Novice female sailors survive the high seas for Redkite

For the fourth consecutive year, WomenRace4… has provided an amazing journey for women, forming a team of 23 novice female sailors to take part in the Annual Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, with Redkite as the nominated charity.

Co-Founder and President of WomenRace4…, Diane Halden, describes it as the journey of a lifetime. “There’s no other way to explain the total thrill of this journey for women”, Ms Halden said. “It’s a wonderful feeling – the friendship, personal growth and a massive sense of achievement. When participants cross the start and finish line, it’s amazing and life changing!”

From Good Friday until the early hours of Easter Sunday in April this year, the WomenRace4…Redkite crew sailed on the 100ft gaff-rigged schooner, “South Passage”, the only tall ship in the fleet of 49 competing. This included Redkite’s own Yvonne Hayes who, like a lot of the ladies on board, was experiencing open water for the first time. 

Yvonne was feeling excited and anxious about what was in store for her out at sea. However, she was proud to be so personally involved. “This has been a rewarding experience to be a part of and it’s been a valuable opportunity to raise vital funds to help children and young people with cancer,” explains Yvonne. 

Aided by seven highly skilled mentors during the trip, including a skipper, sailing master, navigator and a cook, the novice crew worked together during all phases of the 308 nautical mile journey. 

“Taking the helm and steering the big boat was amazing,” says Yvonne. “Under the watchful eye of our skipper, we learnt to navigate by landmarks in the distance, clouds, stars and the compass – it was incredibly rewarding and inspiring for all of us.”

WomenRace4… won the cruising division in its first outing in 2007 and placed second in 2008 and 2009. This year, the WomenRace4… crew placed third in the cruising division.

WomenRace4… is a non-profit unincorporated sporting association that was formed in 2006 to create this annual journey for women.  All crew members source their own sponsorship to enable them to take part. Along with Delta Hospitality Supplies and Path Developments as major sponsors, Yvonne was sponsored by SAP, one of Redkite’s loyal corporate partners.

The WomenRace4…Redkite crew are aiming to raise $20,000 – and it’s not too late to help them reach their goal!

To support the WomenRace4…Redkite team, please donate here.

To register your interest for the crew of 2011 go to www.womenrace4.org.au