Puget Sound Crew Makes Waves at LEMWOD
Alexandra
Ten matched Catalina 37s completed windward–leeward courses off Long Beach Yacht Club across two days, each crewed by roughly ten women, with the Northwest Maivens posting consistent day-two results to finish fourth overall at the Linda Elias Memorial Women’s One-Design Challenge (LEMWOD).
Race logistics and fleet context
The LEMWOD regatta runs strict match-fleet logistics: synchronized start windows, identical Catalina 37 rigs, and a racing schedule that compresses multiple windward–leeward races into tight daylight hours. Managing crew rotations, pre-start positioning, and kite work under these constraints is essential. For the Northwest Maivens, transit planning, on-dock staging of sails and hardware, and shore-side routines (including pre-race playlists and quick debriefs) proved as important as raw boat speed.
Event format and competitive field
The event draws top West Coast skippers—All Americans, Yachtswoman of the Year recipients, and US Sailing Team members—and the regatta in both 2024 and 2025 featured the same 10-boat Catalina 37 match fleet. Races are short, intense, and require precise starts and mark roundings; starts are frequently decisive because clean lanes and clear air are scarce in a tightly packed fleet of experienced skippers.
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Team selection and credentials
The Maivens represented Sloop Tavern Yacht Club based on a composite sailing resume that included the experience of Molly Howe, Taylor Joosten, Elishia Van Luven, and Vikki Fennell. Collectively the roster carries tens of thousands of nautical miles in racing and cruising — a practical advantage in quick decision-making, sail trim, and heavy-weather boat handling in the Catalina 37 platform.
Crew composition and roles
| Position | Crew Member | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skipper / Helm | Molly Howe | Team leader and tactician liaison |
| Tactician | AnaLucia Clarkson | Decisive calls, weight placement, roll tacks |
| Pit Boss | Kelly Moon | Kite work; race-five weather mark rounding highlight |
| Bow / Watch | Vikki Fennell | Early OCS call and restart coordination |
| Trimmers & Crew | Taylor Joosten, JJ Hoag, Kate Hearsey, Hayley Rawden, Genevieve Fisher, Elishia Van Luven | Primary sail trim, roundings, and boat handling |
Practice and team dynamics
Practice day gave newer crew members a controlled exposure to the boat and the regatta rhythm. The tactician reported strong intra-crew trust and role clarity — critical in a ten-person platform where each specialist must own distinct tasks. Onboard communication was described as “constructive” and “receptive,” with quick debriefs between races focused on starts and corner work.
Race-day performance and decisive moments
Saturday opened with a third-place finish that confirmed competitive pace and confident mark roundings. Starting traffic was the primary challenge across the fleet; securing a clear lane at the gun was difficult among repeated match-ups of seasoned skippers. By contrast, Sunday saw the Maivens execute an aggressive plan: an emphatic first-race win followed by a second and a resilient third-place recovery after an OCS restart. That consistency earned them the day and a tie for third overall, settling at fourth on the tiebreaker.
Key tactical calls
- Assertive starts: a pre-determined start plan allowed them to “get ahead and stay ahead” in race five.
- Kite management: quick pole and kite fills at weather mark roundings created decisive gaps.
- On-the-water leadership: clear calls from tactician and immediate course corrections from helm and pit were crucial.
Off-the-water strategy and morale
Shore logistics matter: a heated pool mishap became a team morale boost, and visible team branding (battle flags, walk-up playlists) reinforced cohesion. Social performance—hospitality, approachable demeanors, and dockside camaraderie—often complements race results in invitational regattas, earning invitations to return.
Lessons for charter skippers and yacht operators
For charter operators, race logistics translate into practical advice for group charters and flotillas: pre-departure briefings, role assignment, and rehearsed sail handling routines reduce mistakes and increase passenger satisfaction. A ten-person crew on a 37-foot platform requires well-structured tasks and a captain who can prioritize starts, wind shifts, and boat trim—exactly the operational skills that translate to successful day charters, corporate sail events, and competitive team-building cruises.
Start planning your next seaside outing with race-style preparation: assign roles before you cast off, practice gybes and roll tacks in calm waters, and bring clear communications tools to make any charter feel like a coordinated regatta.
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In summary, the Northwest Maivens demonstrated how disciplined logistics, role clarity, and consistent boat handling can transform a spirited social club team into a competitive force in a one-design regatta. Their fourth-place finish at LEMWOD combined tactical starts, decisive kite work, and resilient crew management to secure a top result. For sailors and charterers alike, the event offers practical lessons for yacht operations, charters, and group sailing: prioritize pre-race planning, assign clear roles, and cultivate crew trust. When planning your next beach or lake adventure—whether a day sail, a yacht charter, or a superyacht excursion—remember that good preparation makes the sea more rewarding. From marinas and clearwater bays to gulf coast fishing trips and ocean passages, choosing the right boat, captain, and itinerary turns a trip into a memory; consider charter, rent, or sale options with transparency and convenience in mind. Choose your own course.
