Denmark’s Lea Vogelius and WOW Racing claimed victory at the 2026 KDY Women’s Match Race in Rungsted Harbour after defeating Sweden’s Anna Östling and WINGS Sailing 3-1 in the final.
The event marked the opening round of the 2026 Women’s World Match Racing Tour, hosted by the Royal Danish Yacht Club.
WOW Racing keeps focus during the KDY Women’s Match Race. Photo: Ian Roman
Vogelius and her crew of Louise Ulrikkeholm, Sille Christensen, Josefine Rasmussen, Joan Hansen and Maria Juul produced a consistent performance throughout the regatta. The Danish team finished the double round robin stage with a 10-4 record before overcoming fellow Dane Kristine Mauritzen 3-1 in the semi-finals.
The final delivered an all-Scandinavian contest against former event winner Anna Östling and WINGS Sailing.
WOW Racing used local knowledge of the Rungsted racecourse and strong boat speed in the DS37 keelboats to secure the title on home waters. “It’s been a tricky event for us, but we love sailing the DS37s,” Vogelius said. “In the final against Anna and her team, we knew anything could happen but luckily we were super-fast today, and we are thrilled to get the win.”
WOW Racing leads the Women’s World Match Racing Tour. Photo: Ian Roman
Östling finished runner-up, while France’s Pauline Courtois secured third place after winning the petit final.
The event attracted eight leading women’s match racing teams and opened the 2026 Women’s World Match Racing Tour season. WOW Racing now lead the early tour standings ahead of the next round, the Santa Maria Cup in Annapolis, USA, from 3-6 June.
First held in 1991, the Santa Maria Cup is regarded as one of women’s match racing’s leading regattas and regularly attracts Olympic sailors, world champions and international title holders. Defending champion Allie Blecher is expected to return for the 2026 edition, alongside Sweden’s Anna Östling, winner of the event in 2023.
