A LOCAL and almost all-female crew are quietly, but defiantly, making a significant name for themselves on the high seas.

Skippered by Port Douglas Yacht Club’s highly talented Belinda Cooper in Senga, the crew have embarked on an epic journey to showcase the talents of Far North Queensland.

Cooper’s resume is impressive. She won the Airlie Beach Race Week and Magnetic Island both in 2014 on La Quilta a Moody 45DS with an all-female racing team. She also took top honours in the Magnetic Island Race Week on the Sydney 32 Groove.

Now steering her Beneteau 42.7 Senga with her female crew, they are seeking ultimate success when they compete this week in the Jewel of the Crown King’s Cup Regatta in Phuket, Thailand.

Cooper is philosophically jocular when she discusses ‘the boys’ who have been added to the crew. “They come in handy for extra weight on board on windy days and are good for turning a winch handle or two,” she quipped.

The majority of the crew are based in Port Douglas including locals Cooper, sailmaker Mal Richardson, Maryanne Phillips, Trudy Carolyn Nod; along with Iseta Harris from Wonga Beach, Sue Bumstead from Melbourne, Qarma from Stradbroke Island and Belinda’s brother, Sir Adrian Cooper from England.

“I am extremely grateful for our sponsors who have made this possible and I would like to thank Oasis Magazine, Paddy’s Irish Bar, Cairns Car Loans and Pestaway Pest Management for their generous support,” she said.

You can follow the Senga and crews adventure on Facebook.