Entries invited for RYA Women's Winter Match Racing Championship

RYA Women's Winter Match Racing Championship © Paul Wyeth / RYA

Entries are invited for the RYA Women's Winter Match Racing Championship as teams get set for the #rockupandrace event at Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy.

Part of the RYA Winter Match Racing Series, up to nine teams of three/four crew will be duelling for supremacy in Elliott 6m keelboats over the weekend of 26-27 March 2022.

A combination of close racing and an opportunity for women to race with and against friends will make it a popular fixture for both experienced match racers and newcomers.

Following the cancellation of last year's event due to Covid restrictions, it is a welcome return for the championship, and top match racer Kate Macgregor will be on hand as the event coach to provide support for the wide range of teams expected to enter.

Kate said: "Match racing is an easy and fun way to go racing all year round and this women's winter championship is just one of the many events in the match racing calendar. Match racing is perfect for all ages wanting a new challenge. It has been fantastic to see the development within the teams over the last few years and I am excited to be coaching on the water at this event."

The championship will be the fourth and final fixture in the RYA Match Winter Racing Series 2022 and early bird entry is £330 per team for those signing up before 23.59 on Saturday 26 February 2022, then £360 per team thereafter.

Ellie Cumpsty's winning team - photo © Nigel Vick

Among those already entered is Ellie Cumpsty's winning team from the Marlow Ropes Women's Match Racing Championship which took place in summer 2021.

Ellie said: "The Women's Winter Match Racing is a great event to compete against your peers and also learn from top coaches like Kate Mac. It's a really fun and social event, where there is no judgement, so it's a good opportunity to try new manoeuvres or even just try match racing for the first time."

Team members Rosie Povall and Emily Au are likewise looking forward to taking part. Rosie said: "It's always really good to get out on the water, especially when the rest of the sailing season slows down. The cold is 100 per cent worth it for fast top quality racing in prep for the season ahead."

Emily added: "My favourite part of the Winter Match Racing Series is that it draws such a diverse range of teams looking to fill the winter season, which ensures plenty of learning opportunities at every event and a high calibre of racing. The women's events get better every year, which we love to see. The cold only lasts until the first upwind leg!'

For more information about RYA Match Racing, including the Notice of Race for this event, visit here.

Entry is open here.