AWKR 2014 - Flying Tigris catches the Phantom on Port Phillip

Tigris winning ECH div one - Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta 2014 Steb Fisher

Tigris first day AWKR - Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta 2014 © Steb Fisher

Alison Binks helmed Tigris for the organising club, Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron. 'We sailed steadily and smart across three days and all weather conditions,' Binks said. On the vibe she added, 'It’s been fantastic, really happy and friendly. People coming from interstate really add to the occasion and the generosity of owners lending their boats to people they don’t know extends a spirit of generosity across the regatta.'

Tiger striped hats with ears were handy on day one for Tigris’ crew when the breeze pepped up late afternoon. Mostly the extra warmth wasn’t needed given the mild winter conditions on Victoria’s Port Phillip for the 24th edition of the AWKR.

Binks made mention of the organising committee and volunteers, 'Thanks to the organisers and all the people who volunteered their time, especially the people out laying and moving marks on support vessels who have been doing it for years and years. I know a lot of work goes into an event like this.'

Deb Parker’s Elliott 9.6 Phantom (RMYS) finished second in EHC division one by 2.5 points and Sue Bumstead’s Beneteau First 40 Dry White (Sandringham Yacht Club) placed third.

Children of Phoenix winning EHC div 2. - Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta 2014 © Steb Fisher

In EHC division two Kathy Macfarlane’s Elliott 10.5 Children of Phoenix (Royal Yacht Club of Victoria) shrugged off today’s forgettable 12th in the final race six, their one dropped race, and secured divisional honours from Sabina Rosser’s S80 Mood Indigo by 2.5 points.

Outlaw winning S80 sailing for Darwin Sailing Club - Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta 2014 © Steb Fisher

Rosser and her RMYS crew also finished runner-up in the six boat S80 one design class, narrowly beaten by Jenny Simondson and her Darwin Sailing Club teammates on Outlaw by one point.

'We’ve had fun and at the same time it was good to see there were serious boats and extremely competitive women sailors out there,' said Simondson. 'Equally the regatta is a platform for those just out of training courses, including skippers who had never helmed in a pointscore series before. They were supported and encouraged by everyone. That’s the real spirit of this regatta.

'We had a bit of everything over the three days and this morning everything certainly gelled for our crew. The conditions and race management were excellent; it was absolutely worth the trip. Everyone’s keen for next year’s 25th anniversary. I know a few Darwin sailors are interested….there could be bigger numbers from the NT next time.'

With the series wrapped up and work and families to get home to, are the interstaters starting the long journey across the continent today? 'There’s no way a Territorian would miss a presentation,' laughed Simondson. The Outlaw crew will join 140 other competitors at tonight’s sit down dinner and awards presentation at RMYS.

Race officer Louise Hutton got the fleet away on time at 10am this morning, Monday June 9, in five knots of SE breeze on a stunning Melbourne day. A new pressure line from the south forced a course change part-way into the three-lapper, won convincingly by Tigris.

'While Tigris took line honours easily, the fleet was much closer which shows how much the skill level went up over the three days and six races,' said Hutton.

Jody Lukeman, chair of the AWKR and skipper of the RMYS Adams 10 Red Dog was delighted with the regatta buzz. 'The bar has been packed each afternoon after racing; we are pleased to have such a high level of engagement on and off the water. It’s also been brilliant welcoming the interstaters and watching them shine. We look forward to hosting them again next year.'

Major sponsors of this year’s AWKR include Helly Hansen, Club Marine, IBG insurance, Logie-Smith Lanyon Lawyers, Peninsular Hot Springs. The charity is Think Pink Foundation.

As well as the major divisional trophies for EHC, AMS and IRC, the following achievements will be recognised at tonight’s presentation dinner;
- Rohan Brownlee trophy for leadership and endeavour
- Best performed owner-skipper trophy
- Women’s Keelboat Championship most improved performance
- Novice skipper trophy

The Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta began as a Melbourne event in 1991 and twenty-four years on the national competition drew a record fleet of 22 boats from Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, New South Wales and the Northern Territory. Organisers are working towards next year’s milestone, the 25th anniversary regatta.

The Matrix crew - Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta 2014 © Steb Fisher

Day three fleet - Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta 2014 © Steb Fisher

Jungle Juice - Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta 2014 © Steb Fisher

Race six start - Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta 2014 © Steb Fisher

Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta 2014

Hosted By Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron

Sponsored by Helly Hansen

Updated:  09-Jun-14  12:40:56

Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta 2014

Hosted By Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron

Sponsored by Helly Hansen

Updated:  09-Jun-14  12:40:56

Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta 2014

Hosted By Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron

Sponsored by Helly Hansen

Updated:  09-Jun-14  12:40:57

S80 One Design

Hosted By Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron

Updated:  09-Jun-14  12:45:40