Bermuda will be among the teams battling for honours in the inaugural New York Yacht Club International Women’s Championship next year.

Team member and spokeswoman Katrina Williams has confirmed that organisers have accepted a request to compete in the regatta to be held in Newport, Rhode Island.

“We requested an invitation to the 2026 NYYC International Women’s Championship because it represents everything I value in the sport,” Williams said. “High-calibre racing, exceptional organisation and a powerful platform for women in sailing.

“It’s an exciting time to be a female athlete with growing momentum in women’s sport and strong role models inspiring the next generation. I want to be part of amplifying that message and showing young sailors, especially in Bermuda, that there are meaningful opportunities to stay in the sport beyond high school, college or the Olympic path.

“Julia [Lines] and I are both deeply committed to developing Bermudian sailing talent, and this regatta is an ideal stage to represent our community while continuing to compete at a high level. We’ve raced together at the Team Race World Championship, and I competed in the 2024 NYYC Women’s Invitational in Sonars — experiences that reinforced how important visibility and access are for the future of women’s sailing.”

Bermuda will be represented by a team of ten sailors that includes Emily Nagel, Lines and Williams as core members.

“Our core team came together naturally, each of us bringing a different path and skill set,” Williams said. “Julia sailed offshore at the College of Charleston, I focused on dinghy racing at Old Dominion, and Emily Nagel brings deep experience in high-performance and offshore sailing.

“We’ve built a team that is diverse in team racing, fleet racing and offshore experience, and are united by a shared respect for each other and a deep pride in competing for Bermuda. Forming this team is also about creating opportunities to showcase emerging Bermudian female sailors and give all of us exposure to top-level international competition.

“Racing in the Star Sailors League Gold Cup and in the World Match Racing Tour, together and sometimes against one another, we have shown time and time again that Bermudian women are not to be underestimated and can hold our own with the best.

“Coming from a small country has shaped us into a gritty, determined team that’s used to punching above our weight. We’re proud to represent Bermuda and excited to bring that spirit to the 2026 championship.”

The regatta will be held from September 12 to 19 next year, contested in the IC37 keelboat.