Newport, RI, USA, October 25, 2011 -- “Fantastic…” “Outstanding…” “Exceeded all expectations…” “A true world-class event.” These are just a few of the comments of competitorsand spectators at the 2011 New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup presented by Rolex. The biennial event is hosted by the NYYC in Newport, Rhode Island in September at its Harbour Court Clubhouse. New York Yacht Club Commodore Robert C. Towse Jr. announced today that the third biennial Invitational Cup will be held September 7-14, 2013. Rolex will again be the presenting sponsor. Photos Rolex/Kurt Arrigo

The Invitational Cup is a regatta for yacht clubs from around the world and their sailors. It has become an important Corinthian (amateur) sailing competition. The racing is in NYYC Swan 42s – the eighth one-design class created by the New York Yacht Club since 1900.

The team from the Royal Canadian Yacht Club was victorious in the New York Yacht Club Invitational
Cup presented by Rolex. Crewmembers display the traveling trophy of the Invitational Cup, created by
sculptor Norman McMillan; Skipper Terry McLaughlin holds a prize Rolex Submariner timepiece.

In the inaugural NYYC Invitational Cup presented by Rolex in 2009, 19 yacht club teams from 14 countries, from four continents competed. The second Invitational Cup in 2011 included 22 yacht club teams from 16 nations from six continents. The team from the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, skippered by Terry McLaughlin, won the 2011 event; the New York Yacht Club with skipper Phil Lotz won the 2009 event.

According to Commodore Towse, “The Invitational Cup has become a significant event for the New York Yacht Club and yacht clubs from around the world. We were delighted with the level of competition and interest by the competitors this year. Congratulations to the Royal Canadian Yacht Club. We look forward to hosting the event in 2013 and expect a high level of interest by yacht clubs from around the world.”

The Royal Canadian Yacht Club (CAN) has accepted the challenge to defend in 2013 their win of the 2011 NYYC Invitational Cup. Invitations to international clubs will be issued in the spring of 2012.

Clubs from the United States will have the opportunity to earn invitations to the 2013 Invitational Cup by competing in the U.S. Qualifying Series to be held on September 4-8, 2012 in Newport where the top three clubs will earn an invitation. Later this fall invitations to the U.S. Qualifying Series will be announced on the web at http://invitationalcup.org. . Media seeking further information should contact Michael Levitt at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .