Action during last year’s regatta.
15th annual Joan Holcomb Women Skipper Race puts females on the helm
The rules are simple: a female sailor must be on the helm at all times in the Joan Holcomb Memorial Women Skippers Regatta. Set for March 14, the annual regatta does welcome male crew members, but the purpose of the race is to give skilled female sailors a chance to compete and take the helm.
Named in memory of Joan Holcolm in 2011, the year after she died, 2026 celebrates the 15th anniversary of the regatta.
“Joan was a major presence in the sailing community,” said Susan Reddaway, former commodore of Lake Lanier Sailing Club and director of the University Yacht Club Maritime Foundations’ Junior Sailing Program. “An accomplished sailor, she was respected for her leadership, sportsmanship and sailing excellence. She served as a role model not only for female sailors, but also for all of us who sail and boat. And she would give the whole fleet a run for their money when she was on the water.”
Holcomb stepped up to leadership roles, serving as commodore of Barefoot Sailing Club in 1994 and as commodore of Lake Lanier Sailing Club in 2002. She always took time with novice sailors to share her experience.
“Our club decided to honor Joan for her accomplishments and what she meant to Lake Lanier,” said Laura Clarke, commodore of Barefoot Sailing Club. “It has meant a great deal to women sailors on Lanier to race in her honor.”
The regatta’s sponsors are Barefoot Sailing Club and Lake Lanier Sailing Club. The event will be headquartered at Lake Lanier Sailing Club. Plans are to conduct two to three races, depending on the weather and the wind.
For more information visit barefootsailingclub.org.
Photo: by Laura Clarke
