The Ullman Sails Women’s Series is back for 2025, and Race Day 1 took place on Saturday, 31 May. A strong fleet of 24 boats and 115 women took to the water, kicking off the series with an exciting and competitive day of sailing.

The Ullman Sails Women’s Series continues to be an incredible platform to support and promote women in sailing. Each boat is required to have at least 50% female crew and a female helm, helping to grow and strengthen women's participation in the sport.

The series includes two race days, 31 May and 25 October, and a Women’s Day Cruise on 9 August, designed to introduce even more women to the world of sailing.

Conditions in Table Bay brought some challenges and plenty of opportunities. A steady northwesterly breeze delivered solid pressure at 10+ knots throughout the racing, making for excellent racing, aside from a few islands of kelp to dodge along the course. With both the Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker fleets starting together, the start line was especially active.

Two races were sailed: the first a windward/leeward and the second a triangle-sausage course. The Spinnaker Class saw 14 boats, and the Non-Spinnaker Class saw 10 boats participating.

After racing, the fleet returned to the club for prizegiving, where both podium and raffle prizes were awarded in a lively and well-attended celebration of the day. Ullman Sails was well represented on the water, from our sails featuring in the fleet, to Ullman Sails staff sailing on Ray of Light and 008.

Like last year, Ray of Light, had Ullman Sails South Africa team members Leal Fourie, Vanessa De Jager, and Aneesa Avon aboard. They were joined by Lisl England and boat owners Heidi and Michael Kavanagh. The Cape 31 "008", sponsored by Ullman Sails and skippered by Allyssa van Rensburg, took line honours in both races and finished third overall on handicap.

Race Day 1 was a fantastic success, and we’re already looking forward to the cruise and the next day of racing in October!

photos Rachael England