Tuesday dawned with improved weather conditions, much to the relief of Regatta Director Laurence Mead, and sailing conditions for Ladies Day were excellent, with competitors enjoying a day of winds which challenged their skills. Ladies featured on their day, with 80 female helms competing, the youngest a girl aged 12.
Slingsby Gin, manufactured in Harrogate with locally grown botanicals, sponsored the Ladies Day Reception, organised by Kate Johnson, where guests enjoyed a variety of Gin Cocktails, traditional Gin and Tonic, Rhubarb Gin with tonic and Gooseberry Gin with tonic, plus English Sparkling Wine from Digby Fine English. Slingsby Marketing Director Clare Gibson, presented the Awards, and voiced her pleasure at being sponsor of Ladies Day. Dawn Bee, helm of the Mustang 30 Haggis 2, was presented with Slingsby Best Female Helm, in a very close contest, and won the award by 0.05 points. In very close second place was Hannah Stodel who was also honoured.
The prestigious Slingsby Ladies Day Trophy, won last year by Maiden’s Round the World yachtswoman Tracy Edwards, was this year presented to Lucy McGregor.
Ladies Day attracted many women to compete, including model Rosie Tapner, and presenters Lilah Parsons, Pips Taylor, Olivia Cox and model Jodie Kidd, competed on this special day. International crews were also attracted to the event, including a 14 strong team from Germany.
Former Commodore of the Royal Yacht Squadron, Peter Nicholson, was giving his support to all the crews participating in sailing on this prestigious day.
Ladies Day was not exclusively for the ladies, with men participating in some exciting races. Guy Dixon, James Dewing, Felix Trattner and Max Goodbourn competed in the J/109 class and achieved second place aboard the yacht Jubilee.