BY LYNLEY VINTON
If you looked out across Moreton Bay on Sunday 18 July you may have noticed a wonderful sight, with some 50 yachts sailing across the bay. This wasn’t a big regatta where boats had come from far and wide; it was a Manly Combined Clubs (MCC) Series yacht race, which now has over 50 boats sailing together each month. There are an average of five people per boat, so that’s about 250 people out on our beautiful bay, doing what they love.
Part of the growth we have seen in this year’s MCC series is a result of one of our agreed focus areas of encouraging more women into sailing. Spearheading this campaign was Lisa Palethorpe, who created the signature event, Women’s Challenge, which was held in May. Lisa, the MCC Committee and a number of volunteers came together to build a full weekend program which included onshore learning opportunities, social activities, a twilight cruise, guest speakers and encouraged women to also race in the MCC race on the Sunday.
There were women who were new to sailing, some who were new to big boats and those who had experience racing boats around the world. There were young women still in school who were inspired by the stories and experience of the professional women sailors. There were retirees who are still racing their own boats and had lots to share about why they still enjoy yacht racing. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Check out the Manly Combined Clubs Series Facebook page to see all of the smiles on and off the water.
To say the event was a success would be an understatement, as we have seen a noticeable increase in the number of women sailing in the Series.
For those who aren’t aware of the MCC Series, the series is collaboration with the four sailing clubs out of Manly – Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club, Wynnum Manly Sailing Club, Trailer Sailor Club of QLD and The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron. We race at least monthly and unlike some sailing, this series caters for all types of sailing boats, big or small, fast or slow, wet or comfortable – everyone is welcome. The environment is all about having fun, coming together as a sailing community, irrespective of your ability, and enjoying the sailing waters out of Manly. This is a sport for everyone.
After the race most crews attend the presentation and share their experience with other sailors over a BBQ sausage and a drink. There are many stories to tell.
If you’d like to join the fun, then check the website www.manlycombinedclubs.com.
