Sydney Welcomes First Melges IC37 for Women's Championship Training

The first Melges IC37 has landed in Sydney, set to elevate women’s sailing. Discover how this innovative boat is reshaping opportunities for young sailors and fostering competitive spirit.

Developed by the New York Yacht Club, the Melges IC37 serves as a high-performance platform aimed at Corinthian sailing. New owners Scott Lawson and David Ferguson prioritize using the boat for regattas, emphasizing its role in promoting women’s racing. Lawson highlights their commitment to providing a training ground for young sailors while ensuring competitive performance for veterans.

The team has already seen success, podiuming at the Sydney Harbour Regatta and Port Stephens Sail Week. They aim to push their limits further at Hamilton Island Race Week. Meanwhile, Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron’s Vice Commodore Karyn Gojnich OLY leads the campaign for the New York Yacht Club's Women’s International Championship in September. Gojnich, one of only 20 elite women invited, sees this as a pivotal chance to enhance women’s sailing at RSYS.

With expert coaching from America’s Cup sailor Neville Wittey, the training environment is robust. Final crew selection happens in July, gearing up for the prestigious regatta in Newport, Rhode Island. This initiative not only builds skills but also inspires confidence among women in sailing.