All women's Lady Sevenstar team to enter 2013 Phang Nga Bay Regatta

by Marieke Derks on 8 Jan 2013 'It can be quite daunting for a woman to hold her own amongst male sailors aboard a yacht, therefore I am happy to present Lady Sevenstar, the first all-female sailing team to enter the 2013 Bay Regatta', says Marieke Derks, Lady Sevenstar captain and marketing representative of Sevenstar Yacht Transport. The Lady Sevenstar team consists of women with all levels of sailing skills: highly competetive, professional sailors, occasional weekend yachtswomen and even an
absolute novice. Marieke says 'Joining a yacht race provides opportunities for women to learn and enhance their sailing skills but also to have fun and meet others. By creating a supportive atmosphere on board we hope to see more women join us on the water.'

The team’s sponsor, Sevenstar Yacht Transport's recently appointed agent in Thailand, Chris Jongerius of Andaman Sea Club, was immediately enthusiastic about an all women's team. He generously provided the team with one of his catamarans, a Firefly 850 sports cat designed by Mark Pescott, and built in Phuket. Developed for the tropics Firefly cats always stand out from the crowd. These fast and fun sailing boats are strong and lightweight to give them fantastic boat speed, even in days of little wind.

Since sleeping on board Lady Sevenstar is not possible for the whole team of seven, Captain Brian Calvert, voyaging around the world on his motoryacht Furthur, a Selene 482 , kindly volunteered his yacht to act as hotel and support vessel.
Team Lady Sevenstar is looking forward to sailing under sunny skies through the stunning scenery of Phuket, Phang Nga Bay and Krabi. Towering limestone cliffs and a beautiful seascape form a perfect backdrop for one of the most enjoyable sailing events in the region and evenings of get togethers and fun regatta parties.

The 2013 Bay Regatta runs from 30 January to 2 February and is organised by the Ao Chalong Yacht Club, Phuket.