The Santa Maria Cup Women’s International Match Race is proud to announce the first nine teams set to compete in this year’s international regatta, returning to Annapolis and hosted by Eastport Yacht Club on the Severn River. The Santa Maria Cup is a premier event on the women’s match racing calendar, bringing together elite sailors from around the world for head‑to‑head competition.
The confirmed teams represent six nations and a wide range of experience, from rising stars to past champions:
- Gwynie Dunlevy (USA) — World Rank 21
- Lijia Xu (CHN) — World Rank 33
- Xu makes history as the first-ever competitor from China to race in the Santa Maria Cup.
- Martina Carlsson (SWE) — World Rank 7
- Caroline Bayless (USA) — World Rank 15
- Allie Blecher (USA) — World Rank 10
- Blecher is the 2025 Santa Maria Cup champion, returning to defend her title.
- Megan Thomson (NZL) — World Rank 5
- Kathleen Cornetta (USA) — World Rank 44
- Julia Aartsen (NED) — World Rank 4
- Anna Östling (SWE) — World Rank 2
- Östling captured Santa Maria Cup victory in 2023 and remains one of the world’s top-ranked match racers.
With past winners, first-time national representation, and some of the highest-ranked skippers in the world, the 2026 Santa Maria Cup field promises intense racing and compelling storylines. One additional team is expected to be announced in the coming days, rounding out the final lineup.
The Santa Maria Cup continues its long tradition as a showcase for world‑class women’s match racing, attracting international talent and passionate spectators to Annapolis each summer.
For event updates and additional information, visit www.santamariacup.org.