Mastering Every Hull: The Boats of the Sea Bags Women's Sailing Team
The Sea Bags Women's Sailing Team is a nationally competitive, all-women crew that races with precision, purpose, and passion. Led by Captain Erica, the team has competed at some of the most prestigious regattas in the country. Over the past decade, they've earned numerous accolades, including the Top Female Team and Top Female Skipper Awards at national and world championship events.
08/21/25
For these sailors, the boat is more than a vessel, it's a platform for growth, grit, and representation in a sport still largely dominated by men. Sea Bags is proud to sponsor this talented crew as they race across the country and continue to inspire the next generation of women sailors.
Their competitive edge comes not just from determination, but from versatility. The team routinely sails multiple classes of boats, each demanding different skills and strategies. From nimble keelboats to complex offshore racers, here's a look at the primary boats in their rotation:
J/24
Photo Credit: Christopher Howell
At 24 feet in length, the J/24 is one of the most popular one-design keelboats in the world. In one-design racing, all teams use identical boats and equipment, which means success depends on boat speed, tactics, and flawless teamwork. The J/24 is typically raced with five to six crew, with every pound of crew weight making a difference, particularly in strong wind conditions.
Etchells
Photo Credit: Ann Blanchard
Sleek and responsive, the Etchells is a 30-foot boat with a 22-foot waterline, raced with three to four crew depending on crew weight. Like the J/24, Etchells racing is usually one-design, and the boats are closely matched. Tactics and precision are key, and the Etchells' low profile and long waterline make it fast in a variety of wind conditions.
J/35
Photo Credit: Ann Blanchard
J/35: The J/35 adds complexity, size, and versatility. At 35 feet with a 30-foot waterline, it's often raced with eight or nine crew, though the Sea Bags team will sail this event with six. The boat has been modified with a carbon bowsprit and asymmetrical spinnaker, an advantage for shorthanded sailing. Unlike one-design racing, the J/35 competes under PHRF rules, where each boat is assigned a rating that reflects its theoretical speed.
Each class offers something unique, and by rotating between these boats, the Sea Bags Women's Sailing Team sharpens their sailing instincts and deepens their understanding of wind, water, and teamwork.
As crew member Emily Carville puts it, "We benefit greatly from sailing a variety of boats routinely. It expands our fundamentals and keeps us learning. We take what we've learned on one boat and bring it to the next, and we have a lot of fun mixing it up."
Check out the Sea Bags Women's Sailing Team's 2025 Racing Schedule.
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