Shaw and Partners Women Racing officially launched its campaign for the inaugural New York Yacht Club Women’s International Championship, announcing Shaw and Partners Financial Services as the team’s naming rights partner.
Founded by Katie Spithill and Stacey Jackson, the team brings together Australia’s most accomplished female sailors with a vision of creating meaningful opportunities for women in sailing.
Co-Founder and Skipper Katie Spithill stated that the initiative aims to build something larger than just a single campaign. “Women Racing was never intended to be a single campaign or a single regatta. It was created to bring together exceptional women, create opportunities, and build a platform that continues to grow long after the finish line.”
Co-Founder and Crew Boss Stacey Jackson emphasized the importance of representing Australia while also fostering future opportunities for women in the sport. “We’ve all spent our careers chasing opportunities to compete at the highest level. This campaign ensures those opportunities continue to grow for future generations.”
The campaign is supported by Platinum Partners Palm Beach Motor Yachts and Buckingham Marine Services, along with Supporting Partners Vaikobi, Oroton, and the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, creating a sustainable platform for women’s high-performance sailing.
The team’s inaugural international campaign will see them compete in the championship, which will gather leading yacht clubs globally for one of the new significant events on the sailing calendar.
Earl Evans, CEO of Shaw and Partners, remarked on the significance of supporting such initiatives, stating, “Backing people to perform at their best is at the heart of what we do. Women Racing is about creating opportunities, inspiring future generations, and demonstrating what can be achieved with support.”
The official launch was held at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron before the team began training on Sydney Harbour. Looking beyond this event, Spithill noted that the campaign signifies another milestone in the evolution of Women Racing, aiming to showcase the possibilities for exceptional women in competitive sailing.
Women Racing combines diverse experiences, including Olympic and world championship backgrounds, fostering participation and growth in women’s sailing. The squad includes Olympians, world champions, and elite sailors, showcasing the depth of Australian female talent.
As Shaw and Partners Women Racing embarks on its first international campaign, they aspire to inspire more women and girls to pursue competitive sailing while highlighting the strength and professionalism within the sport.
For more information, visit www.womenracing.com.au.
NYYC TEAM
Katie Spithill – Co-Founder & Skipper
Stacey Jackson – Co-Founder, Crew Boss & Trimmer
Emma Roberts – Team Communication & Logistics Manager, Mast
Nina Curtis – Trimmer
Tara Blanc-Ramos – Bow
Clare Costanzo – Tactician
Alice Parker – Runners / Strategy
Sarah Parker – Mainsheet
Juliet Costanzo – Grinder
Abby Ehler – Pit
SQUAD
Katherine Dawson
Jess Angus
Angela Farrell
Nicole Butcher
Bayley Taylor
Lisa Denvir
Jemma Hodgson
Georgia Tuckey
Ruby Sholten
PARTNERS
Title Partner
Shaw and Partners Financial Services
Platinum Partners
Palm Beach Motor Yachts
Buckingham Marine Services
Supporting Partners
Vaikobi
Oroton
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club
ABOUT THE NEW YORK YACHT CLUB WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL
The inaugural New York Yacht Club Women’s International will be held from 12 to 19 September 2026 at New York Yacht Club Harbour Court in Newport, Rhode Island, USA.
Hosted by the New York Yacht Club, the event will bring together 20 teams representing leading yacht clubs from around the world to compete in the Club’s fleet of one-design IC37 keelboats.
The regatta includes two official practice days followed by five days of racing, with competitors sailing identical boats to ensure the focus remains on teamwork, tactics and sailing performance.
The 2026 New York Yacht Club Women’s International is supported by founding partner Rolex.
#WomenRacing #RPAYC #AustralianSailors #WomensChampionship
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