The 2026 National Women's Invitational Team Race for the Thayer Trophy Kicks Off Friday

Thayer Trophy Women's Invitational Team Race © Corinthian Yacht Club

Newport Harbor looks to defend title; could event newcomer Seawanhaka Corinthian be the spoiler?

After Newport Harbor Yacht Club won last year's Thayer Trophy in dramatic fashion, the California team quickly committed to defending its title. That won't be easy. The six elite teams set to take the starting line Friday in the sixth edition of Corinthian Yacht Club's National Women's Invitational Team Race are loaded with talent, including event newcomer Seawanhaka Corinthian.

No doubt last year's second-place finisher, Eastern Yacht Club, has its sights set on taking the prize after coming incredibly close last year. But the dark horse could very well be Seawanhaka. The club has a vaunted team-racing history and Team Captain Karen Renzulli has won more than a few team-racing titles. That said, the Thayer Trophy format, three days of 3v3 racing in keelboats with spinnakers, presents a whole lot of opportunities for upsets, so it is anyone's game.

Perhaps no team understands this better than Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing's sailors. CBYRA has finished in the top three four times but has never lifted the trophy. Team Captain Ashley Love wants to change that this year.

"The Thayer Trophy has been a goal to claim since day one and 2026 is no different," said Love. "The event has evolved, lengthened and exceeded expectations. The competition has gotten stronger and stronger. Whether or not we top the leaderboard this time around, it's still incredibly meaningful to be a part of it."

Thayer Trophy's focus on creating the opportunity for women to sail at the highest levels while building a supportive community is the main reason Tellaro Wealth Management signed on as presenting sponsor. It also fit with the firm's affinity for all things ocean.

"We wanted to support women's sailing because I've seen its powerful impact on my daughter, who has fallen in love with the sport," said Tellaro founder Topher Brennan. "It builds confidence, teamwork, a love of the water, and a worldwide sense of community. Our entire team is very proud to partner with the Thayer Trophy."

The Corinthian Yacht Club National Women's Invitational Team Race for the Thayer Trophy is taking place in Marblehead, MA June 12-14, 2026. Racing is held in club-provided Sonars, 23-foot, one-design keelboats typically sailed with four or five crew.

Spectators can view the action on land from Chandler Hovey Park. The finals on Sunday will be live streamed with commentary. Visit thayertrophy.com for all the event details.

The 2026 Thayer Trophy Teams:

• Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing Association
• Corinthian Yacht Club
• Eastern Yacht Club
• New York Yacht Club
• Newport Harbor Yacht Club
• Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club

About The Thayer Trophy

Looking to create more opportunity for women sailors to compete at a high level, the Corinthian Yacht Club introduced the Thayer Trophy regatta in 2021. It is the only women's 3v3 team racing event held in keelboats with spinnakers, which add a degree of difficulty that has become a hallmark in the upper echelons of team-racing competitions.

The Thayer Trophy honors Corinthian's Joan and Elynore "Elli" Thayer's significant contributions to women's sailing: Joan as a passionate one-design skipper and organizer of the National Women's Sailing Association Conference, and Elli as the first women skipper in the 110 Class and Marblehead Racing Association officer for more than 20 years.