A Snippet of History: The Dore Drake Regatta

John Condrick raced his yellow boat “Temptation” for years at DIYC. He customarily had a female crew, teaching them sailing and racing. The Bikini Cup grew out of John and Dore’s desire to promote and support a sailboat race for women.

In 1978, Davis Island Yacht Club instituted an annual Bikini Cup race. There were three races under the SPSA rating, mono-hull 20 foot and over category. To be eligible for the “beautiful new Dore Drake trophy you must be a Tampa boat. No males were allows on board. It must be an all girl crew.” John Condrick donated the trophy, which was made out of a crystal sculpture they had acquired overseas and the race was named the Dore Drake Regatta. The intent was to have an annual regatta for women sailors.

In 1978, the participants included:

Delma Alvarex – “Aires” (1st place)
Michelle Carrier – “Osprey”
Cathy Sherrick – “Sunshine”
JoAnne Rodewald – “RodeOrm”
Jean Clement – “Rampage”
Rose Marie Chillura – “Makaira”

In 1984, it was reported that “we did not have enough wind to test the hiking ability of the women, but they got a lot of practice looking for wind shifts.”

In the December 1991 log, it was reported that “Energizer” won the “Dore Drake Trophy” (formally known as the DIYC Bikini Cup).

Over time, the regatta has had different sets of classes, including in 1997 a “Man On Board Division” and this year a “Coach On Board Division.”

From the October 2003 log, Sandy Mickelson stated, “Dore and her late husband John enjoyed teaching the girls and women back in the ‘dark ages’ when women were not generally considered to be desirable crew, much less helmsmen … It is in great part due to their efforts that a lot of our best sailors and most south after crew are now women.”

This year, the regatta will be held on October 21, 2017 at DIYC.

View the NOR and register online.

Dore Drake Perpetual Trophy Recipients