The crew on Racing Yacht ‘It Happens’ in action during the Sydney Harbour Women’s Keelboat Series.

PENRITH and Richmond’s sailing crew aboard racing yacht ‘It Happens’ have guided the boat to a 2nd place finish, in Division 1, of the 2023-2024 Sydney Harbour Women’s Keelboat Series.

It Happens recorded 3rd place, 6th, 2nd and 1st during the season, under the alternate guidance of Bridget Conrad, Liz Thom (Melbourne) and Bridget Canham, sharing the helm throughout the series.

Co-owner Craig Young said “The final race, the Helly Hansen Women’s Challenge, hosted by Manly Yacht Club, is the premiere event for the series and It Happens finished 1st. Our helm Bridget Canham and tactician and navigator Robert Speedy delivered the convincing win in tricky conditions, against a very strong fleet, from a broad range of Yacht Clubs.

“It was a long and challenging race, with multiple spinnaker runs, taking in most of the harbour. This Series truly supports women in sailing, and It Happens typically enjoys a regular 50/50 mixed crew of males / females. The weather was perfect, and it is wonderful to see women helming yachts in a very competitive series.  

“The next two series are the Crestone Women’s Keelboat Winter series, which kicked off Sunday 21st April, and the Crestone Winter Series, hosted by the CYCA, starting Sunday 28th April. Both of the upcoming series will feature some of Australia’s best crews and skippers and It Happens’ crew will be fighting hard for a podium finish.”