The upcoming Women’s International Championship, presented by State Street Investment Management, is set to bring some of the best female sailors in the world to Newport, Rhode Island, from September 12-19, 2026. New York Yacht Club Regattas executive Cory Sertl joined the latest episode of the American Sailor podcast to break down what competitors and fans can expect from this premier event.
A Showcase for Women’s Sailing at the Highest Level
The Women’s International Championship stands as one of the most significant all-women regattas on the international calendar, combining professional and amateur talent in a format designed to elevate competitive women’s sailing. Hosted by the New York Yacht Club, the event will be contested in the club’s fleet of IC37 one-design keelboats, ensuring that results come down to crew work, tactics, and boat handling rather than equipment advantages.
The IC37, designed by Mark Mills and built by Melges Performance Sailboats, has become a cornerstone of the New York Yacht Club’s racing program since its introduction. The 37-foot boat was purpose-built for the club’s fleet racing initiatives, offering a high-performance platform that rewards skilled sailing while keeping competition tight across the fleet. Its use in the Women’s International Championship underscores the club’s commitment to providing world-class racing conditions on a level playing field.
Newport’s Legacy as a Sailing Capital
Newport remains one of the most storied sailing venues in the world, with a heritage stretching back to the America’s Cup defenses that defined the harbor for much of the 20th century. The waters off Narragansett Bay offer challenging and varied conditions — from light, shifty sea breezes to stiff southwesterly winds — that test the full range of a crew’s capabilities. For the Women’s International Championship, these conditions will provide a fitting proving ground for teams traveling from around the globe.
The New York Yacht Club’s Harbour Court facility in Newport serves as a world-class race management hub, and the club has steadily expanded its portfolio of major regattas in recent years. The Women’s International Championship fits squarely into this vision, attracting international entries and reinforcing Newport’s position as the epicenter of American competitive sailing.
Growing Momentum for Women’s Competitive Sailing
The championship arrives at a moment of significant momentum for women’s sailing worldwide. The past several Olympic cycles have seen expanded mixed and women’s events, and professional circuits including SailGP have introduced dedicated women’s pathway programs. Events like the Women’s International Championship play a critical role in providing high-level racing opportunities that allow female sailors to compete, build teams, and gain visibility in the sport.
Cory Sertl, who has long been a driving force in promoting inclusivity and competitive opportunities in sailing, emphasized the importance of the event during her appearance on the American Sailor podcast. Her involvement with New York Yacht Club’s regatta programming has helped shape events that attract top-tier international fields while remaining accessible to accomplished amateur sailors.
What to Watch For
With a week-long format running from September 12-19, the championship allows for a comprehensive series that will thoroughly test each team’s consistency and adaptability. The one-design IC37 fleet racing format means spectators and followers can expect close competition, with small margins separating the top teams.
The blend of professional and amateur sailors in the same event is a distinctive feature of the championship, creating opportunities for emerging talent to measure themselves against seasoned campaigners. For many competitors, the regatta serves as both a pinnacle event and a stepping stone to broader international campaigns.
Full details on the championship, including entry information and racing schedule, are available through the New York Yacht Club. The American Sailor podcast episode featuring Sertl’s preview of the event is available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.
Source: View original post on USSAILING
