If you haven’t heard, there is a new documentary film out in theaters called “Mighty Mary”, about the first all-women sailing crew to contend for the America’s Cup, in 1995. It sounds great! But it’s not showing in Phoenix; so what’s a girl to do? Instead of just watching someone else’s sailing story, write your own!!
Our annual women-at-the-helm regatta is coming up on October 17th at Lake Pleasant. This race is named in honor of Ruth Beals, a remarkable woman who was not afraid to write her own story, and founded the Arizona Yacht Club in 1958. You can read more about her here.
The regatta is a celebration of all the women in AYC, wherever you are on your sailing journey, whether you are a beginner or experienced sailor. The men help out as crew, and cook us dinner Saturday night in Spring Canyon.
Don’t have a boat? We’ll find one for you – including crew! (Men, let us know if you’re able to help out in this regard.)
In the spirit of helping all women, we will once again be collecting items for the Sojourner Center. Sojourner provides emergency shelter for victims of domestic abuse or human trafficking. The shelter gives women and children a safe place to get away from abuse and get their lives back.
Sojourner is always in need of personal care products and hygiene products. Right now, they have a number of women with infants and are in need of baby bottles and diaper rash cream. A list of needed items can be found here.
If you want to learn more about the work they do, visit www.sojournercenter.org. Please bring all items to either the Skipper’s Meeting or the after-race dinner.
More about the regatta and a list of past winners can be found here. If you have any questions about the regatta, contact Joanne Aspinall, the 2026 RBC Regatta Chair. Hope to see you there!
Schedule for October 17, 2026:
- 11:00 am Skipper’s meeting and snacks. Not mandatory, but suggested for all registered participants. (at Spring Canyon ramadas)
- 12:55 pm First Warning. One start for all boats participating.
- 6:00 pm Social and Awards. (at Spring Canyon ramadas)
