Sailing is one of few sports that is often co-ed at both the high school and collegiate levels. Though there are women-only events, and some colleges field an additional all-women’s team, many competitive sailors are accustomed to working together on mixed-gender teams.

Despite that, more often than not, it’s the men who are skippering.

According to Abby Cook, a Roger Williams University grad and a Bristol Yacht Club member, that’s something that is starting to even out.

“As someone who has participated in and been a part of the movement to push women's sailing forward…I’ve witnessed a lot of women supporting women in sailing and felt the support of teammates of both genders and it's so inspiring,” said Cook.

“Our (BYC) Race Chair, Nick Cromwell, is also extremely passionate about this, as the father of two daughters. So together we formulated the concept for this regatta.”

The Women’s Driver Team Race regatta was held last weekend, July 30 and 31, in Bristol Harbor. Team racing in J-22s, each team was required to have a female skipper and no more than half of the crew could be male.

“We felt strongly that we wanted to have women in leadership roles, we wanted this to be more accessible to less skilled teams so that they may also participate and bring new people to team racing, and we wanted to allow teams the option of having male crew so that they could fill their boats in a way that they felt most supported and give their male teammates the chance to support them the way they are supported by us,” said Cook. “It’s the only women’s event with male crew, and it’s unique in New England.”

Both days featured classic Bristol conditions with light air that filled in and kept building through the afternoon. The teams got in 20 races on Saturday and about 15 on Sunday, each about 10 minutes long.

“It was fantastic to be included in this inaugural event,” said Chesapeake Skipper Ashley Love. “The format of having women skippering with mixed crew was so unique and helped us incorporate the male sailors who have been supporting us at practices all year long. We enjoyed Bristol and the hospitality of the club, the dinner and the dancing and can’t wait to come back again next year if we’re able to keep improving and networking!”

St. Mary’s (a team of former collegiate sailors from St. Mary’s College of Maryland) took top honors, followed by Ida Lewis Yacht Club, Roger Williams University, Bristol Yacht Club, and Chesapeake.

“This was a great first women's regatta for BYC, there was a lot of competitive, safe, fun team racing with great conditions and enthusiastic competitors,” said Cook. “The outpouring of support that came from volunteers and club members was truly amazing to see, I'm so happy that BYC was as passionate about this event as I was.”

“I’m humbled, proud and maybe a little exhausted after this weekend, and I can't wait to do it again next year!”