Sporting organisations sometimes struggle to implement new strategies that truly enhance competition, making the Australian 18 Footers League’s establishment of an Academy in 2023 to promote female participation in the 131-year-old class commendable.
The inaugural Academy has seen two successful graduates: Emma Rankin and Bec Hancock, both of whom joined the League’s 2023-24 season fleet and are already making their mark in the ongoing 2025-26 season.
Emma Rankin skippers the Club Marine with teammates Jed Cruikshank and Brandon Buyink, while Bec Hancock leads the Sotheby’s Ballard Property team with Cam Walker and Ed Swain. Despite facing challenging conditions throughout the first nine weeks of the season, both teams have achieved personal best results and engaged in close races against more experienced competitors.
Rankin’s victory in Race 2 of the NSW Championship was historic, making her the first female skipper to win such a race. Her success is attributed not to her gender, but to qualities common among successful athletes: confidence, determination, thorough preparation, and teamwork.
Having observed both competitors over two seasons, it was evident they possessed the necessary attributes to succeed, which has materialised in their current successes this season.
Emma reflected on her challenging two-year journey. Her prior accomplishments include being the 2016 and 2017 NS14 National Champion, the 2018 Australian Women’s Match Racing National Champion, and the 2023 Formula 18 Catamaran National Championship (6th place), among others. On her initial encounter in 2023, it was apparent that her determination was palpable, and she was undeterred by the typical physical expectations of an 18-foot skiff sailor.
Emma noted, “If you told me a year ago that I would be steering an 18 foot skiff, I would look at you with disbelief… I’m not the ideal 18 footer skiff sailor.” She credited the League for its efforts to include women in the class structure, stating, “Without them providing opportunities, I wouldn’t be sailing an 18 today.”
She described her early experiences as a skimmer of the 18s, noting the enormity of steering an 18-footer without consistent crew, which often resulted in stressful race days. Despite these challenges, progress was apparent, with a shift in mindset and approach to improve her performance. “I’ve learnt from the mistakes last year… I’m more organised now, and we have a great team dynamic. Getting to know everyone and aligning our goals is key,” she asserted.
Bec Hancock, who began sailing at Northbridge SC as a child, shares her dedication and journey. After achieving several championships in her youth, she got inspired to sail 18s after experiencing the thrill of the skiff firsthand. Her role as a sole skipper in the Academy meant teaching a new crew each week, causing exhaustion and uncertainty. Nevertheless, she persevered.
Bec recalled her two seasons with varying team arrangements, facing struggles including an inconsistent crew. However, her efforts were rewarded when sailing at Garda this winter, enhancing her skill and confidence for the current season. She now sails with the same team, Ed Swain and Cam Walker, and they have been pleasantly surprised by their competitive edge this season, indicating growth from their training efforts.
Both Emma and Bec embody resilience, and their journeys highlight their commitment to the sport. They serve as role models for aspiring sailors, exhibiting that hard work, preparation, and a determination to succeed transcend challenges, regardless of gender.
The NSW Championship continues next Sunday with Races 5 and 6. Yandoo currently leads the competition with a total of 9 points, with other teams close behind. The league’s spectator ferry will leave from Double Bay Wharf at 2pm next Sunday to follow the races, and SailMedia will livestream the action at https://youtube.com/live/qqERkvSaluo?feature=share.
#Sailing #18Footers #WomenInSailing #AustralianSailing #NSWChampionship
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