Women’s Open Keelboat Championship gathers pace

An update on the 7-8 June Royal Southern regatta

The Women’s Open Keelboat Championship is gathering momentum with a healthy entry list and continued support from local businesses. A team of women are making the trip from Switzerland to take part in the event as local and regional support continues to grow with the recent involvement of Marina Projects Limited.

The current list of crew taking part represents the varied group envisaged by the organisers of the Women’s Open Keelboat Championship. Vicky Lincoln comments, “The strong support we have received for this event, from both entrants and sponsors, has now taken on an international element with the team from Switzerland making the journey to compete. This mirrors the approach of our latest sponsor Marina Projects Limited, a company which has both a strong local presence as well as involvement in a number of projects overseas”.

Marina Projects is a Gosport-based independent consultancy specialising in marina design and waterfront development, and through their sponsorship of the Women’s Open Keelboat Championship they have been keen to show their support for this breakthrough sailing event.

Mike Ward, Project Director at Marina Projects reflected on their sponsorship: “As a business we influence the development of key marine environments, including the Solent where the Women’s Open Keelboat Championship is taking place. We’re keen to raise awareness of how marinas are being developed sustainably and to world class standards, both in the UK and internationally. As a part of the marine leisure community, this event provides us with an ideal opportunity to demonstrate our support.”

Entrants will be looking forward to competitive racing provided by the Royal Southern Yacht Club, with the opportunity to win an excellent range of prizes and to gain the chance to be the first holders of the UK Women’s Open Keelboat Championship trophy.

1. Entry is open for the Women’s Open Keelboat Championship 2008 at www.royal-southern.co.uk . The event provides an opportunity that is not currently available on the Solent racing calendar. There are no advertising restrictions and any level female sailor can enter.
2. The event organisers are the Royal Southern Yacht Club working with Jody Slater, Emma Beagley, Stephanie Danby and Vicky Lincoln.
3. The Royal Southern Yacht Club is delighted to be hosting the first Women's Open Keelboat Championship in 2008.
4. The event format will be tailored to the needs of the boats that enter, whether this is windward / leeward courses or round the cans. All sports boats are welcome. For IRC, we want to keep eligibility as wide as possible but with a guide rating of between 0.900 and 1.090. The organisers will consider a separate class start for any design with six or more entries.