First ever Women’s Sailing Cup held during Southampton Boat Show

Women working at the port were asked to put their names forward if they fancied taking part in the sailing event and the final line up included:

compound checker Kim Norman, maintenance apprentice Abigail Jones, admin support Mandy Boulding, HR assistant Anna Greenslade, financial controller Annie Hazell, assistant environment manager Sophie Appleby, SMS manager Thea George, and principal hydrographic surveyor Becky Conway.

The day wasn’t without its adventures for the crew as another boat collided with them during one of the races and they had to contend with windy conditions in Southampton Water.

Kim explained: “We didn’t really know each other before the event but we all got on well and worked together as a team.

“I love the water but I don’t swim so I was a bit worried when we got so close to the water but I knew the girls had my back so it would be alright.”

Anna summed up the day by saying: “Considering most of us had never been sailing before we did amazingly well.

“There was a real adrenalin rush when we were racing and being in an office-based role, it was great to see the port from the water.”