Women shine on sailing’s big stage

THE growing participation of women in sailing was evident at the Tasmanian Sailing Awards and at the annual conference of Tasmanian sailing clubs in Hobart last weekend.

Three women received major awards while at the conference 15 of the 40 delegates were women.

Both events were held at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, hosted by its newly re-elected Commodore Tracy Matthews.

Winner of the Tasmanian Female Sailor of the Year was Jessie Andrewartha, who last January finished first female skipper in the world championship for the International Mirror class.

Jessie (nee Atherton) is a member of Wynyard Yacht Club but grew up sailing at Kingston Beach Sailing Club, winning three Mirror Australian championships with Katherine Maher.

At this year’s Mirror Nationals and worlds Jessie sailed with her father as crew, the pair also winning the 2019 Tasmanian title in March.

Other finalists for the Female Sailor of the Year Award were 29er crew Alice Buchanan and Dervla Duggan and Sam Bailey.

The newly introduced SheSails award saw three finalists, Alison Viner, Anna Reid and Terasa Badrock with Alison named winner.

A member of Port Cygnet Sailing Club, Alison owns and helms a Delphia 40 but also races an Etchells with skill. She has led the development and success of the PCSC’s learn to sail program.

Ocean racing sailor Sophie Ciszek was nominated for both the Offshore Sailor of the Year and the Sustainability Award as a crew member of Ocean Respect Racing, teaming up with the UNENvironment — Cleanseas Campaign.

Other woman finalists were Jennifer Potter for the Volunteer of the Year award and Joanna Breen and Meg Goodfellow for Instructor of the Year.