HomeRacing WOW/WAH

Sponsoring Organizations

Women's Sailing Association of Santa Monica Bay
California Yacht Club
Del Rey Yacht Club
Pacific Mariners Yacht Club
Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club
South Coast Corinthian Yacht Club

AUGUST 1-2, 2026

Get ready for the WOW/WAH Regatta, Marina del Rey’s premier celebration of women on the water! Whether you’re grabbing the helm for the first time or leading a seasoned crew, this weekend is all about skill, confidence, and high-speed competition.

Veterans, this is your time to shine and give back. By mentoring new talent or lending your boat, you fuel the community spirit that makes this event legendary. Dive into the all-women WOW division or the high-stakes co-ed WAH division—there’s a spot for every sailor on the start line. Boat owners can even stay aboard as tacticians, guiding their team through every tack and jibe.

Above all, WOW/WAH is a high-energy tribute to the sport we love. The unbeatable camaraderie on the docks and the thrill of the race make it an unforgettable experience. See you on the water!

Check back for details

on the 2026 WOW WAH!

Race Registration Information to come!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

For information, to sponsor or donate, Email Kathy Dynes at wsasmbcommodore@gmail.com.
Join the WOW/WAH Group on Facebook

Get Ready for the WOW/WAH Regatta!

This high-energy event features two exciting divisions: Women on Water (WOW) for all-female squads, and Women at the Helm (WAH) for co-ed teams led by a female skipper. While both divisions share the Santa Monica Bay, they enjoy separate starts and tailored courses.

This spectacular weekend is a true community effort. California Yacht Club handles the race management, while the Women’s Sailing Association of Santa Monica Bay (WSASMB) drives the logistics. The social scene is just as competitive, with rotating parties hosted by South Coast Corinthian, Del Rey, Pacific Mariners, and Santa Monica Windjammers yacht clubs.

A Storied History
It all kicked off in the early '70s with the daring “Ladies Got Guts Race” to Catalina. What began as a mission to get women behind the wheel evolved into a prestigious series by 1980. Today, racers compete for historic honors, including the Commodore Robert S. Wilson silver cup and the Cheryl Rembert Memorial Award for top Martin 242s.

The Fleet
We welcome almost any vessel! Whether you're a seasoned pro or a cruising enthusiast, there’s a start line waiting for you. Check back for the list of approved classes for 2026.

FAQs

Must I join a yacht club?
Yes. Skippers need a membership with an SCYA or US Sailing affiliate. Not a member? Join WSA! Our dues are affordable and satisfy all requirements.

How do I build a team?
Start recruiting in spring! Network at WSA meetings, post-race parties, or California Yacht Club’s Sunset Series on Wednesdays.

I want to skipper but need a boat!
Start your search early. Connect with owners during the Sunset Series or WSA clinics. Be prepared to practice with the owner until they’re confident leaving their "baby" in your hands. Pro tip: Ask past WOW winners how they secured their rides!

How do I find a crew spot?
Network early! Hit up a WSA meeting, chat with former winners, and let everyone know you’re ready to race.

What are the courses like?
Performance classes typically use MDR Course Chart 17. Expect windward-leeward laps with at least two windward mark roundings. While the chart looks like a maze at first, it provides all the bearings and GPS coordinates you need.

Are there clinics or practice races?
Absolutely! SBYRC, SMWYC, and WSA host excellent clinics. For a real-time tune-up, race the CYC Sunset Series with your team. Check the ASMBYC calendar at asmbyc.org for dates.

Is there a party after?
Only the best in the marina! Enjoy a Saturday BBQ at PMYC and Sunday trophies at SMWYC. Both feature hospitality and killer raffle prizes.

Do I get a trophy?
Hell yes! We award both take-home and perpetual trophies across all classes. Winners get their names on the big trophies displayed at local yacht clubs.

More questions?
Need info on guest slips, spectator boats, or swag? We’ve got answers. Email our Race Chair at wsasmbracing@gmail.com.

Past Winners

1980 Sparky Rome PMYC “Ya Turko”
1981 Fran Martin KHYC, Debbie Hunter “Grasshopper”
1982 Leslie Clark WYC, Windy Russell PMYC, Carol Robinson SBYRC “Catch 22”
1983 Fran Martin KHYC, Debbie Hunter “Hot Rum”
1984 Cheryl Mahaffey CYC, Erma Darling “Sundance”
1985 Carol Robinson SBYRC, Elise Anderson SBYRC, Leslie Clark WYC, “Wild Hare”
1986 Linda Straw WYC “Warthog”
1987 Cheryl Mahaffey CYC “California Girl”
1988 Kathy Patterson CYC, Cheryl Mahaffey “Fast Lane”
1989 Janet Klose WYC, Gillian Kerr SBYRC “Blade Runner”
1990 Janet Klose WYC, Gillian Kerr SBYRC “Blade Runner”
1991 Judith Endler SBYRC, E.J. Endler SMYC, Nancy Nelson, Reva Winkler, “Hard Habit”
1992 Judith Endler SBYRC, Nancy Nelson, Trish Copper, Barbara Myers, E.J. Endler “Blarney”
1994 Nadine Franczyk CYC “Fluid Ice”
1995 Liz Hjorth CYC “Velerito”
1997 Susan Beckett CYC “Absolute”
1998 Susan Beckett CYC “Absolute”
1999 Susan Beckett CYC “Absolute”

2000 Susie Taylor SBYRC “Take Five”
2001 Marylyn Hoenemeyer CYC-SBYRC “Blarney”
2002 Cheryl Pers Rembert CYC “Patience”
2003 Mary Kate Scott CYC “Mischief”
2004 Lisa Hackenberg SBYRC “Patience”
2005 Barbara Duker CYC “Velerito”
2006 Stine Cacavas WSA “Patience”
2007 Karyn Jones WSA/SCCYC “Patience”
2008 Mary Stuyvesant CYC “Open Fly”
2009 Barbara Duker CYC “305”
2010 Ann Chamberlin CYC “Goodbye Earl”
2011 Alice Leahey CYC “Grace O’Malley”
2012 Anne Popolizio Scuttlebutt Sailing Club “Bad Wolf”
2013 Jennifer Arrington WSA “Sandbox!”
2014 Barbara Duker CYC “305”
2015 Jessica Amen Richmond YC “All In”
2016 Marilyn Cassedy CYC “All In”
2017 Patricia Lapdula WSA “Sandbox”
2018 Julie Coll KHYC “Sails Coll”
2019 Mary Stuyvesant CYC “Groundhog Day”

2020 (cancelled)
2021 Derby White CYC “All In”
2022 Denise George SMWYC “All In”
2023 Nora Harris BucYC "Gurli"
2024 Stine Cacavas DRYC "Sandbox"

2024 Race Results
2023 Race Results
2022 Race Results
2021 Race Results
2019 Race Results
2018 Race Results
2017 Race Results
2016 Race Results
2015 Race Results
2014 Race Results