Conference unifix::sailing

Concerning the subject of women sailors,I'ld also like to put in my
two cents worth on the subject.

Onboard our Soverel 30 "Flyway",my wife and I share the duties,respon-
sibilities,and decision making on a 50/50 basis.We race our boat in a
very competitive PHRF fleet,and do very well.I helm the boat at the 
starts and windward legs,while my wife trims sails.On downwind legs my
wife steers while I run foredeck.

It is true women do have physical limitations as to what they can or
cannot do onboard a racing boat.However there is no one gender which has
an advantage when it comes to strategy,and the technical aspects of the
development of boat speed.I also feel that many women have better con-
centration,and feel at the helm then men.

I'm proud of the way my wife handles herself onboard our boat,and also 
proud of the rest of our female crew members.I think sailing is sport
which both genders can excel at equally.So for any of you male sailors
with over inflated ego's,just remember there are plenty of women sailors
with equal sailing skills,or even better!!!

                                                    JM

 
How about Naomi James, Florence Arthaud, Ann Gardner Nelson, Clare Francis, 
and Judith Lawson to name a few women skippers and role models.  I've read 
numerous books and articles about women sailors (and not the cook and mate 
types). There are most definitely women sailor role models out there!  

I am a woman and have sailed and raced for 30 years, own my own 32' boat and 
have my Coast Guard Captains license.  Most of my sailing friends are women 
and are far better sailors than most of the men I know.  I'm not sure where 
you have been, but sailing has been open to women for years.  My mother is 
an avid sailor and began sailing in Laguna, Calif. when she was a child;
she continues to sail at the age of 63 (when she's not in a golf or tennis 
tournament!).  Maybe I am just fortunate to have been brought up in a very 
out-doorsy family and for that reason never considered sailing to be a "man's" 
sport (which it certainly is not).  

I find it most amusing to go sailing with macho men and see them turn green 
when we get in a bit of rough weather; that generally takes them down a peg
or two (I don't get sea sick and sound very much like a macho woman!).

Oh well, I really don't care much about women's or men's roles, I believe in 
doing what I want to do.  If women want to sail there is nothing stopping them.

Pam Rickard

Associated Press Wed 05-NOV-1986 07:35             America's Cup-Woman Sailor

   FREMANTLE, Australia (AP) - An America's Cup first took place
Tuesday when the first woman sailed as a crew member.
   Dory Vogel made 12-meter history when she served as navigator
aboard Dennis Conner's Stars & Stripes during its victory ocwe
Challenge France.
   The 23-year-old, who is married to Scott Vogel, a bowman aboard
Stars & Stripes, has been working out with the rest of the crew for
more than a year.
   Vogel said joining the sailing crew ``was a complete surprise,
and I was really nervous.I made a couple of mistakes because i
haven't been working with the computers lately,''
   Computers play a large role on 12-meter yachts. Each competing
yacht is equipped with computers which supply information on wind
conditions, sail trim, navigation, time made good and other
essential items.
   Vogel did not have her husband at her side for moral support for
the race. Scott Vogel had the day off and watched the race from the
team's tender.
    

    Just discovered this note, and don't know if anyone will see this.  But
    thought I'd add a reply.
    
    We're nearing one of our most successful racing seasons ever.  Two of
    the reasons are a wonderfully athletic lady on our foredeck and a
    navigator/tactician (also female) who has the ability to think and plan
    at least two or three steps ahead of all us guys on board.
    
    I think there are some advantages to having tall, muscular deck monkeys
    at certain positions.  But at least on our J/36 women can (and do)
    cover most positions very competitively.
    
    Incidentally, on our boat I do most of the cooking and cleaning.  So
    much for "role models".
    
    ... Bob

    I'll second what Bob says.  We'd steal their navigator any day.
     She knows a starboard rounding when she sees it!  We do need more
    strength for the deck positions than most women can handle, though.
    
    Dave