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LADIES

Today many boats are sailed by husband and wife crews with the addition of a son, daughter or family friend as the third-man on windier days.

The Sunbeam was designed by Alfred Westmacott specifically so that a lady could perform any task on the yacht. This has been one of the primary reasons why husband and wife set-ups are so common in the fleet and it is such a close-knit Class.

This doesn't mean to say that when it gets very windy everyone doesn't struggle (men too!) and as it is usually the ladies who do the foredeck work, even at Cowes in the swell, their bravery is admirable. For this reason on windier days a third crew is very helpful and even advisable for extra pulling power; more weight on the windward side and pumping recovery time.

In more recent years the lady helms have had their ranks swelled which is good news. Betty Moore, who had Why, V28, for about 50 years is sadly no longer with us but the upcoming helms are Gayle Palmer, Becky Wickens, Sue Smith, Jussie Yeats (sometimes) and Judy Howland-Jackson. Others are also being encouraged.
If the men are under any illusions that we aren't competitive think again! On the water - the race is on!!! and line honours are not uncommon.