San Diego Yacht Club (SDYC) and the Organizing Authority are proud to reaffirm their commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse competitive environment at the 2026 Etchells World Championship.
Recognizing the wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and talents within the fleet, SDYC will present a series of perpetual awards celebrating excellence across the competition:
- Next Generation Trophy – Awarded to the highest-finishing team aged 29 or younger
- Best Female Helm Trophy – Awarded to the top-performing female helmsperson
- Best Female Team Trophy – Awarded to the highest-finishing all-female crew
Introducing the Best Female Team Trophy
In response to the continued growth of female participation in sailing, SDYC, under the leadership of Commodore Alli Bell, together with the Organizing Authority, is proud to introduce a new perpetual award for the Best Female Team at the Etchells World Championship.
The trophy has been gifted to the International Etchells Class in 2026 by SDYC, and generously donated by Vince Brun, 2000 Etchells World Champion and SDYC member. Rich in history, the trophy is a repurposed prize from the 1997 J/24 World Championship, originally awarded in Buenos Aires, Argentina—an event won by Brun.
Beginning in 2026, the Best Female Team Trophy will be awarded annually to the highest-finishing all-female team at the Etchells World Championship. The inaugural presentation of the perpetual trophy will take place this year, with longtime Etchells competitor Pat Staddell awarding the honor to the winning skipper and crew.
San Diego Yacht Club (SDYC) and the Organizing Authority are proud to reaffirm their commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse competitive environment at the 2026 Etchells World Championship.
Recognizing the wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and talents within the fleet, SDYC will present a series of perpetual awards celebrating excellence across the competition:
- Next Generation Trophy – Awarded to the highest-finishing team aged 29 or younger
- Best Female Helm Trophy – Awarded to the top-performing female helmsperson
- Best Female Team Trophy – Awarded to the highest-finishing all-female crew
Introducing the Best Female Team Trophy
In response to the continued growth of female participation in sailing, SDYC, under the leadership of Commodore Alli Bell, together with the Organizing Authority, is proud to introduce a new perpetual award for the Best Female Team at the Etchells World Championship.
The trophy has been gifted to the International Etchells Class in 2026 by SDYC, and generously donated by Vince Brun, 2000 Etchells World Champion and SDYC member. Rich in history, the trophy is a repurposed prize from the 1997 J/24 World Championship, originally awarded in Buenos Aires, Argentina—an event won by Brun.
Beginning in 2026, the Best Female Team Trophy will be awarded annually to the highest-finishing all-female team at the Etchells World Championship. The inaugural presentation of the perpetual trophy will take place this year, with longtime Etchells competitor Pat Staddell awarding the honor to the winning skipper and crew.
