Enter now for the RYA Marlow Ropes Women’s Match Racing Championship 2024

Warm welcome for both new and experienced teams at popular fixture

21 Aug 24

Two teams match racing Elliott 6M keelboats with the blue bulding of Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy in the background and an umpire on RIB waving a blue flag.

The RYA Marlow Ropes Women’s Match Racing Championship is looking forward to returning to Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy for its 2024 edition.

Up to 10 teams of three/four crew will be duelling in Elliott 6M keelboats over the weekend of 14-15 September with entries already coming in from both experienced and new teams.

The final deadline for entering this ever-popular fixture in the match racing calendar is 23:59 on Sunday 8 September 2024.

Enter now for the RYA Marlow Ropes Women’s Match Racing Championship.

RYA Keelboat Development Manager Richard Moxey said: “This friendly and welcoming championship attracts not only the top teams but also those looking to try match racing for the first time in a female-only supportive environment.

“We’ve had around half a dozen entries so far and there’s still time to make the most of early bird entry if you’d like to get a team together to take part.”

Four girls enjoying sailing a keelboat at an RYA match racing event with one looking directly at the camera with a big smile.

Among those already entered are Bridgitte Nee (Frensham Pond Sailing Club) and Lucy Gates (RTYC), along with returning skippers from the sell-out 2023 edition: Ruby Sunderland (Cowes Match Racing), Juliette Kennedy, who finished third last year, and Ellen Morley (CUCrC, Cambridge University).

Ellen said: “I’ve competed in the RYA Marlow Ropes Women's Match Racing Championships for the previous two years and it’s an honour to race against such inspiring female role models. I was first introduced to women’s match racing by Juliette and I’m looking forward to racing against her again this year.

“The women’s events are so friendly and fun and a great atmosphere where everyone is happy to help you learn. It’s great to see familiar faces from the circuit and also meeting new upcoming match racers! I have entered with the same team as last year and I’m really excited to see if we can get into the top four, improving on our 5th from last year. I’m looking forward to learning so much more!”

Close up photograph of a team sailing an Elliott 6M keelboat upwind with another team in the background and directly alongside while competing at an RYA women's match racing event.

The winning team could earn a place to compete internationally and will be invited to the RYA National Match Racing Grand Finals, which will be taking place in RS21 keelboats, 18-20 October 2024 at London’s Queen Mary Sailing Club.

Enter your team for the RYA Marlow Ropes Women’s Match Racing Championship or for further information, including the Notice of Race, visit RYA Match Racing.