This Women’s Day we had the privilege of celebrating in true Ullman style.

On Saturday 9 August we hosted the Ullman Sails Women’s Series Cruise at the Royal Cape Yacht Club, welcoming 120 incredible women to share in a day of connection, inspiration, and celebration. Although Cape Town’s weather kept us dockside, the spirit of the day was anything but dampened. Guests were welcomed with delicious eats, tea and coffee, and a sparkling toast from Steenberg’s Allure Sparkling Wine.

The highlight of the event was undoubtedly our guest speaker, Hanli Prinsloo. Hanli is an internationally recognised freediver, writer, and speaker, and the founder of the I Am Water Ocean Conservation Trust. She has broken 11 South African freediving records, becoming the first South African to hold all six competitive freediving disciplines at the same time. But her achievements are not only measured in records; they are reflected in the lives she has touched through her conservation work and storytelling.

Hanli shared her journey into freediving, describing what it means to experience the ocean on a single breath. Her stories carried themes of courage, vulnerability, and connection, weaving together the physical challenges of her sport with the emotional and spiritual lessons that come from spending time in the ocean’s depths. She spoke about how the ocean can be both fierce and nurturing, a mirror to the resilience and strength of women themselves.

Her words resonated deeply with everyone in the room. Many guests remarked afterwards how her perspective reminded them not only of the importance of protecting the ocean but also of embracing our own depths, our capacity for calm in the face of pressure, and the power of community in overcoming challenges. The conversations that followed her talk were a testament to the impact of her message — proof that inspiration can ripple outward long after the speaker has left the stage.

Although we were unable to set sail, the program remained rich and rewarding. Guests enjoyed a screening of Ukuwela: The Crossing, the documentary on Showmax that tells the story of Sibusiso Sizatu and the RCYC Sailing Academy’s remarkable journey to a podium finish in the 2023 Cape to Rio Yacht Race. It was a powerful reminder of how access, mentorship, and opportunity can change lives and open doors to new horizons.

The celebration continued with indulgent tastings from Van Loveren Family Vineyards, Tamnavulin, Truman & Orange, and Steenberg, accompanied by pastries, popcorn, and sweet treats. Laughter and conversation filled the club as women connected over shared experiences and new friendships.

The energy lifted further with a lively lucky draw hosted by RCYC General Manager Toni Mainprize, featuring prizes from Glen Carlou Wine Farm, Radisson Blu, Amani Spa, Tranquility Spa, Brentoni Eyewear, Graham Beck, ThreeZero Biocircuit, Two in a Bush Rooibos Cordial, and Ullman Gear.

We would also like to extend our thanks to Alexforbes, and in particular Ettienne and Auraeus, for hosting our boat owners to a breakfast, talk, and quiz, as well as to all the skippers who received special gifts from Ullman Sails.

The Women’s Series Cruise remains one of the highlights of our annual calendar. While the weather may have kept our sails furled, this year’s celebration reminded us of why we continue this tradition: to honour women in sailing, to strengthen our community, and to draw inspiration from voices like Hanli’s that encourage us to look deeper, breathe slower, and move forward with courage.

photos Bronny Daniels