Egalia Race - Ladies Helm 2026 Race Report

Published 17:41 on 29 Aug 2026

My experience of the Egalia Race / Ladies Helm 2026...two firsts, and a lot of fun.

It was with some trepidation that I took Olwen's helm for the CYC Egalia Race on the Bristol Channel on Saturday. Despite intentions of inclusivity, the race enables me to take part in my least favoured crew positionTHE HELM! I'm mindful, however, that (1) it's good to be pushed out of my comfort zone(2) it's just for fun and (3) I have two experienced sea dogs, Mike and Nico as crew!

Nonetheless, inexperienced in this role, I faltered before the line, not wanting to cross too soon and yet uncertain if the light airs would get us there in time. All yachts were clear of the line at the start (by plenty) but the weather gods were not kind. As we edged slowly forward hoping for wind, Best Endeavour, Odyssey and Mochin Du inched over the line, but the other half of the fleet, including us, was struggling. At every sign of 'cats paws' we chased the wind, getting up enough speed and using slow gib release to drag us through the tack, but every time the response was the same'We're not making it'. We drifted backwards on the inshore ebb with Coco alongside and Wilma behind. There was no wind to stealand finally with a track that looked like Mama's Spaghetti, we were the first to retire.

I had mixed emotions shame we didn't even make it over the line and relief, no race helming for another year!

That emotion didn't last long, for an hour or so later, we discovered that despite shortening the course, no contenders made it to the first markand the becalmed race was rescheduled for the following day.

#2 would be held in Cardiff Bay. To test my nerves and helming skills there'd be water taxis, a concurrent dinghy race and other bay users to avoid. Here, shoreside spectators would be able to watch the race with the crew from Rookwood Sound hospital radio commentating live on the airways from the CYC clubhouse.no pressure!

Good news though, the weather gods had been appeased and the wind was building. Some contestants were not available to race on Sunday and as we readied our vessels new yachts entered and crews shuffled to add to the competition...there were now five entries, but I was down to one crew member. Mike and I headed out to check out the courseExcellent! The current wind strength and direction would mean beam reaching over the line.so no repeat of yesterday's start.

The countdown beginsfive minute warning to race start, fourengines off, threehang on where's Whimbrel II? Tracey will probably turn up last minute on a flying start. Phew, there she isjust in time!

All vessels clear the line and the race is on. We're neck n neck with Coco at the first mark with Wilma on our tail. Coco clears the mark, my tactician (Mike) advises bearing away to pick up speed, but in the excitement I misunderstand and tack on the marknever mind we're on course for the next markwe're windward boat and we pull away from Coco, avoiding the ongoing dinghy race. I've redeemed myself after yesterday's failurejust keep focusing

At the next mark I confer with my tactician (Mike) to ensure I gybe close to the mark. We round it well, ease the sheets and rapidly lose speed. I steer to fill the foresail as my foredeck man (Mike) leaps forward to pole out the gib. That makes goosewinging work and the speed starts to build. I nudge the tiller to keep Sprite behind us as Nico also gets creative with his gib. We hold the lead and finish the lap.

On lap two I listen to my tactician (Mike) and bear away at the first mark to pick up speed before the tack, but the wind isn't compliant and I'm pinching. I bear away by increments, but the wind is shifting and I'm now off course. My nav man (Mike) reassures me that we have no choice. It takes two tacks to get back on course. The rest of the pack benefits from my forerunningthe heat is on. We gybe round the mark and hear through the VHF that the race has been shortened to two lapswe have one more mark to go then the line., but Sprite is making a charge from behind. We adjust course then gybe for the mark to get the hottest angle on the line finishing at 53 minuteswe're 2 minutes ahead of Sprite, but will it be enough?

Back at the club I'm met with congratulations, but there's no smugness yet. the handicap adjustment may change thingsand it does.

My achievements over the weekend: Race #1 first to retire, Race #2 first over the linebut my adjusted time puts me in second place! Disappointing, but I'm satisfied, it's been a great race despite challenging conditions.

Congratulations to Eliza on Sprite 1st, Carla on Coco 3rd, Natasha (novice helm) on Wilma 4th and commiserations to Tracey on Whimbrel II who missed a mark of the course and was disqualified, despite that flying start!

Thanks to Treeve on Best Endeavour, Mandy on Odyssey and Roma on Mochin du who took park in race#1 but were unavailable for race#2. We hope you will join us again next year.

Thanks to the race officers and to all yacht owners and crew who had faith in our helming ability and supported the CYC Egalia and ladies helm interclub race.

Hopefully the race has whetted the appetites of new members and old. Look forward to seeing you out on the water soon.

Last updated 17:41 on 29 August 2026