Cork Week sets sail

News from Ireland's leading regatta which kicks off tomorrow

Sailing is no longer a male-dominated sport as all female crews set out to compete at Europe¹s premier sailing regatta, Ford Cork Week 2002. Girlsforsail Ltd in Britain, is a firm believer that sailing is a sporting challenge not to be confined to men.

Entering at this year¹s Ford Cork Week, a Sunfast 36 aptly called Girlsforsail, will include a crew of seven women. They are all professional women who have sacrificed their holidays to compete at the event. But this sacrifice is small as all aboard have a passion for sailing.

The ability of the crew varies, from experienced racers such as skipper, Antonia Gripper to relatively inexperienced sailors. Despite the overall aim to compete, all agree that the ultimate goal is to enjoy the regatta. Ms Gripper states "we have a great potential to sail brilliantly at Ford Cork Week by using technique and tactics. But our great teamwork and spirit will enable us to enjoy ourselves as well as compete at the regatta."

Anne O¹Sullivan, Managing Director of Girlsforsail, will also sail at Ford Cork Week. Through her company, Ms O¹Sullivan endeavours to provide rewarding sailing experiences for women irrespective of age or sailing ability. She states that "by offering both racing and cruising experiences, the aim is to inspire women to take up sailing and therefore enables GirlsforSail to become the premier provider of fun, safe, exciting holidays, exclusively for women. We intend making our experience at Ford Cork Week memorable for all on board"

Ms O¹Sullivan is a passionate racer, and immediately involved Girlsforsail in many prestigious world-wide regattas and thereby expanded her product into the racing fraternity. Events include Ford Cork Week and Cowes Week.

However, Girls for Sail are not the only all female crew sailing at Ford Cork Week. A Sigma 38, Flying Formula, skippered by Penny Haire and nine sailors will sail on Sunday, 15th July. Ms Haire sailed at previously at Ford Cork Week and states that "competitor's needs are always well catere
for by ensuring excellence in everything from race course design to on-shore entertainment."

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