New York Yacht Club announces biennial International Women’s Championship in IC37s
by New York Yacht Club 31 Oct 08:38 PDT
September 12-19, 2026
New York Yacht Club announces biennial International Women’s Championship in IC37s © Scott Trauth / www.ScottTrauthPhotography.com
The New York Yacht Club is excited to announce its inaugural International Women’s Championship, an exclusive female competition to be held with 37-foot IC37 yachts from September 12 to 19, 2026.
L. Jay Cross, Commodore of the New York Yacht Club, states, “We foresee this event becoming one of the premier events in the sport, much like the acclaimed Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup. The IC37 keelboat has been designed to reward skilled teams that can demonstrate exceptional teamwork, quick transitions, and effective tactics, irrespective of size or gender. We eagerly await placing these remarkable boats in the hands of the world’s leading female sailors.”
Invitations to teams of nine or more sailors are welcome, regardless of nationality, yacht club affiliation, or amateur status. Like the other boat-provided events by the New York Yacht Club, the International Women’s Championship will ensure a level playing field, featuring top-notch one-design boats and sails, uniform rig tuning, and on-water umpiring. The winning skipper will receive a Rolex timepiece. This regatta will take place every two years.
“The New York Yacht Club International Women’s Championship presents an incredible chance for female sailors worldwide to compete on an equal footing in a format that is rarely available to all-female teams,” states Sarah Douglas from Canada, a two-time Olympian in the ILCA 6. “Having been an admirer and participant in three Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cups, I felt envy as a professional sailor not being able to partake in such an extraordinary amateur event. I eagerly anticipate racing these exceptional one-design IC37s with an all-female team against the top women globally.”
The 2026 New York Yacht Club International Women’s Championship will consist of two days of required practice followed by five days of racing. Enjoyable social events each evening at the new Harbour Court waterfront, plus a formal awards banquet, will create an unforgettable regatta experience.
“Our aim is to gather a truly international group of elite competitors,” says event chair Cory Sertl. “We hope that prominent professional sailors from the Olympics, Women’s America’s Cup, and other leading competitions will form teams and compete alongside top amateur keelboat sailors. The IC37 serves as an excellent platform accommodating sailors of all sizes and ages while fostering a strong, athletic competition.”
The invitation request form is currently available here. The deadline for the first round of invitations is April 15.
“The International Women’s Championship, showcasing the best women sailors globally, could present a fantastic opportunity to highlight and celebrate the remarkable skill and talent women bring to our sport,” says Giulia Conti, a four-time Olympian for Italy and successful helmswoman at the 2024 PUIG Women’s America’s Cup. “This event is crucial for enhancing women’s participation in sailing, pushing limits, and showcasing the commitment we dedicate to this sport. It is inspiring to see the New York Yacht Club take steps towards equal representation and opportunities in sailing.”
For further details regarding the 2026 New York Yacht Club International Women’s Championship, including the NOR, please visit here.
