As you digest the 2012 Sailing Programme I'm sure you'll have noticed that the two Ladies' Races; Mrs Mitchell's Salver and the Mary Mackarness Jug have changed their format.
There has been a long history of Ladies racing in WSC since the first race was sailed on 9th August 1922, with the committee ruling "none but ladies might handle the tiller".
Ninety years later and things have certainly changed, even from 1962 when 'Jason' in the Echo remarked:
"Times have changed since frail Dresden-china females, timorous in frills and flounces were handed into boats by their peak-capped and mustachioed swains; for the Ladies Race is now contested by bronzed and stalwart yachtswomen, laughing gaily in neat slacks and jerseys, fearless and composed".
Your sailing subcommittee have decided that in 2012 it no longer fits to distinguish between female and male helms and that these trophies would be better competed for by a helm who doesn't usually "handle the tiller" irrespective of gender, see the 2012 handbook for the rules.
Remember though.....ladies are still allowed to helm, in fact I'd positively encourage you to select a female helm for these two races.
Jez Rees
Submitted on 17th February 2012