Bay of Islands Sailing Week - SheSails NZ Trophies on the line for Bay of Islands Sailing Week 2025
by Hana Hielkema / Jacob Fewtrell Media 22 Jan 15:44 PST
23 January 2025
Rum Jungle - Day 2 - Bay of Islands Sailing Week 2025 - January 23, 2025 © Jacob Fewtrell Media
The battle for female sailing excellence is heating up as the Yachting New Zealand SheSails NZ top female helm trophies return to Bay of Islands Sailing Week 2025.
Building on the momentum of last year's debut, these awards cover both Open Racing and Island Racing categories and aim to inspire a new generation of women taking the helm in competitive sailing.
As the 2025 edition unfolds, four female skippers are making their mark across the divisions, including Holly Patterson on Elliott 650 'Rum Jungle' competing in Island Racing - Spinnaker Divison 4, Anne Hirst at the helm of Magic 25 'Team Sex' in the sport boat division, Mikayla Plaw on Melges 40 'Sassinate' in A Division, and Melissa Logan on the Wright 12m 'Aeolian' in Island Racing - Non Spinnaker.
This initiative, born from a partnership with Yachting New Zealand's SheSails programme, represents a broader push to transform the sailing landscape.
"The idea of 'you need to see it to be it' is powerful," explains Raynor Haagh, Yachting New Zealand's national sport development director.
"Seeing female helms in action can inspire others to try helming and encourage those already involved to continue - knowing their efforts are valued by our community."
The timing couldn't be better, following last week's inspirational SailGP 'Breaking Boundaries' event at the Royal Akarana Yacht Club. The event showcased three top female athletes from the international league, including trailblazer Martine Grael of Mubadala Brazil SailGP, who has made history as the league's first female helm. This showcase demonstrated how mandatory gender balance requirements are revolutionising team dynamics in professional sailing.
"These changes are leading to voluntary evolution, with people embracing the shift, reaping the benefits, and not looking back," Haagh notes.
Haagh emphasises that Bay of Islands Sailing Week, with its diverse range of divisions and vessels, provides the perfect platform for female sailors of all experience levels to compete and excel.
As young girls increasingly see sailing as a viable career path, the SheSails NZ awards represent more than just trophies - they're symbols of a transformative movement in the sport.
With its welcoming atmosphere and competitive spirit, Bay of Islands Sailing Week continues to play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of female sailing champions.
More Information on SheSails: www.yachtingnz.org.nz/clubs/shesails-nz