ILCA UK Women's Regatta Weekend at Rutland Sailing Club
by Fi Attwell & Aiyushu Modha 4 Jul 19:45 NZST
28-29 June 2025
ILCA UK Women's Regatta Weekend at Rutland © Dave Ellis
A stunning weekend of warm, sunny weather awaited 24 women and girls and their boats looking for training, racing, yoga, a rules talk and friendship.
The second of this annual event organised by ILCA UK was organised by Fi Attwell at her home club Rutland, whose welcome and help with regatta organisation in advance and onsite could not have been better.
Conditions on Saturday and Sunday were polar opposites, with training in winds of 20+ knots on Saturday and only just enough wind to race at times on Sunday. Coaches George Povall, Carys Attwell and Kaitlyn Wyatt briefed for this on the classroom, and at rigged boats, and sailors showed their skills, determination and resilience in what was a challenge for some. There was some top level training activity before and after lunch, and for some a bit of capsize practice and great tales for later in the bar!
Hear from one of the junior ILCA 4 sailors:
"I have been sailing an ILCA 4 for 2 years and want to sail more outside my own wonderful club. I spotted the ILCA UK Women's Regatta at Rutland Sailing Club and couldn't pass up the opportunity to meet and sail with other women who share my love of sailing, while also improving my racing. The event was everything I needed: a welcoming atmosphere and fantastic coaches and facilities. The women came from far and wide, including two fine women who travelled from Saudi Arabia, just to sail with other women! The group came from differing levels of confidence, experience and age and yet we found support, encouragement and fun in the tribe!
I entered the event to grow my sailing experience with the aim of trying national events later this year. For me, it was a great opportunity to learn from other, more experienced sailors.
We had lively conditions on Saturday when we did a full day of training with George, Carys and Kaitlyn, followed by dinner and a race talk. Sunday racing began with yoga on the lawn; The quiet race conditions meant there was plenty of time for chatting and fun too.
I thoroughly enjoyed this event and hope more women in ILCAs get to have the amount of fun I had! Happy sailing one and all!"
Aiyushi Modha (ILCA 4, Cransley Sailing Club).
Steph Gunn gave an informative and inclusive talk and Q&A session on the rules and her role as a Nationals Judge at events, followed by the group meal of delicious lasagne.
Sunday morning was started for some with yoga on the lawn led by Rutland sailor Bev Lindsey. A wait followed, before Race Officer Brenda Davies calmly and skilfully led her team to deliver 4 races in light winds, with a short break ashore for lunch.
Thank you to our sponsors Sailingfast, Rooster and Cheeky Wipes for their kit, event tops discount and product samples. Thank you to all of our volunteers, both RSC members and competitor parents.
Congratulations to all of the competitors and to our podium winners:
ILCA 4
1st - Sarah Harding (Grand Master), Chew Valley Lake SC
2nd - Sophie Wantling (u18), Wilsonian SC
3rd - Ellie Bonar (u18), Rutland SC
ILCA 6
1st - Lilly Brown (u19), Delph
2nd - Isla Todd (u17), Island Barn Reservoir SC
3rd - Kate Shelley (u17), Largs SC
All results here.
See you all next year!