Sinclair Women’s Championship — 12 Skippers Selected

Noroton Yacht Club has confirmed a 12-boat entry for the 2026 Susan Widmann Sinclair Women’s Championship, with racing scheduled in Sonars on May 16–17 out of Darien, CT; selections were made on a resume basis and the regatta expands from eight teams in 2025 to a dozen this year.

Selected skippers and their clubs

Podium carryover and championship invitations

The 2026 roster includes the three podium finishers from 2025: Carmen Cowles (winner), Katrina Williams (second) and Erin Maxwell (third). The 2025 winning team and the 2026 champion skipper will receive invitations to the New York Yacht Club 2027 Joan H. Towse Trophy at the Women’s Championship, creating a clear performance pathway between national events.

Race officials and regatta continuity

Race management continuity is in place: Shannon Bush returns as Principal Race Officer (International Race Officer, experienced Etchells helm) and Jan O’Malley returns as Chief Judge (National Judge and recent inductee into the National Sailing Hall of Fame). Their retention helps standardize protest procedures, sailing instructions interpretation, and on-the-water control across editions—important for fair regatta logistics and the Sonar class fleet.

Event details and logistics snapshot

• Dates: May 16–17, 2026
• Host: Noroton Yacht Club, Darien, CT
• Class: Sonar (three-person keelboat handling and setup)
• Selection: Twelve skippers chosen via resume; mix of past champions and rising leaders from North America and Bermuda

Available documents

Entry list snapshot

The entry list shows mixed crews and team names that reflect both club depth and local recruitment. Below is a condensed view of crew complements and boat names where provided.

What visiting skippers and charterers should know

Local marina capacity, trailer parking and on-site launching windows matter as much as wind forecasts. The Sonar Handling Guide and Visitor’s Guide included in event docs outline ramp schedules, mooring availability and recommended tow routes into Darien harbors—practical stuff that affects scheduling for anyone renting a support boat, hiring a captain, or bringing a chartered yacht for spectator duties.

• Check mooring and dock reservations early—marinas fill fast during regatta weekends.
• Confirm towing and launch times with Noroton YC race office to avoid clashes.
• Charter crews should read the Sonar handling notes to prep transfer gear and safety equipment.

Full regatta logistics can feel like a juggling act—been there, done that—so plan your berth, crew rotations and provisioning a few days in advance. When a small marina gets slammed, it reminds you that timing and a friendly harbormaster can save your weekend.

Wrap-up

The 2026 Susan Widmann Sinclair Women’s Championship assembles a strong, twelve-boat Sonar fleet representing top clubs from across North America and Bermuda, backed by experienced race officials and practical event documents for competitors and visitors. Key points: 12 skippers selected by resume, May 16–17 racing in Darien, Sonar class, NYYC Joan H. Towse Trophy invitations. For sailors, charter operators and boating fans planning to attend, prioritize mooring reservations, review the Sonar Handling Guide, and coordinate logistics with Noroton Yacht Club early. Whether you’re a yacht owner, a charter captain, or just looking to rent a boat and enjoy the action by the beach or in the gulf, this event ties directly into local marinas and yachting activities—perfect for those into sailing, boating, fishing, superyacht visits, and sunshine on the water. From yacht charter to a weekend rent on the lake or sea, this regatta is a solid destination on the yachting calendar.