World Sailing is pleased to announce the 12 skippers and teams set to compete at the 2026 World Sailing Women’s Match Racing World Championship from 30 September to 4 October 2026, hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club. This invitation-only event will showcase the world’s best women’s match-racing teams from seven nations, competing in the stunning setting of San Francisco Bay.
St. Francis Yacht Club has a history of hosting prestigious women’s match-racing events, including stops on the Women’s World Match Racing Tour. Commodore Susan Ruhne noted that fall is an excellent time for racing in the Bay, promising top-level competition in a spectator-friendly environment.
Race Director Felix Weidling highlighted that all 12 teams are ranked in the top 18 of World Sailing’s Women’s Match Racing Rankings, ensuring highly competitive racing. The championship will feature the defending champion and the highest-ranked skippers, alongside a representative from the hosting nation selected by StFYC and US Sailing.
Among the competitors is Pauline Courtois (FRA) and her Match in Pink by Normandy Elite Team, who has won the last five consecutive championships and currently leads the rankings. Other notable French teams include Julia D’Amodio and her Shark Caviar Team, and Lucie Gout with L4C Racing Team.
European representation continues with Anna Östling (SWE) and her WINGS squad, alongside Martina Carlsson (SWE) and her Beyond Racing Team. From the Netherlands, Julia Aartsen and her Team Out of the Box are also in the mix, along with Kristine Marie Mauritzen (DEN) and her Those Seagulls team.
The antipodean presence includes Juliet Costanzo (AUS) and her Team Costanzo who finished in fourth place in last year’s world championship and is ranked 14th by World Sailing. She will be representing Australia’s Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club and competing with Stacey Jackson, Sarah Parker and Katie Spithill. Along with Megan Thomson (NZL) with 2.0 Racing Team, both teams bring strong credentials to the competition.
Three American teams from California will also compete: Allie Blecher (USA) with Team BAAM!, Lindsey Baab (USA) with Fog Racing, and Nicole Breault (USA) with Vela Racing Team, who won last year’s U.S. Women’s Match Racing Championship.
Racing is set to commence on Thursday, 1 October at 10:30 hrs PDT (17:30 hrs UTC).
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