16 skippers will be invited to contest the crown, including Sally BARKOW, as the defending Champion, and a skipper nominated by the host nation. The remaining 14 skippers will be invited based on their position on the ISAF Women's Match Racing World Rankings as at 14 January 2005, starting from 1 and working down. If a skipper is unable to accept the invitation, the next skipper on the rankings will be invited.

The ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championship is taking place from 12-18 June 2005, hosted by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, Hamilton, Bermuda.