Women’s World Match Racing Tour 2026 Itinerary
Alexandra
Moving fleets and support teams between Copenhagen, Annapolis, Marstrand, Bermuda and AMAALA in 2026 forces a hard look at freight windows, berth availability and customs clearance: expect containerized transport for masts and carbon spars, RORO or flat-rack options for chase boats, and negotiated marina berths at each stop to secure launch windows around the regatta dates.
Event schedule and port map
The 2026 calendar for the Women’s World Match Racing Tour (WWMRT) spans three continents across five stages. Below is a compact schedule that planners, teams and charter operators can use to align logistics and crew travel.
| Stage | Event | Location | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | KDY Women’s Match Race | Copenhagen, Denmark | May 7–10 |
| Stage 2 | Santa Maria Cup | Annapolis, USA | June 3–6 |
| Stage 3 | Nordea Women’s Match Race | Marstrand, Sweden | June 29–July 4 |
| Stage 4 | Bermuda Women’s Match Race | Bermuda | Oct 13–18 |
| Stage 5 | WWMRT Final — AMAALA | AMAALA, Saudi Arabia | Nov 10–14 (Provisional) |
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Key logistics considerations
- Freight timing: Allow 3–4 weeks for international sea freight between Europe and North America, with priority RORO lanes for chase boats when schedules are tight.
- Customs and carnet: Boats, spares and media equipment will need ATA Carnets or temporary import permits in the US, Bermuda and Saudi Arabia — arrange these well ahead to avoid berthing delays.
- Marina capacity: Confirm berths for chase RIBs and support yachts. Small marinas in competition zones often allocate limited visitor slips during regattas.
- Crew transport: Plan staggered crew rotations and visas; some skippers prefer flying with critical sails and spares while larger items move by sea.
- Boat charter and local fleets: Where shipping is cost-prohibitive, consider chartering match-race boats locally—this affects charter markets and gives charter companies new sales opportunities.
What this means for charter companies and boat renters
Regatta circuits like the WWMRT create short-term demand spikes for charter boats, training platforms and local captains. Marinas near event venues often see increased transient traffic and service work — hull detailing, engine servicing, and rig tuning — which translates to more business for local brokers and service yards. If you’re in the rental game, batten down the hatches and map out partnerships with event organizers: offering a skipper, safety boat, or a corporate hospitality yacht can turn a weekend of racing into a neat revenue stream.
Operational tips from the field
It’s one thing to read a schedule and another to make it all line up. A few practical tips bring it closer to “smooth sailing”:
- Book cargo slots the moment dates are published; regatta freight windows are tight.
- Pre-stage common spares at regional hubs (Annapolis/Marstrand/Copenhagen) to reduce downtime between stages.
- Negotiate flexible marina options — some venues will allow staggered arrivals to ease berthing congestion.
- Hire local agents for customs clearance, especially in Bermuda and Saudi Arabia where procedures differ.
How the tour affects sailing, sales and local activities
Match racing circuits boost interest in grassroots sailing, generate charter leads, and highlight nearby marinas as prime destinations. For yacht brokers and boat sale professionals, visibility at these events often translates into follow-up inquiries from visitors interested in upgrading to performance boats or even a superyacht hospitality program. Local tourism benefits too: beaches, fishing trips, and on-water activities see an uptick during event weeks.
Practical checklist for teams and event planners
- Finalize freight contracts and insurance for all vessels and spares.
- Confirm marina berths and shore power requirements.
- Secure ATA Carnets or temporary import/export documentation.
- Arrange local agents for customs, crew visas and transport.
- Plan charter or hire options for last-minute boat replacements.
For official entries and event-specific information check womenswmrt.com and reach out to local marinas early — as they say, better to be safe than sorry when you’re threading boats across time zones. A small logistical hiccup can be the difference between a relaxed regatta week and a scramble to get sails patched and engines sorted.
In summary: the 2026 Women’s World Match Racing Tour visits key sailing hubs—Copenhagen, Annapolis, Marstrand, Bermuda and AMAALA—requiring coordinated freight, customs, berth planning and crew logistics. These events create opportunities for yacht charter and boat rental providers, captains, marinas and local sales networks. Whether you’re planning to charter a boat, act as a paid captain, or promote a superyacht hospitality package, anticipate increased demand for services around these destinations. The tour not only showcases elite match racing but also drives activity in yachting, beachside tourism, fishing excursions and leisure boating on the sea and ocean, making it a win for local marinas, clearwater resorts and anyone in the boating sale or rent market.
