Building diverse, high-performing teams

The Admiral’s Cup, previously considered to be the unofficial world cup for offshore racing, returns this year after laying dormant since 2003. Organized by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), the re-imagined series for 2-boat teams begins July 19 with a prize giving on July 31.

Among the changes in AC 2.0 is how every boat must have at least one woman, as well as another sailor under 27 years of age. The RORC hopes that by placing women and young sailors on the same starting line as elite professionals, the event offers a platform to gain experience, build confidence, and challenge outdated assumptions about who belongs in high-level offshore racing.

“I’ll be honest, I wasn’t initially thrilled about the crew rule requiring one woman on board,” said Cole Brauer, racing for Monaco Yacht Club on the Carkeek 40 Jolt 6. “It felt like the bare minimum, and I’ve often found myself as the only woman on the team. While I respect and enjoy sailing with the guys, I truly believe crews perform better with more women involved.

“Women are just as talented, just as driven, and they deserve the same opportunities to gain experience and grow. It’s not about filling a quota – it’s about recognizing skill and building diverse, high-performing teams. I hope that in five or 10 years, we won’t need a rule like this, because the sailing world will naturally reflect the talent of both women and men equally.”

Joy Fitzgerald, racing for the RORC added, “Honestly… my first reaction to the crew rule was a bit of an eye-roll – are we really still having to tell teams to include women? I’ve always sailed alongside inspiring women and never saw it as something that needed enforcing. But I also recognize that this rule has opened doors.

“For me, it led to joining the PAC52 Final Final team and becoming part of something that goes beyond just one regatta. Offshore sailing is tough, physically and mentally, and I hope this rule helps redefine what strength looks like. Yes, it might start as tokenism for some, but it gives women the chance to prove their value and build a place in professional teams.

“Progress, to me, means that one day we won’t need a rule like this, we’ll just pick the best sailors for the job. But until then, if it helps shift mindsets and create real opportunities, then it’s a step worth taking.”

Details: https://admiralscup.rorc.org/