Rolex Women's Match 2007

Posted by Alan Sorum Apr 2, 2007

The Rolex Women's Match is yet another sailing event found in the World of Rolex Racing. Hosted by the St. Petersburg, Florida Yacht Club, this event is unique. Racers participate in a match racing clinic, complete in the race and the first two finalists are allowed to advance to the Rolex Osprey Cup, a Grade 1 event held later in St. Petersburg during October. This year's race date is scheduled for April 5th through April 8th.

Five-time Rolex Yachtswomen of the Year, Betsy Alison will instruct the sailing clinic before the race. Participants will receive lessons in skills and rules, with round robin races using Sonar keelboats. "In addition to being one of the world’s most recognized competitive sailors and a past world match racing champion, Betsy is an equally accomplished and sought-after coach. We are thrilled to have her return and share her knowledge," says Tom Farquhar representing the Rolex Women's Match event.

Rossana Ramos of Brazil and Verian Aguilar of St. Thomas, USVI are making their Rolex Women's Match racing debut at St. Petersburg. Skippers and crewmember participating in this year's race include the following teams:

1. Verian Aguilar, St. Thomas, USVI, with Kelly O'Brien, Christine Thompson, Jessica Rosenberg
2. Liz Baylis, San Rafael, CA, with Lee Icyda, Karina Shelton, Suzy Leech
3. Rossana Ramos, Brasil, with Raquel Aimone, Mariana Lacerda, Sandra Branchine
4. Meagan Ruhlman, Charleston, SC, with Martha Fisher, Amy Linton, Ashley Jerman
5. Sandy Hayes, Scituate, MA, with Nancy Haberland, Cindy Olsen, Kiki Zainea
6. Rachel Silverstein, St. Petersburg, FL, with Jee Lee, Kristen Herman, Becca Thomas
7. JoAnn Fisher, Annapolis, MD, with Linda Hiller, Emma Jones, Lindsay Bartel
8. Karen Park, St. Petersburg, FL, with Trisha Birkenstock, Liz Laborde, Merrill Varn
9. Arabella Denvir, Irvington, VA, with Jessamine Lewis, Lisa Denvir, Saskia Van Rijt
10. Louise M. Bienvenu, New Orleans, LA, with Sarah Paisley, Jenn Millar and one additional crew to be announced

Results of this year's event can be reviewed on-line at the Rolex Women's Match and St. Petersburg Yacht Club websites.