Although women sailors have played an active role in the Dublin Bay Water Wags OD Dinghy Class since their foundation in 1887 as revealed in Afloat.ie recently until Gail Varian (RStGYC) was elected President at last night's AGM in the RIYC, the class has never been led by a woman President.
Perhaps they thought that the fact that the second version of the boats - introduced in 1900 - had been created by yacht designer Maimie Doyle covered options not available to other classes. But anyway, as of last night, they're now up to speed on all contemporary trends, and longtime Water Wag sailor Gail Varian brings a special enthusiasm to the role, as her interests in classic dinghies are such that she's also into the revival of the 1912-designed International 12s.
