The 12th Round Hainan Regatta 2023 was held last week in the picturesque Hainan Island, China. Amidst strong competition in the Dubois 50 fleet, a new all-female, international team emerged – Peina Wonsea Shenzhen Woman Sailing Team. Comprising 12 skilled crew members from five different countries, this team formed a new chapter in the sailing history of Hainan Island and became a symbol of the growing opportunities for women in sailing in Asia.

Representing The Magenta Project were two female sailors from the mentoring programme offshore stream and both mentored by Nic Douglass – 2023/2024 mentee Arisa Moriya from Osaka, Japan, and 2022/2023 alumni Maddie Lyons from Sydney, Australia. The opportunity to join the all-female team skippered by Olympic silver medallist and world champion windsurfer Peina Chen was facilitated through The Magenta Project’s global network connections with IMOCA Singchain Team Haikou. The connection that sparked this opportunity in China arose halfway around the world whilst The Magenta Project hosted its third IMOCA race-prep internship programme at the Transat Jacques Vabre in France in October.

Arisa Moriya (Japan)

Singchain Team Haikou, the only IMOCA team from China, was involved in this year’s Magenta x IMOCA internship programme, and Team Manager Sofia Shaw was inspired to build further connections between The Magenta Project and China. This ultimately led to the opportunity for two Magenta Project sailors to join the newly formed all-female international race team entered in the 12th Round Hainan Regatta 2023. This collaborative approach successfully increased female participation in competitive sailing whilst forming strong bonds between female sailors.

Peina Wonsea sailing team boasts a diverse crew list from various locations across China, Hong Kong, Japan, Russia, France and Australia. This international approach not only enriches the team’s skill sets, but also serves as a testament to the global reach of women in sailing. The 12th Round Hainan Regatta 2023 witnessed a fusion of sailing techniques and cultural perspectives, to form a highly capable and diverse female sailing team. The presence of two representatives of The Magenta Project emphasises its collective commitment to fostering talent and providing platforms for women in sailing across Asia and the Pacific.

Maddie Lyons (Australia)

The team met only one week prior to racing, getting straight into boat preparations and on-water training for inshore and offshore racing. The regatta served as a proving ground for the Peina Wonsea sailing team, allowing the women to showcase their skills in the competitive environment of two in-port races near Sanya Bay and two offshore races from Sanya to Haikou, and Haikou to Sanya, to complete a circumnavigation of Hainan Island. Each team member contributed a range of inshore and offshore sailing experience, with some entirely new to the longer offshore passages. The team overcame many challenges including weather conditions, minor breakages, navigating fishnets, seasickness, and tactical decisions, demonstrating their resilience and adaptability. Peina Wonsea went on to achieve 2nd place overall in the Dubois 50 fleet, ultimately proving that women can excel in any sailing discipline.

Left to right: Wei Wei (China), Maddie Lyons (Australia), Arisa Moriya (Japan), Aster Wong (Hong Kong), Kit Tong (Hong Kong), VV Cheng (China), Jia Xin (China), Peina Chen (China), Daria Smirnova (Russia), Léa Le Callonec (France), Lisa (China)

The formation of this all-female sailing team sends a powerful message to aspiring sailors, particularly in Asia and Australia, that the world of competitive sailing is open to them. By breaking traditional barriers, the team inspires a new generation of female sailors to pursue their passion and forge a new path in this exhilarating sport. Peina Wonsea sailing team laid the foundations for future collaborations and community building, with connections among team members and the influence of The Magenta Project forming a network of support and mentorship for women in sailing.

Alumni Maddie Lyons shared about her experience, “I was in the bow position at this regatta, working together with Wei Wei and Lisa. We worked well together to sail safely and fast. I am grateful to our skipper Peina for forming this team. My regatta highlights were our offshore race starts, leading the fleet out of Haikou and our warm welcome back into Sanya. It was great to experience the culture and hospitality in Hainan”

As the regatta concludes, the achievements of Peina Wonsea sailing team call for a collective effort to further promote gender diversity in sailing. The sailing community, sponsors and governing bodies are urged to invest in initiatives that encourage and empower women, ensuring that opportunities in sport are accessible to all.

About The Magenta Project

The Magenta Project is a collective of passionate people committed to developing pathways and generating opportunities for more equity and inclusion in sailing, leading with gender. The UK-registered charity works with a wide range of individuals and organisations around the world to make a positive and progressive impact on the sport of sailing, from grassroots initiatives to partnerships with international events and leagues.

Established by the sailors from the all-female Team SCA in the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-2015, the programme has evolved into a network of men and women around the world who support developing careers in sailing through events and initiatives such as the annual Mentoring Programme. www.themagentaproject.org

原文来源于：https://themagentaproject.org/uncategorised/magenta-round-hainan-regatta/