News - 2014

17:08 Thursday 7 Aug 2014 Sue Pelling/CWLLadies Day quotes

Photo – Rick Tomlinson/CWL

Ladies Day, which celebrates women in sailing, was introduced to Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week in 2006. The event, which is now in its eighth year, has really helped raise the profile of women in sailing, and is now extremely well-supported. The 2014 awards presentation will take place later today in Cowes Yacht Haven.

Three previous Ladies Day Trophy winners commented on the importance of the day:

Louise Morton

Louise Morton, who won the Ladies Day Trophy in 2010 for her contribution to the sport of sailing, is racing her 1980-built Quarter Tonner Espada with her all girl crew once again this week. Morton, who has won her class at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week three times (2008, 2010 and 2012), is currently lying fifth place in class.

“Sailing is a great hobby and profession but often women don’t have the same opportunities as men to go sailing. Ladies Day is fabulous also because there are some really talented girls around and the day recognizes the fact that women are just as talented as men. This special day seems to have really encouraged more ladies to team up and compete at this event, which is really positive for the sport of sailing.”

Gavia Wilkinson-Cox
Gavia Wilkinson-Cox, who is currently leading the Dragon class this week, also won the Ladies Day Trophy in 2007. She say that Ladies day is all about participating in, and contributing to the sport of sailing, the  two elements she believes are particularly important.

"I think it is a great because it encourages more girls to sail. Not everyone has the opportunity to sail. For some people breaking in to the sport is a bit daunting, so if Ladies Day encourages people just by having a bit of fun, or by whatever way by wearing a pink shirt or, in my case, a pink hat, then terrific. If that then leads on to them having greater involvement and pleasure from the sport of sailing. All its aspects, not just racing, but being on the water. The sport, the activity, the way of life, the people you meet, is an enduring passion. If Ladies Day does anything to encourage other ladies to participate, then that is fantastic."


Annie O’Sullivan
O'Sulllivan set up the charter company Girls For Sail in 1999 with the aim of encouraging more women to take up sailing. She won The Ladies Day Trophy for her contribution to sailing in 2012. Commenting on why the day is so special to her, O’Sullivan said:

“I love Ladies Day because it’s a great opportunity to promote sailing and encourage more to try this amazing sport. Everyone should have a go because it is awesome out there.”