This episode we talk with Jan Howard and Mary Holley, from Newcastle Yacht Club, about their sailing journey, SheSails, the annual Development and Open Regattas and leadership.
In 2019, Jan & Mary were the inaugural winners of the SheSails Award presented by Australian Sailing.
The SheSails Award was introduced in 2018 and recognizes an individual, group, class or club that makes an outstanding contribution, promotion and/or administration of female participation in sailing. The contribution may be in areas of, but not limited to, administration, coaching, leadership, planning, events, regattas, program development, participation, school sailing and retention. (Reference Australian Sailing)
From humble beginnings, when these two ladies created a name and a logo for their team sailing shirts, along with red sailing shoes. Who knew that it would go on to be adopted by Australian Sailing, and now it's a nationally recognized brand and proudly Australia wide.
They both are co-owners, with their husbands, of two beautiful yachts. Mary sails "Aurora" a Farr 40 and Jan sails "Schouten Passage" a Beneteau 40.7.
Over the years they have competed in many offshore ocean races and have a combine total of 30 Sydney Hobart Yacht Races (Jan 14 and Mary 16). These incredibly humble women are accomplished offshore yachtswomen still racing out of Newcastle.
This podcast is a testament to their initiative, love of sailing, the power of giving, leadership and a wonderful friendship.
"Want to play golf? That's not for us ... LET'S GO SAILING"
