Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron Announces Crew for the 2026 NYYC Women’s International Championship

Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron Announces Crew for the 2026 NYYC Women’s International Championship

The following media release has been supplied by Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and includes the latest announcement on its team for the inaugural NYYC Women’s International Championship, shared here for AFLOAT Magazine readers with an interest in women’s sailing and international yacht racing.

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 from 12–19 September 2026, with every team racing 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.

Building the pathway for women in sailing

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.”

Training on Mittere

 

The RSYS 2026 NYYC Women’s International Championship Squad has been training aboard Mittere, one of only two IC37s 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.”

RSYS 2026 NYYC Women’s International Championship Squad

 

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 Wilmot and 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

 

RSYS NYYC Crew

 

The team representing RSYS in Newport

  • Karyn Gojnich OLY – Team leader, co-helm and navigator. RSYS Vice Commodore and three-time Olympian.
  • Annie Wilmot – Tactician. 49erFX sailor campaigning for the LA Olympic Games and port trimmer on Andoo Team Australia for the inaugural Women’s America’s Cup.
  • Mina Ferguson – Co-helm. WASZP Female Vice World Champion, currently campaigning for the Moth World Championship.
  • Emily Keg – Main trimmer. Australian Women’s Match Racing winner and regular crew on RSYS Kerr 40 Minerva.
  • Annabelle 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. Experience across 420s, 470s, 49erFX, World Match Racing Tour, Women’s World Match Racing Tour, J/70s, Etchells and yacht fleet racing.
  • Clare Crosswaite – Pit. Elliott 7 skipper, Elan S3, Far East 28, Etchells and J/70 sailor.
  • Susan Hardy – Mast. Fleet racer, including RSYS yacht Andiamo! and 2026 RSYS Crewperson of the Year.
  • Vicki Kornman – Bow. One-design sailor including ILCA Nationals and J/70 State and National Championships.

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.

This information was supplied by Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. AFLOAT Magazine will continue to share Australian sailing news, women’s sailing developments and international regatta updates. Read more sailing news at AFLOAT Magazine.