Final preparations complete as excitement builds for the Women's International Championship

Final preparations complete as excitement builds for the Women's International Championship © Paul Todd / OUTSIDEIMAGES.COM

The threat of lightning and torrential rain kept competitors ashore yesterday during what was supposed to be the first day of mandatory practice for the 2026 Women's International Championship Presented by State Street Investment Management / SPY.

However, any disappointment was quickly forgotten at a fabulous post race party presented by Palm Beach Motor Yachts, where former teammates and rivals from around the world had a chance to connect, catch up and make new friendships.

In today's sunny and clear conditions, a perfect late-summer day on Narragansett Bay, the competitors traveled to the Halfway Rock area for a series of practice starts and practice races in an enthusiastic north westerly breeze.

Talent is evident from every start, and the fact that different boats are at the top of each lap in the practice races. The forecast for the next few days is on the lighter side, which only creates more opportunities for teams that maybe are not as experienced in sailing the IC37 in heavier air. Day 1 of racing begins tomorrow.

From the sailors:

"There are multiple women here that we have followed for years on social media, their entire campaign through dinghies and keelboat sailing, so it is a little starstruck to be faced with people that we've followed for years. There's always a little bit of like tap on the shoulder to be like 'oh my gosh, do you know who that is?' It's incredible that we're all going to be on the start line, that so many incredible women have managed to gather in one space." -Robyn Patrick, Co-captain, Dominique Provoyeur and Team Granate RSA

"We had a great theory session about how to use the boat, a bit more of detail via North Sails. I think it's very useful because the boats are completely new for us. The first experience with this boat is really positive. I think it's going to be a very interesting division in the fleet based on experience in certain boats." -Laura van Veen, Helmswoman, Team DutchSail

"We've had three days of sailing it [the IC37], and it's wonderful. We train in Farr 40s, an older boat and heavier boat, so it was beautiful to have the dinghy feel, the planning, moving the weight up and down. We understand that friendship and trust becomes a very important part of our goal, and with that comes doing our best, the competition, making sure we do one step at a time and we go fast." Elaine Fierro, Helmswoman, Avante by Maja Sportswear from Acapulco Yacht Club.

The inaugural edition of the New York Yacht Club International Women's Championship Presented by State Street Investment Management SPY will take place September 12 to 19 at the New York Yacht Club Harbour Court in Newport, R.I. The regatta will utilize the Club's fleet of 20 IC37s. The 37-foot keelboat was designed by Mark Mills to a brief developed by the Club. The IC37 is a powerful, sporty platform that rewards cohesive crew work and athleticism. The Women's International Championship is also supported by founding partner Rolex, regatta sponsor Helly Hansen and official supplier Palm Beach Motor Yachts. The list of competing skippers can be viewed here.