International Women’s Keelboat Championship
Returns to Racing Circuit This Week on Long Island Sound
PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (August 15, 2016) – The American Yacht Club in Rye, N.Y. will host the new International Women’s Keelboat Championship in J/70 class sailboats this week. More than ever, this championship will offer women keelboat and offshore sailors high quality racing on the international stage.
To ensure a fast and competitive racing format, changes have been made to speed up the action. The racing format is fleet racing with a twist. The championship features two flights with teams rotating every two races. Each team will race an equal number of races against the others. Races will be approximately 15 minutes in duration. Host clubs will ensure quick rotations and on-the-water judging, in addition to an improved viewing experience for spectators
The racing area will be Long Island Sound as close to American Yacht Club at Milton Point as conditions will allow.
The Magenta Project will host a clinic led by three-time International Women’s Keelboat Champion, Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year, and Olympian Sally Barkow on Monday, August 15. Barkow will host a presentation on her experience as a competitor in the 2015 Volvo Ocean Race that same evening.
Race management includes a team of international umpires led by Charlotte Greppe from the Netherlands and Sandy Grovesnor (IRO) of the United States.
Event Coverage & Social Media
- For social media coverage, results and standings, photo gallery, video highlights (to be posted Saturday, August 20), and more information from the 2016 International Women’s Keelboat Championship, please visit the event website.
- For breaking news and race results, follow Twitter hashtag – #womenskeelboat – and participate in the conversation throughout the championship on all social media platforms.
- List of competitors
Championship History
- The International Women’s Keelboat Championship was inaugurated in 1985 through the efforts of US Sailing’s Women’s Championship Committee. Held biennially, the event became one of the premier women’s sailing event in the U.S. and worldwide.
- The Championship will cycle to international venues in future years.
- The trophy is named for Bengt Julin, an international judge and strong supporter of women’s sailing.
- Previous winners include Betsy Alison, Cory Sertl, Sally Barkow, Anna Tunnicliffe, Jody Starck and JJ Fetter
Contact: Jake Fish, Communications Manager, jakefish@ussailing.org
The International Women’s Keelboat Championship is sponsored by Gill North America, Old Pulteney, and Switlik. This US Sailing Championship is supported by J/Boats and North Sails.
This event is a Sailors for the Sea certified – Clean Regatta.
About US Sailing
The United States Sailing Association (US Sailing), the national governing body for sailing, provides leadership, integrity, and growth for the sport in the United States. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, US Sailing is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. US Sailing offers training and education programs for instructors and race officials, supports a wide range of sailing organizations and communities, issues offshore rating certificates, and provides administration and oversight of competitive sailing across the country, including National Championships and the US Sailing Team Sperry. For more information, please visit www.ussailing.org.
About Gill North America
Gill NA, with headquarters near Atlanta, GA is the exclusive importer and distributor of Gill-brand foul weather gear in North America including Caribbean, US and Canada. Gill is a worldwide apparel and accessories brand serving the marine industry with over three decades of experience. Gill specializes in high tech, breathable waterproof clothing. The company develops and markets a variety of performance-oriented, award-winning apparel and accessories for virtually every type of boating activity with product lines that include foul weather gear; interactive layering systems; footwear; gloves; bags; junior gear; scholastic gear and team wear. Gill products are available through hundreds of independent dealers and select West Marine Stores. For further information, please contact: Gary Barker at 941 505 2111 or gary.barker@gillna.com.
About Old Pulteney
Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky is strongly rooted in the whisky’s nautical heritage and is commonly referred to as ‘The Maritime Malt.’ Old Pulteney is the Official Scotch of US Sailing and recently released a limited-edition ‘Navigator’ expression, commemorating the brand’s sponsorship of the 2013-2014 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Crafted in Pulteney Distillery in Wick, Scotland, the distillery was founded in 1826 by James Henderson in the heart of “Pulteneytown,” one of the largest fishing ports in Europe. Each Old Pulteney expression is carefully crafted and carries the windswept and rugged character of the North and the salty, fresh air of the North Sea. It is distributed by International Beverage, Inc. Visit Old Pulteney on Facebook or at www.oldpulteney.com for more information.
About Switlik
Established in 1920, Switlik Parachute Co. has been owned and operated by the Switlik family for four generations and is known worldwide as a manufacturer of the highest quality sewn and heat sealed inflatable safety and survival products for the aviation, marine, and military/government markets. Our capabilities include a wide variety of anti-exposure and anti-g suits, inflatable life rafts, inflatable life vests, inflation systems and other specialty textile-based military equipment all manufactured at our 85,000 sq. ft facility located in Trenton, NJ USA. www.switlik.com