Team Granate
South African Women's Sailing
A world-class field.
A serious challenge.
A rare opportunity.
New York Yacht Club
2026 Women's International Championship
PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN
At Granate, we believe in backing people with courage, curiosity and discipline.
In September 2026, ten determined South African women embarked on one very big adventure - taking on the inaugural New York Yacht Club Women’s International Championship.
Lining up against 19 international teams, including some serious sailing royalty - Olympians, America’s Cup winners and around-the-world sailors - Team Granate faced a week of fiercely competitive racing aboard the high-performance IC37s. Months of preparation, training and teamwork were put to the test as the women navigated challenging starts, shifting conditions and an exceptionally talented fleet. Finishing tied 13th overall, the team gained invaluable international experience, made lasting connections and showed that South African women belong on the world stage.
But one of the biggest highlights came at the final prize-giving, when Team Granate was voted by their fellow competitors to receive the coveted Helly Hansen Sportsmanship Award. A particularly special recognition of the way they competed, supported one another and represented their country.
Congratulations, Team Granate, on an unforgettable campaign. And a big thank you to the New York Yacht Club, championship sponsors, our partners and to everyone who followed and cheered them on.
Follow Team Granate
Why this event?
Together.
Backing a team of South African athletes
High-performance sailing is the ultimate team sport. Success depends on trust, coordination and collective decision-making - each sailor playing their role with precision while supporting the wider team.
This mirrors the collaborative culture Granate has intentionally built: a team working together with a shared purpose.
Adventure.
A global debut
Competing internationally at the New York Yacht Club represents a bold and ambitious journey. It is about stepping beyond the familiar, being brave, embracing challenge, and representing South Africa on the global stage. In many ways, it reflects the spirit of curiosity and exploration that sits at our core - a willingness to pursue new opportunities and think differently.
Growth.
Building pathways for the next generation of women sailors
The campaign is about developing South African talent, creating pathways for women in high-performance sailing, and building experience that feeds back into the broader sailing community. It
represents growth in its fullest form: personal growth for the athletes, growth for the sport locally, and growth in exposure for South African excellence.
Road to Newport | Rhode Island
April
Partnership
launched
May - June
Training
intensifies
July
Crew
spotlight series
August
Final
Countdown
12 - 19 September
end September
2026 NYYC
Women's International Championship
Homecoming
Founded in 1844, the New York Yacht Club is one of the most prestigious and historic yacht clubs in the world.
Renowned for its long association with the America's Cup, the club has played a defining role in global sailing for more than 180 years. With iconic clubhouses in Manhattan and Newport, Rhode Island, it is known for excellence, tradition and world-class competition - making it a fitting stage for the inaugural New York Yacht Club International Women’s Championship.
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |
NYYC Coverage of the
Women's International Championship
12 - 19 September 2026
