Australia Women's Squad first ever Women’s America’s Cup competition

Women’s sailing made history this month with the first ever Women’s America’s Cup competition. The Andoo Team Australia Women's squad finished fourth in the Puig Women's America's Cup qualifying series in Barcelona, just missing the cut-off for the semi-finals by five points. In challenging, unpredictable weather, the Swedish Artemis Team excelled, winning all four races, while the Dutch JaJo Team also performed strongly. Australia started strong with a second-place finish in the first race but followed up with three fourths, ultimately falling short.

Source: Nic Douglass @SailorGirlHQ

Skipper Olivia Price noted the tough conditions, saying, "It was really tough - conditions threw everything at us, as it did our competitors. We are racing against the world's best and the girls that beat us in first second and third did a fantastic job today." Despite the disappointment, Price emphasized the significance of their participation. “This was hopefully the first step to move us towards Australia being back in the America's Cup. It does mean a lot to us as a team to be representing our flag and the boxing kangaroo. I am filled with pride, and the time starts now to plan for the future as Australia is here to stay.” Andoo Team Australia CEO Peter Wrigley echoed her sentiments, expressing pride in the team’s achievements.

The squad included Skipper Olivia Price, co-helm Laura Harding, trimmers Lisa Darmanin and Annie Wilmot, and support crew Sarah Hoffman, Zoe Thomson, and Nina Curtis, with coaches Harry Price and Victor Paya.

Winning was not the be all and end all of this competition. What really matters is the progression for women in the sport and all of the women and young girls looking up to our team in recognition that this is now something they can strive towards. Imagine just how many they would have inspired - something they as a hardworking team that gave it their all (and FYI didn’t get paid for doing so) should never underestimate the power of their inspiration to others. 

Source: Nic Douglass @SailorGirlHQ

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Annie Wilmot and Lisa Darmanin spoke to Nicky on her podcast prior to travelling to Barcelona and Nicky was privileged to try out the simulator - achieving some great speeds - which she puts entirely down to having Nina Curtis and Sarah Hoffman right by her side telling her what to do! 

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