This past weekend BBYC Women’s Committee hosted the NS Women’s Keelboat Championships. This years event attracted 11 boats and over 50 participants. The event was a resounding success. All participants were impressed with the quality of racing and fully enjoyed the off-water activities.

This event has been steadily growing each year as more and more all female crews are formed and accept the challenge of racing. There were two separate classes for competitors to choose to compete in; White sailand Spinnaker class and both were extremely competitive.

Saturday was a perfect day on the water with the sun shining and a consistent breeze between 8-12kts all afternoon. 4 windward leeward races were conducted, with Shannon Iingraham-Christie, Leanne Gillis and their crew on Sulis earning 4 first place finishes in the white sail class to get a solid first place. Things were not as clear cut in the spinnaker class with only one point separating the first from the third place boat.

Karen Fowler and her crew on Cheap Thrill did manage to come out on top at the end of day one. The day ended with massages from the students of the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy, a barbeque and live entertainment.

Sunday brought rain, but there was wind as well so boats were promptly rigged and on their way to the start line. Two around the buoy races were completed with some very exciting mark roundings in the white sail fleet. Even with the rain, all the competitors had a fabulous time.

The overall results for the white sail class were Sarah Crutcher on Gonzo in 3rd, Colleen Dewis on Pursuit in 2nd and Leanne Gillis, Shannon Ingraham-Christie, and their crew on Sulis in 1st. All three boats are from BBYC. In the spinnaker class the overall results remained extremely close, again with only one point between each competitor. In 3rd place was Becky Schniderman of AYC on Rumble, 2nd was Karen Fowler of BBYC on Cheap Thrill and finishing 1st was Sarah Boyne of RNSYS on Turning for Turtles. This year’s overall NS Women’s Keelboat Champion is Shannon Ingraham-Christie, Leanne Gillis and their crew from Sulis who sailed remarkably all weekend and won all 6 races. Congratulations to all who participated.