The New York Yacht Club's biennial Invitational Inter-club series at Newport RI has seen Royal Cork and Howth campaigning in the sporty Mark Mills-designed ILC 37 One Designs, and they'll be racing again in September 2025.
But the closed-shop generally male makeup of the crews has inevitably drawn some criticism. So now the New Yorkers are adding a new event to their already crowded annual programme, and it bends backwards while leaping through several hoops in order to meet complaints head-on and broaden the use of their excellent boats.
2026 DATE
The New York YC will host the inaugural International Women's Championship, a female-only competition that will be sailed in the Club's fleet of 37-foot IC37 yachts, on September 12-19, 2026.
"The New York Yacht Club envisions that this event, like the very successful Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup, will emerge as one of the sport's top events," says L. Jay Cross, Commodore of the New York Yacht Club.
"The IC37 keelboat was designed to reward talented crews who can execute exquisite teamwork, speed transitions, and excellent tactics, regardless of size or gender, so we're excited to put these great boats into the hands of the world's top female sailors."
TEAMS OF NINE OR MORE WOMEN SAILORS
Teams of nine or more sailors are invited to request an invitation regardless of country, yacht club affiliation, or amateur status. The winning skipper will receive a Rolex timepiece, and the regatta will take place on a biennial basis in Newport, RI.
"The New York Yacht Club International Women's Championship will be an amazing opportunity for female sailors across the globe to compete on an even playing field in an exciting format not usually available to all-female teams," says Sarah Douglas, of Canada, a two-time Olympian in the ILCA 6.
"I have been a supporter and spectator at three editions of the Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup and have always been extremely jealous that, as a professional sailor, I was not able to compete in such an incredible amateur-only event. I can't wait to race these incredible, one-design IC37s with an all-female crew against the best women in the world."
The 2026 New York Yacht Club International Women's Championship will feature two days of mandatory practice and five days of racing. Social activities each evening on the new Harbour Court waterfront along with a formal awards banquet will create a truly memorable regatta experience.
"Our goal is to attract a truly international field of top competitors," says event chair Cory Sertl. "We are hopeful that top professional sailors from the Olympics, Women's America's Cup, and other top competitions will field teams and compete alongside top amateur keelboat sailors. The IC37 is a great platform that can accommodate sailors of all sizes and ages while still facilitating a robust and athletic competition."
DEADLINE APRIL 15TH 2025
The request for invitation form is open now. The deadline for the initial round of invitations is April 15.
"The International Women's Championship, featuring the top women sailors from around the world, could be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and showcase the extraordinary talent and skill that women bring to our sport," says Guilia Conti, a four-time Olympian for Italy and winning helmswoman at the 2024 PUIG Women's America's Cup.
"This event is essential for advancing women's development in sailing, pushing boundaries and highlighting the commitment and dedication that we invest in this sport. It's inspiring to see the New York Yacht Club taking steps towards equal representation and opportunities in sailing."
