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HomeNew Zealand NewsEvents & GatheringsEmpowering waves: Women set sail at Women on Water Weekend (WOWW)

Empowering waves: Women set sail at Women on Water Weekend (WOWW)

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Evolution Sails NZ Women on Water Weekend – WOWW is set to make waves once again as it returns from March 7 to 9 at the Gulf Harbour Yacht Club. This three-day event, organised by Gulf Harbour Yacht Club in collaboration with the Auckland Yacht and Boating Association, is designed to welcome female sailors of all experience levels—from those stepping onto a boat for the first time to seasoned competitors eager for a challenging race.

Hosted by the Gulf Harbour Yacht Club and sponsored by Evolution Sails, the weekend is built around a clear goal: to give women a chance to enjoy sailing, build confidence, and connect with others who share their passion for the water. The event made its debut in 2023 and saw an impressive turnout of 120 participants ranging in age from 13 to 85 years. Sailors traveled from far and wide—from Christchurch to New Plymouth and Taupo—to take part in this unique experience. With opportunities for novices to learn and for experienced sailors to compete against some of New Zealand’s top talents (in 2023 this included noted sailor Karleen Dixon), the event caters to every level of expertise.

Register for WOWW on the Gulf Harbour Yacht Club website.

The schedule for the weekend is packed with activities aimed at providing both learning and competitive opportunities. On Friday, the event kicks off with a registration session at 09:00, accompanied by coffee to get everyone started. By 11:00, participants will meet their boat owner, skipper, and crew before heading out for a shake down sail and an optional anchor stop for lunch and a swim. Later in the day, at 16:00, a familiarisation session is set aside for those new to yacht racing to understand what the weekend holds. The day wraps up on a lighter note at 18:00 with a Build Your Own Burger Buffet, offering a relaxed environment for participants to mingle and enjoy their first day on the water.

Saturday brings a full slate of competitive sailing events. The morning begins at 08:00 with breakfast and registration at GHYC, followed by a Race Officer Briefing at 09:00. The racing activities are divided into two main competitive divisions – Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker – as well as a new cruising division called Harbour Course. The Spinnaker Division is designed for experienced sailors who wish to incorporate extras like spinnakers and gennakers into their strategy, while the Non-Spinnaker Division provides a competitive racing format without the added complexity of extra equipment. Both divisions start with a pursuit race at 10:30, followed by back-to-back triangular or windward-leeward races lasting about one hour each. The Harbour Course division, tailored for those seeking a more relaxed racing experience, is ideal for participants who are new or prefer a less intensive introduction to competitive sailing. Its pursuit format and use of existing harbour marks allow for a gentler, yet engaging, experience on the water. Saturday concludes at 17:00 with day results and spot prizes, and participants gather again at 18:00 for dinner and a DJ-led evening.

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The final day, Sunday, begins with breakfast at 08:00 at GHYC. Racing continues with the Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker divisions starting in the morning at 10:25 and 10:35 respectively, with back-to-back races set in a pursuit format. The Harbour Course division has one race scheduled at 10:30. The weekend’s racing concludes with results and a prize-giving ceremony at 15:00, where scores are tallied based on a scoring system that allows boats to drop their worst score when four or five races have been completed. This ensures a fair and competitive ranking that rewards consistency across the series.

An additional highlight of the event is that owning a boat is not a prerequisite. Even if you do not own a boat, you can still participate. The event has been structured so that non-boat owners will be paired with experienced club sailors who can guide them through the basics of keelboat sailing in a supportive environment.

The Evolution Sails NZ Women on Water Weekend – WOWW offers a comprehensive sailing experience for women who are eager to enjoy the water, regardless of their sailing background. With a nominal entry fee of $95 per person, participants have the opportunity to immerse themselves in three days of structured racing, learning sessions, and social gatherings. Entries are open until 24th February, so interested sailors are encouraged to secure their place soon and join this celebration of sailing, camaraderie, and empowerment on New Zealand’s stunning waters.

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Kirsten Thomas
Kirsten Thomas
Kirsten enjoys sailing and is a passionate writer based in coastal New Zealand. Combining her two passions, she crafts vivid narratives and insightful articles about sailing adventures, sharing her experiences and knowledge with fellow enthusiasts.

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