Global showcase of amateur talent
The first race of the 2025 Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup begins today (9 September), and runs through until 13 September at Harbour Court in Newport, Rhode Island. Now in its ninth edition, the regatta has drawn 20 yacht clubs from 12 nations, each fielding crews of Corinthian (amateur) sailors in one of the sport’s most level competitive arenas.
The Invitational Cup is unique for its format. Since 2019, racing has been in the Club’s fleet of IC37s, designed by Mark Mills and owned, maintained, and tuned by the New York Yacht Club itself. Each hull is kept to identical standards, ensuring that the racing comes down to skill, teamwork, and tactical nous rather than equipment advantages.
Optional practice sessions began earlier in the week, with two days of mandatory practice on Sunday and Monday. Five days of racing begins today, with the Rolex Awards Dinner closing the regatta on Saturday 13 September.
Favourites and challengers
The defending champions San Diego Yacht Club enter as clear favourites after back-to-back podiums culminating in victory in 2023. Helmsman Jake La Dow takes over from Tyler Sinks, with tactician Adam Roberts and much of the winning crew returning. “San Diego has done very well at this event,” says La Dow. “We want to keep building on that. We’re still hungry to keep getting better.”
They will not have it all their own way. Royal Thames Yacht Club brings depth and pedigree, having won the event in 2015 and placed second in 2021. Helmsman John Greenland and tactician Ian Dobson lead a team that has been training hard in both the Solent and Newport. Dobson notes: “We think our team this year is the best it’s ever been on paper. It’s about turning that paper into practice.”
Corinthian Yacht Club of Marblehead surprised many with a runner-up finish in 2023 and arrives with seven of nine crew returning. The club has been on a roll, lifting the Global Team Race Regatta title in Italy in 2024 and following it up with victory at the World Sailing Team Racing World Championship earlier this year. Skipper Wade Waddell is aware of rising standards: “Every iteration of the Invitational Cup the level keeps going up. If we roll back to Newport at the same level as 2023, that might not even get us in the top five.”
The Royal Canadian Yacht Club brings a new generation to the helm. Olympic silver medallist Terry McLaughlin, long associated with RCYC’s two Invitational Cup wins, has stepped aside for Lance Fraser. “RCYC, Team Defiant, under new management,” jokes spinnaker trimmer Liam Millen. The Canadians have trained extensively in IC37 events over the past two years and are expected to be strong contenders.
Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, led by helmsman Peter Backe and 21-year-old tactician Duncan Gregor, achieved fifth in 2023 and aim to push higher. Gregor says: “I’ve got a couple years more experience racing, so hopefully we’ll use that and do a bit better this year.”
New blood and youth movement
Among the newcomers is the Royal Irish Yacht Club, skippered by David Maguire, who previously led Howth Yacht Club in 2023. “Being able to step on board a boat that is specifically designed for this event, with some of the best amateur sailors in the world competing is amazing,” says Maguire. Ireland is well represented, with Howth and Royal Cork also in the fleet.
The Yacht Club de Ilhabela from Brazil will make its debut, with Olympic silver medallist Gintare Scheidt calling tactics. Their presence echoes the breakout podium of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron in 2023, though the Kiwi club will not contest the ninth edition due to logistical challenges.
Youth remains a defining feature. Excluding helm, Michael Ritchie, and tactician and co-skipper, Chris Way, Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club from Sydney has brought an average crew age of just 27. “One guy’s really young, and he’s learning on a very steep curve,” says tactician Chris Way. “That was our intent, to bring a youth team to sail with us.”
Spotlight on the host
The New York Yacht Club itself is still seeking a second Invitational Cup victory after winning the inaugural edition in 2009. This year’s campaign is skippered by former Olympic hopeful in multiple classes, America’s Cup veteren and the 2003 US Sailing Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year. Hannah Swett, with tactician John Alden Meade and main trimmer Dave Scott. Swett admits the campaign is intense but rewarding: “It’s really fun introducing people to the campaign process. Part of the reason we’re sailing so much is so that it all just becomes routine.”
How to follow
Racing will be broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube from 10 September, allowing supporters around the globe to follow the action. Off the water, the Rolex Awards Dinner on 13 September will once again bring the regatta to a close in true New York Yacht Club style.
With a mix of seasoned champions, ambitious youth, and first-time entrants, the 2025 Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup promises some of the most competitive amateur sailing seen anywhere in the world this year.
