Women at the Helm

When the wind picks up, I trade in my boards for a Open 5.70 sport boat. Last year the annual 2008 turnout for the Women on the Water regatta in Marina Del Rey, held by South Bay Yacht Racing Club, was sad. Won overall by Phoebe Staff, a twelve-year-old who rocks the helm, yet I was disappointed about the turnout of only 5-6 boats. This year there will undoubtedly be more women and girls at the helm and crewing. It's a little late to sign up and race if you do not yet know how to sail but I thought a post on the subject couldn't hurt. Despite popular belief that sailing is for the affluent only, in the LA area there is the UCLA Marine Aquatic Center, where one can learn to sail and rent their boats at an affordable rate. Sailing is so much fun and it's just as addicting as surfing; the best part is you surf when it's glassy then sail when it's windy.--Annie Walton-Teter