulders from fighting the tiller!  The girls worked well as a team and Cap'n Tank is a gem. He gives great support and confidence. He is always there to solve a problem or advise and is a great tactician. We have done far better this season and it has been really satisfying knowing that I can manage the yacht myself.  I was so reluctant, in past seasons, to helm the start of the race but with guidance it is now far less of a challenge.  
I really appreciate having two girls on board who are confident and knowledgeable as well as great fun. We still do not take it too seriously - but  the girls and Cap'n Tank agree that it is really enjoyable and low key - great team work and a good atmosphere on board.
Til next time - great sailing and kind winds to you all.

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