ROYAL ST. GEORGE YACHT CLUB TO HOST INAUGURAL WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL MATCH RACE EVENT IN IRELAND
The Royal St. George Yacht Club, in collaboration with the Irish Match Racing Association (IMRA), Irish Sailing and Sport Ireland, are proud to announce the launch of the RSGYC Women's International, taking place from 3rd–5th October 2025 in Dún Laoghaire Harbour. This landmark event is an exciting opportunity for women’s match racing in Ireland and adds a new international fixture to the global match racing calendar.
The event will welcome eight all-women teams from around the world to compete over three days of intense, head-to-head match racing in identical J80 keelboats. As a Grade 2 international regatta, the Women’s International Match Race Cup will contribute points toward global match racing rankings and serve as a key development opportunity for female match racing talent in Ireland.
Held in the iconic setting of Dublin Bay, the event promises top-level competition and thrilling racing action, paired with an onshore festival atmosphere celebrating women in sport. The Royal St. George Yacht Club—one of Ireland’s most historic and respected sailing institutions—will serve as the official host venue.
“This event is a celebration of the strength and skill of female sailors and represents” said event chair Ruairi Finnegan. “We’re proud to welcome some of the world’s top female match racers to Dún Laoghaire and to provide a platform that inspires and develops the next generation of Irish women in match racing.”
Royal St. George Yacht Club Commodore, Paul Molloy, echoed this sentiment:
“We are excited to be hosting these events, which underscore the Royal St George Yacht Club’s strong commitment to the future of our sport. Promoting under-30s keelboat participation, supporting women at the helm, and championing team racing are all central to our vision. These events align perfectly with our sailing pathway—building on the energy and success of our junior, youth, and college team racing programmes, which continue to thrive here at the club.”
This prestigious event will showcase all-women teams competing at the highest level of match racing, highlighting the growing strength and participation of women in match racing. The three-day regatta will combine fierce on-the-water battles with social events and hospitality ashore, making it a standout occasion on the club calendar.
The Women’s International Match Race Cup is proudly supported by Irish Match Racing Association, Irish Sailing, Sport Ireland and Irish National Sailing School with full event details and the Notice of Race available on the Irish Match Racing Association website.
If you are interested in putting a team in for this event, please fill in the request for Invitation here - https://forms.gle/EYn1juW4tVUWPFM7A .
- Event website
- For media, partnership, or any inquiries, please contact ruairiefinnegan@gmail.com
- Follow the journey online at @irishmatchracing and join the conversation using #RSGYCWomensInternational.