This summer, the Galveston Bay Women’s Championship Series brought together some of the most skilled female sailors in Texas, showcasing their talents in a series of five events over June, July, and August. The series, hosted by a collaboration between the Galveston Bay Cruising Association (GBCA), Houston Yacht Club, and the Texas Association of Social Sailors (TASS), is a testament to the growing presence of women at the helm in competitive sailing. With events like the Catherine Spiller Regatta, Fairfax Moody Regatta, GBCA Women’s Regatta, Mermaid Regatta, and Carol Becker Women’s Regatta, the series highlighted the power and precision of female crews racing in both Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker PHRF divisions aboard boats 30 feet and larger.
For Meghan Pesch Mutlu, this year’s series was a thrilling opportunity to step into a leadership role aboard the J/105 BON BON, owned by Uzi Ozeri. Based out of Lakewood Yacht Club, BON BON is a familiar sight on the water, especially with Meghan trimming the headsail and spinnaker. However, during the Mermaid Regatta on August 24th, Meghan found herself at the helm, leading her team to victory in this one-day event held at Houston Yacht Club. Congratulations to BON BON’s fantastic Mermaid Regatta crew: Cynthia Powell, Karla Gonzalez, Patricia Krutowskis, Olivia Gamez Holzhaus, Kelly Bates, and Allie Cribbs!
The race conditions couldn’t have been better. The morning breeze started at a moderate 8-10 knots, and by afternoon, the wind had built to a solid 17-18 knots, offering thrilling downwind runs for the two distance races. Each race took the fleet around buoys and fixed marks in Galveston Bay, covering roughly 10 nautical miles. Meghan and her crew demonstrated expert boat handling, winning both races and securing the fastest combined corrected time for the day. Their efforts were rewarded with the overall regatta win and the Mermaid Perpetual Trophy.
When asked about her sailing journey, Meghan shared, “I’ve been sailing since I was young, mostly in dinghies where I loved skippering. After college, the opportunities to drive became less frequent since I don’t own a boat, but these women’s events push you out of your comfort zone. They give you that little extra incentive to ask to borrow a boat and step into that leadership role.”
Meghan was quick to acknowledge the generosity of BON BON’s owner, Uzi Ozeri, and the importance of events like the Galveston Bay Women’s Championship Series. “I really appreciate Uzi lending us BON BON for these races. Women’s events like this are vital—they help more women get into sailing and grow as skippers. Hopefully, we’ll see the fleet continue to grow in the future.”
BON BON’s success on the water is also a testament to the quality of its sails, crafted by Pedro Gianotti at UK Sailmakers Texas. Known for his expertise in One Design classes like the J/105, Pedro’s sails have a reputation for speed and reliability. Meghan, who handles the headsail and spinnaker as BON BON’s primary trimmer, praised his work, especially the timely repair of their spinnaker just a week before the Mermaid Regatta. “The sails are fast and consistently deliver. Pedro repaired a hole in the spinnaker from the weekend before, and it performed flawlessly.”
Meghan’s win aboard BON BON at the Mermaid Regatta is not just a personal victory but a reflection of the opportunities that women’s sailing events create. By fostering an environment where women can take the helm, these regattas are building the next generation of female leaders in the sport. As Meghan and her crew continue their journey in the Galveston Bay Women’s Championship Series, their success serves as an inspiring reminder that with the right support, women can—and will—excel in competitive sailing.
