Written by Joanne Aspinall
Ernest Hemingway once said, “We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.” He may have been referring to writers, but this rings true for sailors as well. Sailing is a sport with incredible depth and variety, and with that, the chance for lifelong learning.
Hemingway also stated, “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” For the upcoming Ruth Beals Cup, the “end” may be the finish line, but it is the journey there that brings the growth and learning potential for the women who race it. And that journey can be as varied as the sport of sailing itself – is your goal to win the race? To try a new boat? Improve your understanding of strategy, or sail trim? To get on the helm for the first time? Or perhaps just to enjoy a day on the water? All valid goals!
The Ruth Beals Cup, our annual women-at-the-helm race, is a celebration not only of AYC’s founder, Ruth Beals (which you can learn more about here), or of our strongest women sailors (you can view past winners here), but of all of the women of AYC, wherever they are on their sailing journey, and whatever their goals.
Men – this is where we need your help. To get as many women on the water as possible, we need boats, crew, and on-land support. If you can help, use the buttons below to sign up. And talk it up to the women you know – the journey often starts with an invitation!
Ladies – want to sail, but need a boat? Let us know using our contact form.
The race is scheduled for Saturday, October 18th, with a 1 pm start. Registration can be found here. The $25 registration includes an afternoon of racing, a special gift with this year’s logo (created by Olivia Stanley), and a special grilled dinner of chicken at our new after-race headquarters, the Spring Canyon ramadas. All skippers, crew, and helpers are welcome to join the party!
This year, we are also supporting a local domestic abuse charity, Sojourner Center. We’ll be collecting donations of *NEW* items at the regatta and dropping them off at the Center. Their current wish list is:
- Twin bedding: mattress protectors, mattress pads, sheets, blankets, pillows
- Towels: bath & hand
- Full-size Hygiene Items: body lotion, body wash, mouthwash
- Baby Items: sippy cups, bottles, baby wash/lotion, diaper bags, strollers, car seats, boosters
- Pull-Ups: size 5T-6T
- Children’s Clothing: sizes 2T-5T (new or like-new)
Please bring items to either the Skipper’s meeting or the dinner.
To borrow a quote from a women’s legend in another sport:
Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.
Serena Williams
Ladies, let’s go sailing!
Schedule:
- 11:00 AM: Encouraged Skipper’s Meeting and snacks at Spring Canyon ramadas
- 12:55 PM: First warning for race
- 6:00 PM (approximately): Awards and BBQ at Spring Canyon ramadas
Questions? Contact Joanne Aspinall.
