Newport, Rhode Island – The New York Yacht Club (NYYC) has confirmed that its inaugural Women’s International Championship, held last week, will return in 2028. The 20‑team regatta, featuring Olympians, America’s Cup sailors, national champions and amateurs, concluded with a U.S. crew led by Megan Grapengeter‑Rudnick taking the victory.

Strong participation and elite talent

Commodore Clare Harrington highlighted the impressive field of 200 skippers and sailors, noting New Zealand’s Megan Thomson, who flew in from the Ocean Race Atlantic to compete on an IC37 keelboat. Thomson’s team finished 14th in the race, which used identical 37‑foot IC37s – a platform the club describes as “powerful, sporty, and rewarding of cohesive crew work and athleticism.”

First‑time female commodore leads the effort

Harrington, elected in 2025 as the NYYC’s first female commodore in its 182‑year history, called the women‑only event an “experiment” that proved successful. She emphasized that the entry fee was kept at $5,000, far lower than the $35,000 fee for the club’s long‑standing Invitational Cup, to encourage participation while testing the concept.

Financial backing and sponsorship

Staging the regatta required significant resources, with sail costs alone reaching roughly $600,000. The NYYC secured major sponsors, including State Street Investment Management, Rolex and Helly Hansen, to cover these expenses. A specially crafted trophy made by Tiffany in Rhode Island was also presented to the winners.

Looking ahead to 2028

“Having seen the success of this one, we’re committed for 2028. We will definitely do it again,” Harrington said in a video interview with Reuters. The club plans to build on the momentum, aiming to attract even more elite sailors and expand the event’s profile in the sailing community.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.