2026 Women's Winter Invitational Regatta at San Diego Yacht Club - Overall
by Jared Wohlgemuth, SDYC 24 Feb 17:12 PST
February 13-15, 2026
The 8th running of the Women's Winter Invitational Regatta once again proved why this invitation-only event has become one of the premier women's sailing competitions in the country. Among the earliest established women's regattas nationwide, WWIR celebrates high-level racing, camaraderie, and the continued rise of women in leadership roles across the sport.
Racing was held in San Diego Yacht Club's J/22 fleet which delivered tight, tactical, short-course competitions where boat handling, communication, and decision-making made the difference. La Playa's trademark shifts kept teams on their toes, producing close mark roundings and races that rewarded precision over flash.
Regatta Chair Marnie Jenkins noted the event's evolution: "The regatta reflects a broader movement within the sport - more women stepping into skipper roles, more all-women teams competing at the highest levels, and stronger collaboration between clubs nationwide." Competitors arrived with resumes spanning national championships, offshore classics, collegiate titles, and international campaigns - yet the tone on and off the water remained welcoming and supportive.
Defending champions Rebecca McElvain, Julie Mitchell, and Erika Barth represented SDYC after earning their berth by winning the 2026 Vixen Cup. Five-time champions from California Yacht Club returned aiming to reclaim the title, while teams traveled from winter climates across the country to trade cold-weather gear for sunshine on San Diego Bay.
Twenty-four teams completed 57 Round Robin races, each sailing 10 qualifiers before advancing into Silver and Gold Fleets. The format tested endurance and consistency as much as raw speed.
The Gold Fleet final featured five-time champion California YC, defending champion San Diego YC, along with Seattle Yacht Club, American Yacht Club, Eastern Yacht Club, and Mission Bay Yacht Club. With SDYC holding a narrow edge heading into the final race, Seattle YC surged ahead to claim the overall win.
Winning skipper AnaLucia Clarkson praised both the racing and the setting: "The racing is amazing, but spending the weekend in San Diego with two close friends, sailing against other incredible sailors - what could be better?" She credited boat familiarity and Friday practice as key to mastering the regatta's demanding short-course format.
The Silver Fleet title went to Chicago Yacht Club, sailed by Addy Holz, Bridget Groble, Madeleine Cooney, and Aisling Sullivan. The team showed steady gains over the two days, building chemistry and consistency to secure the win.
Off the water, the weekend balanced competition with connection. Social events brought together competitors, sponsors, volunteers, and members - a reminder that while the racing is serious, the community is the heart of the event. SDYC's Mount Gay Rum-branded J/22 sails once again framed the racecourse, and post-race gatherings carried the energy ashore.
The Women's Winter Invitational Regatta succeeds because of the collective effort behind it - race officials, volunteers, staff, members, and supporters who make the event run clean and true.
San Diego Yacht Club extends sincere thanks to this year's sponsors - Helly Hansen, Mount Gay Rum, 10 Knots Clothing, and Bay Club Hotel & Marina - for their continued support of women's sailing and the Women's Winter Invitational Regatta.
Full results available here.