CSC Lady Helm Race 2023
International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the women’s rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women. Commemorated in a variety of ways worldwide; it is a public holiday in several countries, and observed socially or locally in others to celebrate and promote the achievements of women.
The IWD 2023 #EmbraceEquity campaign theme seeks to get the world talking about why “equal opportunities are no longer enough” – and can in fact be exclusionary, rather than inclusive. You may find out more about this year’s theme here.
In conjunction with IWD 2023, this year’s CSC Lady Helm Race is held on 11th March, gathering 13 of CSC’s best Lady Skippers for a day of sailing. The weather cooperated, and sailors were treated to clear skies and champagne sailing conditions courtesy of the NE Monsoon. With the breeze blowing consistently, race organizers decided to send participants on a short jaunt to Tekong Buoy and back (Pennant 4).
A is for amazing! Leading the pack were the 2 multihull participants – Miss Visayan and 2022 winner, Jaza Too! Skippered by 2 amazing sailors, Aspiah and Anette – Miss V and Jaza Too kept the competition close throughout the course, with the former finishing ahead by a mere 40 seconds across the line.
The biggest fleet of the course saw 4 J24s and a mixture of various keelboat designs making up the Keelboat PY Class. Amazing Skipper Zaheera Hashim was at the helm of Balqis, sailing the entire course solo! It was a successful attempt, and we are glad to see her holding her own and finishing 6th on corrected time. The podium also featured 2 quick and nippy J24s, RSYC Dua & RSYC Tiga – skippered by Lisette Sens and Nicole Godresse respectively. Their results are their namesakes, with RSYC Dua placing 2nd and RSYC Tiga placing 3rd. Shardana had a great day out, with Claire Canning at the helm. The Dufour 34 sailed a superb race to claim line honours and handicap victory in her class.
Completing the fleet are the trio of Waka Tere, Silhouette and Minx in the IRC Class. All boats have had their fair share of silverware over the past few years, with Waka Tere being the most recently crowned Sailing Festival Champion, Silhouette as the 2022 winner for the Lady Helm Race in the PY Class and Minx the winner of the 2022 Sailing Festival – these boats are not short of achievements! Sailing her way to first place would be Waka Tere, skippered by Fidelis Tan. Shaking off a port-starboard incident at the start, Skipper Laura Pascazio put up a good fight at the helm of Silhouette, earning the Beneteau First 40.7 a deserved 2nd. At the helm of Minx would be Ms Claudette Van Maarschalkerweerd, who sailed the X342 to her best abilities and completing the race successfully despite being under-crewed.
Congratulations to all the winners and thank you all for joining us in celebrating Womens’ Achievements and commemorating IWD 2023 with the CSC Lady Helm Race.
Results
- Sunday Series I 2023 (Race 1) - 20th March 2023
- CSC Lady Helm Race 2023 - 12th March 2023
- CSC Commodore’s Cup 2023 (Day 2) - 6th March 2023
