NEWPORT — The waters of Narragansett Bay will once again showcase sailing’s most elegant chapter when the 2025 12 Metre North American Championship arrives in Newport Sept. 19-21.
Hosted by Ida Lewis Yacht Club in partnership with the International Twelve Metre Association Americas Fleet, the three-day regatta brings together the iconic yacht class that dominated America’s Cup competition for nearly three decades.
The championship will feature boats competing in Traditional and Classic divisions, with spectators able to watch from prime locations including Fort Adams, Castle Hill and Bannister’s Wharf, where the yachts will dock between races.
“There’s nothing else like it,” said Jack LeFort, owner of Challenge XII. “The 12 Metre Class isn’t just beautiful—it offers world-class competition and programs. These boats are competitive, demanding, and steeped in history. Newport is the perfect place to race these boats.”
The 12 Metre class holds a unique place in sailing history, having been the America’s Cup class for 29 years — longer than any other boat design in the competition’s history.
“The 12s are unlike any other boats,” said Jephtha Tausig, vice president of the 12mR Americas Fleet. “They are a part of international sailing history. There’s a finite number of them in the world, so it’s a privilege to sail one. They’re graceful, elegant thoroughbreds built to race—and you feel that every time you’re on board.”
The September championship kicks off a two-year series of major 12 Metre events in Newport. The schedule includes the 12 Metre Pre-Worlds on July 31-Aug. 1, 2026, followed by the 12 Metre World Championship Aug. 5-9, 2026.
The International 12 Metre Association serves as the official governing body for the class, working to preserve the heritage and competitive standards of the historic yachts. The Americas Fleet is based in Newport, with boats also racing in other U.S. states and the Caribbean.
Registration information for the September championship will be available in the coming weeks.