Flip flops for early birds

First 15 entries in the Women's Open Keelboat Championship to receive Harken Beachcombers

The event team behind the Women’s Open Keelboat Championship is pleased to announce that entry is now open. The event takes place on this year over 4-5 July, with the championship supported by Coffin Mew solicitors and all racing supported by Dubarry, who will be providing some great racing prizes from their world-class technical and shoreside collections.

To help entrants 'get their skates on', the event team have teamed up with Harken to offer each of the first 15 boats to enter a pair of Harken Beachcomber flip-flops. Beachcombers are the ultimate “go-anywhere” flip-flop, with a no-nonsense supportive, comfortable EVA midsole and a durable rubber outsole which gives a proper shoe-like feel.

Charlie Easter at Harken UK said, “it’s great to be involved with WOKC again this year, and we look forward to seeing more teams than ever out on the water”.

This treat for early bird crews will also come in handy for Saturday night at WOKC 09 when the event will be hosting the very popular 'Frocks & Flip-flops' Party. Open to crews and their guests, the event combines great food and music with raising money for the event’s charity Breast Cancer Care.

Crews can download the Notice of Race and Entry Form by visiting the WOKC website (www.wokc.co.uk) or by calling the Royal Southern Yacht Club Sailing Secretary on +44 (0)23 8045 0302. Tickets for the 'Frocks & Flip-flops' Party can be ordered on your entry form or separately via the Royal Southern Yacht Club Sailing Secretary.

The Women’s Open Keelboat Championship 2009 provides an opportunity that until last year was unavailable on the Solent racing calendar – for 100% female crews. There are no advertising restrictions and any level female sailor can enter.

The event organisers are the Royal Southern Yacht Club working with Jody Slater, Emma Beagley, Stephanie Danby and Vicky Lincoln.

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, the aim is to keep eligibility as wide as possible but with a guide rating of between 0.900 and 1.090, although the organisers will consider a separate class start for any design with six or more entries.

WOKC continues to support and raise money for Breast Cancer Care in 2009.