Crewed Boat Extravaganza

By Missy Weiner

In August, FWSA Vice President Susie Colunio reached out with an exciting challenge: Would the Mainsheet Mamas host a brand-new kind of event?

Instead of a traditional regatta, she asked if we could organize a day where attendees could take Tampa Yacht and Country Club's crewed boats out for relaxed pleasure sails on Hillsborough Bay. The Mamas quickly said yes!

To build a fun and varied fleet, we made two Flying Scots, four 420s, and six Zests available. We also invited the Dinghy Dames to sail their three Capris down the bay so they could be shared as well.

With the plan in place, sign-ups poured in - over fifty FWSA members registered! The morning was divided into three 45 minute sailing blocks, accommodating up to thirty seven sailors per session. Crewed boats with assigned skippers rotated out of the basin and onto the bay giving everyone a chance to try something new.

The wind delivered some unexpected excitement early in the day - stronger gusts encouraged a few participants to sit out the first block. Fortunately, by the final sessions the breeze had settled into perfect conditions, rewarding those who waited.

Once everyone returned to shore, guests headed to a festive lunch under a poolside tent where complimentary mimosas awaited. After the buffet opened, the raffle began. Carroll McClain provided a wonderful assortment of sailing gadgets and trinkets which delighted the lucky ticket holders.

Following the event, our inboxes overflowed with enthusiastic messages. Here are just a few of the exerpts:

"The first-ever Crewed Boat Extravaganza was an amazing success. I've never seen so many smiles - or so much animated lunch chatter - about the boats people tried and the adventures they had. The high winds added excitement to the whole day."

"Your organization was flawless... The luncheon, homemade treats, prizes and

mimosas were just icing on the cake."

"As someone who regularly enjoys crewed boats, I loved yesterday's event SO

MUCH! It was fantastic seeing so many people participating and having fun."

"As a new sailor it was absolutely fantastic to try different boats and learn from

such experienced sailors. A perfect day!"

"The little pound cakes with the orange ribbon were delicious! I'd love the recipe."

"Again, FWSA knocked it out of the park. Lassies had the greatest day and so much fun sailing with the other clubs!" :)

"Thank you Mainsheet Mamas! So organized, fun boats, beautiful weather,

yummy lunch. Do it again!"

"Mixing crews and skippers from different clubs was brilliant. And huge thanks to the Dinghy Dames for sailing Capris over from Davis Island!"

"This is my first event with so many women sailing enthusiasts. The

camaraderie, sportsmanship, and shared love of nature and adventure were

inspiring. Missy, you were fantastic in hosting us!"

While this may not become an annual FWSA event, the Mainsheet Mamas truly loved hosting our sister sailors - and we look forward to organizing something

similar again in the future!

Mainsheet Mama's start preparing for the day as the sun rises

Edited by Marge Whiteman