The 2026 Women’s International Championship presented by State Street Investment Management and SPY kicked off with a thrilling first race on September 16, 2026, at the New York Yacht Club Harbour Court in Newport, Rhode Island. The day began with uncertainty as the competitors faced challenging light and shifty winds, prompting the race committee to move the start time up an hour to 10 a.m. to ensure a race day.
Lisa Ross and the Kairos Racing Team started conservatively but quickly established a strong lead, rounding the first mark ahead, followed by Ragna Agerup and Team Ursa Minor, and Hannah Diamond with the Thames Swans. In a surprising turn, Ida Svensson’s crew from the Royal Swedish Yacht Club moved up from seventh to third place during the first run.
As the race progressed, Ross maintained her lead, but as conditions changed, she found herself squeezed out of podium contention due to a late windshift. Ultimately, Svensson crossed the finish line just ahead of Agerup, with Megan Grapengeter-Rudnick in third and Ross in fourth. The top five was rounded out by Karyn Gojnich from Team Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron.
After nearly two hours of waiting for a breeze, the fleet was sent to the docks, concluding the first day of competition. The race committee expressed hope for better conditions on Day 2, which promises a sunny day with a building southwesterly breeze and temperatures in the low 70s.
This inaugural championship features 20 IC37s, a model designed specifically for competitive sailing. The event showcases over 200 of the world’s most talented female sailors, highlighting the growing presence of women in the sailing community.
As the competition heats up, sailors are encouraged to network and support one another, fostering a strong community within the sport. The excitement continues as the championship progresses, with strong performances anticipated in the upcoming days.
Results – Day1:
1. Ida Svensson (SWE) (1; 1)
2. Ragna Agerup (NOR) (2; 2)
3. Megan Grapengeter-Rudnick (USA) (3; 3)
4. Lisa Ross (CAN) (4; 4)
5. Karyn Gojnich (AUS) (5; 5)
6. Hannah Diamond (GBR) (6; 6)
7. Laura van Veen (NED) (8*; 8)
8. Michelle Lahrkamp (USA) (8; 8)
9. Lena Weißkichel (GER) (9; 9)
10. Katie Spithill (AUS) (10; 10)
11. Dominique Provoyeur (RSA) (11; 11)
12. Marie Klok Crump (DEN) (12; 12)
13. Nicole Breault (USA) (14*; 14)
14. Hannah Swett (USA) (14; 14)
15. Katrina Williams (BER) (16; 16)
16. Sarah Douglas (CAN) (16*; 16)
17. Christina Wolfe (USA) (17; 17)
18. Eliane Fierro (MEX) (18; 18)
19. Megan Thomson (NZL) (19; 19)
20. Lijia Xu (CHN) (20; 20)
Text Credits: NYYC Women’s International Championship
Photo Credits: OUTSIDEIMAGES.COM
Video Credits: ICARUS Sports
#NewYorkYachtClubRegattas #nyyc_regattas #WomensSailing #IC37
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