The New York Yacht Club has extended the application deadline for the inaugural International Women’s Championship to May 15. This change comes in response to significant interest from teams worldwide.
Over two dozen teams from 11 countries have requested invitations. Many other teams have also expressed interest, prompting the extension.
Event chair Cory Sertl commented, “The response to this event is very strong... We’re tremendously pleased with the number of requests as well as the geographic diversity.”
The championship is set to take place from September 12 to 19, 2026, at the Harbour Court Clubhouse in Newport, R.I. The competition will feature 20 identical IC37 yachts, ensuring a level playing field.
The regatta schedule includes three days of training and five days of racing on Narragansett Bay. The Notice of Race and the Request for Invitation (RFI) form are available on the Club’s website.
Commodore L. Jay Cross stated, “We targeted this event at the best women sailors regardless of nationality or classification.”
The entry fee for the regatta is $5,000, which includes yacht charter and social events. This makes it one of the most accessible competitions in sailing, says Cross.
The selection committee will face tough decisions in choosing 20 teams from a pool of talented female sailors. The final team list will be announced in late June.
