Reunited After Four Years, Full Invitational Cup Family Prepares for Competition and Camaraderie
The true beauty of the Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup lies in the seamless daily transition from spirited competition to genuine camaraderie. With identical provided boats and sails, on-the-water umpiring and strict rules regarding competitor eligibility, sailors come ashore each day eager to connect with like-minded people from around the world and without any protests to contest or measurement grievances to air. Afloat, there may be 19 clans all battling for one brass ring. On land, however, erstwhile rivals become long-lost cousins attending a boisterous family reunion where there are only close friends and people that haven’t yet met.
“We can’t wait to spend some time at the New York Yacht Club and attend all social events to get to know the sailors from all the other clubs,” says Peter Backe, helmsman for the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club. “As much as we see the regatta as one of the best events in the calendar, we also appreciate the social aspect of it.”
The Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cupis a biennial regatta hosted by the New York Yacht Club Harbour Court in Newport, R.I. Since the event was first run in 2009, it has attracted top amateur sailors from 51 of the world’s most prestigious yacht clubs from 22 countries. After five editions in the Swan 42 class, the 2023 event will be the third sailed in the IC37, designed by Mark Mills. The strict one-design nature of this purpose-built class, combined with the fact that each boat is owned and maintained by the New York Yacht Club, will ensure a level playing field not seen in any other amateur big-boat sailing competition. The regatta will run from Saturday, September 9, through Saturday, September 16, with racing starting on Tuesday, September 12. A live broadcast on Facebook and YouTube, starting on Wednesday, September 13, will allow fellow club members, friends, family and sailing fans from around the world to follow the action as it happens. Nineteen teams from 14 countries will compete in 2023. The 2023 Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup is brought to you by title sponsor Rolex and regatta sponsors Helly Hansen, Safe Harbor Marinas, Peters & May and Hammetts Hotel.
A complete entry list can be found here.
