Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron announces crew for the 2026 NYYC Women's International Championship

Women's International Championship squad, led by Vice Commodore Karyn Gojnich OLY, are training hard on the Melges IC37 © Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron

The New York Yacht Club (NYYC) will host its inaugural Women's International Championship, bringing together 20 elite female led teams from around the world.

The regatta will take place September 12 to 19, 2026, and every team in the regatta will race identical IC37 yachts supplied by the New York Yacht Club.

Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron (RSYS) Vice Commodore and three-time Olympian Karyn Gojnich is among the invited skippers and will lead the RSYS campaign.

Gojnich said the opportunity marks a significant milestone for women's sailing at RSYS:

"The NYYC Women's International Championship is an extraordinary opportunity for the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron to accelerate our already strong women's sailing program. It represents the pinnacle of the RSYS pathway program, from learn to sail, to the LOTS Coaching Regatta, Tuesday Twilights, one design sailing and both inshore and offshore opportunities. Many of our female members, including our Academy and Squadron Keelboat Program sailors are already competing nationally, and internationally. The NYYC Regatta caps that pathway to elite sailing.

We've had a training Squad of more than 20 women on the water since April, bringing together a wide range of experience — from Olympic hopefuls to national competitors and emerging talent. Every member has shown tremendous enthusiasm, commitment to learning, and a drive to develop as a high performing team. We are proudly a development team, and I'm excited to see how far we can progress in the months ahead and on the start line in Newport.

Every sailor in this squad has played an important role in our journey. Whether sailing, coaching, supporting or stepping into different crew positions, each has contributed to the culture, standards and camaraderie that define our program. I am proud to introduce our full squad."

RSYS 2026 NYYC Women's International Championship Squad

The RSYS 2026 NYYC Women's International Championship Squad have been training on 'Mittere', one of only two IC37's in Australia, owned by Scott Lawson and David Ferguson.

"Both Scott and David have been enthusiastic supporters of our team and our participation in this Championship, and we are incredibly grateful for their support. Scott and RSYS Coach Nev Wittey have also generously shared their time and knowledge to build our skills on the boat."

The twenty-one sailors in the campaign

Alexia Biggs, Alex Birrell, Annabelle Connery, Clare Crosswaite, Mina Ferguson, Alexandra Ford, Danielle Gerace, India Gilbert, Karyn Gojnich, Susan Hardy, Amanda Hicks, Emily Keg, Kim Ketelbey, Vicki Kornman, Michelle McGrath, Susan Metcalf, Natasha Miller, Angela Morrison, Gill Shearman, Annie Willmot, Brooke Wilson.

"Selecting the crew to represent the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron at the inaugural New York Yacht Club Women's International Championship in Newport this September has been one of the toughest decisions of the campaign. The standard across the squad has been exceptional, and every sailor should be incredibly proud of what we've achieved together." -Karyn Gojnich

Representing the team in Newport will be:

• Karyn Gojnich OLY - Team leader, Co-helm and Navigator. RSYS Vice Commodore and three-time Olympian
• Annie Wilmot - Tactician. 49erFX sailor campaigning for LA Olympics, port trimmer on Andoo Team Australia for the first ever Women's America's Cup.
• Mina Ferguson - Co-helm. WAZSP Female Vice World Champion, currently campaigning for Moth World Championship
• Emily Keg - Main trimmer. Australian Women's Match Racing winner and regular crew on RSYS Kerr 40 Minerva
• Annabel Connery - Jib Trimmer. Sailing Champions League Youth Team member, J/70 sailor, RSYS SKP Squad and regular crew on RSYS Kerr 40 Minerva
• India Gilbert - Spinnaker Trimmer. 420s, 470s, 49erFX, World Match Racing tour, Women's World Match Racing tour, J70s, Etchells and yacht fleet racing
• Clare Crosswaite - Pit. Elliott 7 skipper, Elan S3, Far East 28, Etchells and J70 sailor.
• Susan Hardy - Mast. Fleet racer, including RSYS yacht Andiamo! 2026 RSYS Crewperson of the Year.
• Vicki Kornman - Bow. One design sailing including ILCA Nationals, J70 State and Nationals

The crew is supported by project manager and reserve sailor Susan Metcalf (Sydney 38 co-owner and skipper), and shore manager Amanda Hicks (Jeanneau 349 owner and skipper). Also, on standby in Newport will be Alexandra Ford, Danielle Gerace, Michelle McGrath and Angela Morrison.

Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron announces crew for the 2026 NYYC Women's International Championship - photo © Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron