Let’s be honest—organising a crew for the Women’s Open Keelboat Championships can sometimes feel a bit like herding caffeinated cats. But thanks to some gentle (read: relentless) encouragement from the brilliant Jennie, I found myself doing exactly that for the second year of Project Opportunity.
And I’m so glad I did.
WOKC 2025 was, in every way, worth the effort. From the moment we stepped aboard Jagerbomb – kindly loaned to us by the wonderfully generous Paul, we knew we were in for a weekend of challenge, chaos, and connection. Paul didn’t just lend us his boat, he backed our mission: getting more women on the water, especially those who might not usually get the opportunity.
Our goals for the weekend were simple:
- Don’t die.
- Return Paul’s boat in one piece so he could use it again.
(Spoiler: both goals achieved—just.)
Project Opportunity has always been about creating inclusive spaces where people can show up, learn, grow, and occasionally use a blind sailors cane to fix a spinnaker. (Yes, Emily’s cane had a starring role mid-race. You can’t make this stuff up.)
We had a mix of experience onboard, and that’s where the magic really happens. Rebecca took on main trim for the first time – on a very breezy Sunday, no less – and absolutely nailed it. Hannah2 lived up to her legendary status as the crew’s snacktician and emotional backbone (and possibly the only one who read the weather forecast). Giving sailors a chance where others have said no is a part of this projects purpose, bringing together visually impaired, disabled, inclusive and sailors who have never stepped foot on a big boat together.
The team brought all the guts, grit, and good humour required to face gusts, gear tangles, and the occasional existential moment at the leeward mark.
And me? I stood back – when not tangled in ropes – and just felt proud. Proud that this project is still going. Proud of every person who said “yes” when they could have said “that sounds terrifying.” And proud of what it represents. Because for me, this is deeply personal. Inclusion in sailing isn’t just a job or a campaign. It’s something I believe in to my core. I want to create a world where no one is left wondering whether there’s space for them on the boat. Because there is. Always.
A huge thank you to my parents, who looked after the dogs so I could race. Bart and co may have missed their usual cuddle provider, but knowing they were in good hands made the weekend possible.
And of course, to the organisers of WOKC – thank you for putting together another epic event. You welcomed us, challenged us, and even gave us the Spirit of WOKC Award, which honestly meant the world. It’s recognition not just of our sailing, but of what we stand for: community, access, and a good dose of irreverent humour when things go sideways (or upwind).
So what’s next?
More sailing.
More opportunity.
More stubborn refusal to accept that the sport isn’t for everyone.
Because it is. And we’re just getting started.
We’re all in the same boat – some of us just have snacks.
Hannah
SAILING HANNAH 
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