Over the July 23rd weekend the 2011 NS Women’s Keelboat Championships were held at Bedford Basin Yacht Club with 6 fantastic all female crews out to compete in 2 classes; 3 spinnaker, 3 non-spinnaker.  We had great winds both days which made for some excellent windward/leeward racing, we were able to squeeze in 4 races on the first day. On Saturday Karen Fowler on Cheap Thrill (j22) won 3 out of 4 races, and Colleen Dewis on Pursuit (Niagara 26) took a first place. Liz Whyte & her crew on Highlander (Dehler DB-1) had an extremely strong showing both days. On Sunday longer courses were set; in the fist race of the day Highlander and Pursuit tied for first and Shannon Ingraham-Christie on Sulis (Mirage 25) came from behind for a big win on the second race.

In the final standings, Cheap Thrill took the honours of overall regatta winner. Highlander finished 2nd in spin class with Turning for Turtles taking 3rd. In the non-spin class Pursuit finished first followed by Sulis in 2nd & Agent 99 in 3rd.

Although the numbers were down this season everyone who came out had a great time. The weather was on our side and a good time was had by all. The off-water activities were well received; once again the students of the Canadian School of  Massage and Hydrotherapy treated all participants to well deserved massages after a day of racing, followed by a delightful BBQ put on by Captain Cook. We ended the evening discussing the days events & planning for day two. 

A huge thanks goes out to all our fantastic sponsors; Jeff Phillips of Dragonfly Release Holistic Centre in Bedford, Yo-plait, Lia Sophia Jewelry, Goose Island, The Binnacle, Lunenburg Winbag Company, for their support. We would be remiss if we did not give a shout out to Lee & Karen Conrad and Austin Baird for volunteering their weekend as race committee...well done gang!