Newport, R.I. – Two-time Olympic medalist Lijia Xu is set to take on new challenges at the inaugural New York Yacht Club Women’s International Championship from September 12 to 19. With a successful background in singlehanded sailing, including three world championships and two Olympic medals, Xu will now lead a team representing the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club in a new team sailing environment aboard the Club’s identical IC37 yachts, which typically host nine to 11 crew members.
Xu expressed her determination to adapt to her new role, stating, “Taking charge of the communication with a group of people, making plans and making things happen, just the beginning stage of being a skipper is already quite demanding for me. The biggest challenge is the transition from just doing my own things well to now needing to look after a group of people.”
The Women’s International Championship will feature a fleet of 20 IC37s, designed for high-performance sailing that emphasises crew coordination and athleticism. This event is supported by founding partner Rolex and regatta sponsor Helly Hansen. Despite limited practice time with her crew, Xu is optimistic about their ability to gel and learn the intricacies of racing the IC37, citing her Olympic training as a forte.
Team Aurora, led by Lena Weißkichel from Germany and supported by the Magenta Project, faces a similar scenario with a diverse crew from seven countries. The team has utilised technology for virtual training to prepare for their upcoming challenge.
With participants including Xu, Weißkichel, and 18 other internationally recognised skippers, the Women’s International Championship promises to be a significant event in women’s sailing, showcasing elite talent and fostering global collaboration.
Interested sailors can join the Women’s International Championship Crew Finder to connect with skippers for possible involvement in the competition.
2026 New York Yacht Club International Women’s Championship
Sept. 12 to 19, 2026
Newport, R.I.
Invited Skippers
Ragna Agerup (NOR), Nicole Breault (USA), Marie Klok Crump (DEN), Hannah Diamond (GBR), Sarah Douglas (CAN), Eliane Fierro (MEX), Karyn Gojnich (AUS), Megan Grapengeter-Rudnick (USA), Michelle Lahrkamp (USA), Dominique Proyoveur (RSA), Lisa Ross (CAN), Katie Spithill (AUS), Ida Swensson (SWE), Hannah Swett (USA), Laura van Veen (NED), Lena Weißkichel (GER), Katrina Williams (BER), Christina Wolfe (USA) and Lijia Xu (CHN).
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