High winds keep Rainbow Regatta out of Sarasota Bay, but can't dim Luffing Lassies' passion
CITY ISLAND – Rita Steele’s first Rainbow Regatta did not go as planned.
As a novice sailor in 1980, she had just purchased her first Sunfish, a personal-sized sailing dinghy, and wanted to challenge herself against some top-notch skippers.
As Steele tried to sail her way to the first marker, officials approached and told her to return to the starting line.
“I didn’t know why they wanted me to turn around,” Steele said on Wednesday at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron. “I thought I must have done something wrong.”
The only infractions Steele committed were going too slowly and drifting sideways. Race officials wanted to clear the path so the next race could start.
“I didn’t do well in my first regatta,” she said. “But you learn more from your mistakes.”
Unfortunately, this year's Rainbow Regatta didn't go as planned for anyone this year. High winds caused dangerous conditions in Sarasota Bay on Wednesday and Thursday leading to 75 disappointed solo sailors as this year's event was canceled. Eleven sailing clubs from across the state were on hand for the regatta, which also marks the 50th anniversary of the Florida Women’s Sailing Association.
Steele, who set sail for the first time in a 14-foot Hobie Cat she borrowed from her brother-in-law, kept at it, reading about sailing at the library. She eventually allowed her German Shepherd on board.
“Sailing is lots of fun,” the 75-year-old Steele said. “But when you capsize with a dog, it’s no fun.”
As a former nurse who learned how to fly seaplanes and gliders, Steele feels her time as a pilot has helped prepare her to sail
“It’s quiet and you feel like you’re not going anywhere in a glider,” Steele said. “It’s just a wonderful feeling of freedom.
“Sailing is the same thing. The wing of your plane is just like your sail. It’s all lift. Having been a pilot, it was easier for me to understand how to sail.”
Steele also credits fellow Luffing Lassie Ursula Olson with much of her sailing education. Olson joined the Luffing Lassies, who are based at SSS, in 1978 and is in her 46th year with the female sailing club. She grew up in the mountains of Austria and moved to Sarasota at the age of 30. Steele joined the Lassies a year later.
“I was always drawn toward water,” Olson said. “Friends encouraged me to join.
“It’s the greatest group of women in town, as far as I’m concerned. They all come from different backgrounds. They all like outdoor adventure stuff.
“I’ve had the best friends. It just turned into a passion.”
Mary Ellen Brown moved to the area four years ago and has volunteered to help the Luffing Lassies and other fleets at SSS upgrade their skills, especially in the Sunfish class. She grew up sailing on Long Island Sound before a career in software development in Washington D.C.
Brown stepped away from sailing for 25 years with work and family obligations but returned in full force 11 years ago.
“My kids were in college and I really got into it,” Brown said. “It’s been a real journey. I always have a goal in mind to bump up my game. I just try to get better and better and better.
“I love being outside and on the water. I crave it. I love the art and sport of sailing. It’s a smart person’s sport. It’s not just physical.
“You have to be in shape and have endurance and strength. But you also need to be smart. I love being around smart people. There are a lot of interesting people out here.”
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida Women’s Sailing Association tried to celebrate 50th anniversary with Rainbow Regatta
