The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club is proud to share an exciting international campaign that will see a team of talented female sailors represent at the prestigious New York Yacht Club Women’s International in Newport, Rhode Island. Featuring 20 elite all-female teams from six continents, the event will take place in September 2026.
The regatta brings together leading yacht clubs and elite female sailors from around the world to compete on a level playing field in identical one-design yachts, showcasing the highest standard of international women’s sailing competition.
More than just a regatta campaign, the initiative highlights the strength, skill and growing depth of women’s sailing, while inspiring the next generation of female sailors progressing through the Club’s pathways and development programs.
RPAYC has a proud history of excellence in sailing, youth development and international competition. The Club has produced Olympic medallists, America’s Cup sailors, and world-class offshore and one-design competitors.
The Club is especially proud that seven members of this 10-person crew are RPAYC members & graduates of the RPAYC Youth Development Program: Katie Spithill, Stacey Jackson, Nina Curtis, Clare Costanzo, Sarah Parker, Juliet Costanzo and Alice Tarnawski.
Skipper Katie Spithill said “Participation in the Women’s Invitational aligns strongly with our commitment to increasing participation and creating meaningful pathways for women in competitive sailing”.
“The campaign will support training, travel, regatta preparation and international representation as the team prepares to compete against some of the world’s best yacht clubs and sailors,” Stacey Jackson said.
The Club is encouraging members, supporters and the wider sailing community to get behind the campaign and help the team proudly represent Australia and the Alfreds on the world stage via the Women Racing Australian Sports Foundation campaign page HERE.
Donations are tax deductible and provide support for athlete development and Australian sporting initiatives.
Together, the sailing community can help these athletes continue the proud international legacy of the Alfreds.
Rob McClelland
Commodore – Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club