Last Sunday’s Australian 18 Footers League race created two history-making achievements when two female skippers won both races for the first time since the club began racing 18ft skiffs on Sydney Harbour in late 1935.
Australian SailGP tactician Tash Bryant skippered Yandoo to victory in the Club Championship and Bec Hancock skippered Sotheby’s Ballard Property to victory in the Eric Bowen Memorial Trophy, which was sailed in conjunction with the club championship.
Tash became the first female to win a Club Championship race in the League’s history, marking the first time two females have skippered winners on the same day. Bec Hancock’s win was well deserved, a reward for her hard work and determination over the past two seasons, sailing with different crew each week.
With a regular crew and a better boat, she is able to demonstrate her full potential. It was a great bonus for her Sotheby’s Ballard Property crew, Cam Walker and Ed Swain, as they were placed third behind Yandoo and Shaw and Partners Financial Services at the first weather mark.
Bec expressed her happiness with the performance: “It was totally unexpected, and naturally, we were excited and super happy. It shows our potential and how we can manage pressure. Now we want to maintain a strong position in the fleet.”
Despite gear failure in Race 2 of the SIXT Spring series when the mainsail pulled out of the top of the mast, Bec finished in sixth place, ensuring her team would score points rather than a non-finish point. Had that not happened, Sotheby’s Ballard Property would now have 13 points in the series, placing them in second behind Jacob Marks’ Sixt team.
Another female skipper, Emma Rankin (Club Marine), has showcased consistent performance throughout the SIXT Spring series and is currently in second place overall, just four points behind the leader. Club Marine is one of only five teams to complete the course in each race of the series.
Emma, a former world champion in the Formula 16 catamaran class, has demonstrated determination despite lacking the usual size required for an 18 footer sailor. Her crew has been able to complete the course despite challenging conditions in Race 2.
Emma stated, “It was great to see the achievement of Tash and Bec last Sunday. After my team’s performance at the latest JJs, finishing on the podium in race 6 and almost winning, it shifted everyone’s thinking that it is no longer a matter of if but when for a female helm to win a race.”
Emma’s team has faced delays awaiting their new hull but remains optimistic about the ongoing season. “Two races are left in the spring series and a lot can change, particularly with the forecast looking exciting.”
The League’s current season features talented young champions from renowned 29er class teams, including former teammates Jacob Marks and Ben Crafoord, who are now rival skippers in Sixt and Rag & Famish Hotel.
During the Australian winter of 2023, Jacob and Ben competed in the 29er World Championship, finishing seventh overall in the gold fleet.
The League has been active in promoting youth programs for both male and female competitors, making the inclusion of these young skippers a major advantage. The season also features accolades for Tash Bryant and 16 footer champion Joel Beashel.
As the competition progresses, Sixt leads the points table, followed by Club Marine (Emma Rankin), Lazarus Capital Partners, and others. The upcoming Race 5 of the SIXT Spring Championship is set to provide exhilarating action, with predictions of gusty winds potentially altering the points table dramatically.
The League’s spectator ferry will depart Double Bay Public Wharf at 2pm this Sunday, with live stream coverage available through SailMedia.
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