The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club have issued invitations for the Argo Group Gold Cup, which will be held in May with a $100,000 prize purse.

Invitations for the King Edward VII Gold Cup, one of the most coveted trophies in match racing, were mailed to 12 skippers based on their world ranking and past participation.

The fleet will compete in International One Design (IOD) sloops on Hamilton Harbour.

“As title sponsor for the tenth year, Argo Group is proud to support this longstanding tradition in Bermuda, attracting the world’s best skippers and crews from the match-racing circuit,” Mark E. Watson III, the Argo Group chief executive, said.

“Our shared commitment to innovation, teamwork and sustainability makes this partnership a perfect match.”

The Argo Group Gold Cup was moved to May from its traditional October dates this year and enjoyed perfect conditions throughout the five days of racing.

Taylor Canfield, of the United States, who won the competition for a second time, having previously done so in 2012, and Lucy Macgregor, of England, placed fourth overall, the best finish by an all-women’s crew.