Club history was made at Tralee Bay Sailing Club (TBSC) in Fenit, County Kerry on July 20th, as the club hosted its first Women at the Helm event in nearly twelve years. The regatta was a celebration of female leadership, with women taking charge as organisers, sailors, and race officials.
Despite challenging windy conditions, the event was a success, thanks to the decision of female Race Officer Jane Deasy to limit the event to white sails only. Three races were held around Tralee Bay, with the final legs finishing just off of Fenit Beach, between St Brendan and the Lighthouse.
Elysium approaching the finish line during the Tralee Bay Sailing Club (TBSC) Women at the Helm Regatta in Fenit, County Kerry
In the first race, Rhiona Mc Morrow Moriarty's Elysium secured an early lead and maintained it throughout the race, crossing the finish line first on corrected time. Jaguar, helmed by Rachel Deasy and Sadhbh Murphy, finished second, followed by Samphire, Growler, and Cariad.
Rhiona McMorrow Moriarty at the helm of Elysium during the Tralee Bay Sailing Club (TBSC) Women at the Helm Regatta in Fenit, County Kerry
The second race saw Growler, under the helm of Máire Dineen, claim victory after an impressive start. Jaguar finished second and Elysium in third. The top finishers were closely matched, with only minutes separating the boats on corrected times.
The final race proved to be a thrilling contest, with Cariad, helmed by Anneliese Stack, emerging victorious after a well-executed race. Jaguar took second place, with Samphire in third, Elysium in fourth, and Growler in fifth. The overall competition was incredibly close, with just five and a half points separating the top five boats across the three races.
Elysium (left) and Jaguar on the final leg of race 3 of the Tralee Bay Sailing Club (TBSC) Women at the Helm Regatta in Fenit, County Kerry
Commodore Cormac Murphy emphasised the significance of the event, highlighting the club's commitment to supporting and showcasing women in sailing. He also acknowledged TBSC's historic role as the first sailing club in the world to have a female Commodore.
