PredictWind Girls Champs expands into a two-day regatta
by Yachting New Zealand 22 Feb 2022 14:51 PST
23 February 2022
Starling - Predictwind Auckland Girls Championships - March 23, 2019 © Richard Gladwell
The PredictWind Girls Champs will look a bit different next month, with a move to a two-day regatta for the first time in more than 30 years, but it will still have that unique feel that makes it one of the most popular events on the calendar.
This year's regatta will take place at the Kohimarama Yacht Club on March 26-27 and organisers are confident they could eclipse the number of sailors they attracted in 2021.
"We had 150 sailors last year and it was a record," Kohimarama Yacht Club girls coordinator Bronwynne Hose said. "Who knows whether we will be able to beat that in a Covid year but that's certainly our ambition.
"For the first time in history we're running it as a two-day regatta. We want to attract female sailors from around the country, as well as more classes. Not many regattas are only one day so we think this will be more meaningful and will give it a true regatta feel."
The atmosphere is one of the most appealing aspects of the regatta and participants often talk about it being more relaxed and an easier environment to make friends.
It's also an opportunity for many younger sailors to interact with and learn from many of this country's best-known female sailors. Last year New Zealand SailGP Team members Liv Mackay and Erica Dawson, who also competed at the Tokyo Olympics, were on hand to offer advice and hand out prizes.
Howse said they were working with Yachting New Zealand on this year's lineup of guests.
"It's all about inspiration and pathways for females in sailing," she said. "The inspiration part also comes from seeing some of this country's emerging talent and sailing alongside them."
Registrations will open at the end of this week for all junior, youth and Olympic classes. You will be able to find more information on the Kohimarama Yacht Club website, including entry forms.