The American Yacht Club in Rye, NY will host the new International Women’s Keelboat Championship in provided J/70s on August 14-20, 2016. Twenty-four teams from around the world will be invited to compete, with the intention of an even ratio of North American and intercontinental teams. Teams representing eight countries have already submitted applications. More than ever, this championship will offer women keelboat and offshore sailors high quality racing on the international stage without the need to provide their own boats or sails. To ensure a fast and competitive racing format, additional changes have been made to speed up the action. The format consists of fleet racing with a twist. The championship features two flights of 12 boats each with teams rotating after every two races. Each team will race an equal number of races against the others. Races will be approximately 15 minutes in duration. Host clubs will ensure quick rotations and on-the-water judging, in addition to an improved viewing experience for spectators. The Magenta Project will host a clinic led by three-time International Women’s Keelboat Champion and Olympian Sally Barkow on Monday, August 15. Barkow will host a presentation on her experience as a competitor in the 2015 Volvo Ocean Race that same evening. The International Women’s Keelboat Championship was inaugurated in 1985 through the efforts of US Sailing’s Women’s Championship Committee. The event became one of the premier women’s sailing event in the U.S. and worldwide. Learn more and submit your application to race at the 2016 International Women’s Keelboat Championship at http://www.ussailing.org/racing/championships/adult/iwkc/.