1939 vintage yacht crowned overall winner of Cowes Spring Classics

 

A classic yacht built in 1939 has been crowned overall winner of the Cowes Spring Classics.

Whooper, a one-off design by Laurent Giles and helmed by Giovanni Belgrano, took the top title after a strong and consistent performance over the weekend-long regatta, which celebrates vintage yachts and traditional sailing on the Solent.

The event, hosted in Cowes by Mary Scott-Jackson of MSJ Events and Martin Nott, featured a full programme of racing organised by the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club.

The organising team said: "Cowes Spring Classics continues to showcase the very best of classic yacht racing – combining beautiful boats, competitive sailing and a fantastic social atmosphere both on and off the water."

Whooper (leading) has been crowned overall winner of the Cowes Spring Classics. (Image: Chris Brown Photography)

Whooper also won Class 1 and took home the award for Highest Placed BCYC Member.

Second place in Class 1 went to Scherzo of Cowes, a 1968 Sparkman and Stephens Swan 36 sailed by Peter Morton, while Jason Fry’s Njord, a 1918 8 Metre First Rule yacht, placed third.

Class 2 was won by Suvretta, a 1924 West Solent One Design skippered by Will Van Dyke.

Organisers have announced that the 2027 Cowes Spring Classics will take place from May 21 to 23 and will mark the regatta’s tenth anniversary.

2028 Finn Gold Cup awarded to Weymouth and Portland

 WEYMOUTH and Portland has been awarded the 2028 Finn Gold Cup - returning after 28 years.

Finn class sailing will once again take centre stage at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) after The British Finn Association announced the venue for the 2028 world championships.

It means a return for the sport which captured the imagination of thousands during the 2012 Olympics as Weymouth and Portland hosted the Olympic regatta and witnessed one of the all-time epic battles between Sir Ben Ainslie and Denmark’s Jonas Høgh-Christensen.

The last time the Gold Cup was held in Weymouth in 2000, it was attended by numerous legends of the Finn fleet, including Mateusz Kusznierewicz, Iain Percy, Freddy Loof, Sebastien Godefroid, amongst others.

Weymouth & Portland was also the training hub for the incredibly strong British Finn squad in the lead-up to the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and remains the UK base of the British Sailing Team.

The event will be held from September 8 to September 15 2028.

Finn sailing in Weymouth Bay (Image: WPNSA)

The British National Championship will form the warm-up event and be staged the weekend before the Gold Cup.

In a joint announcement, the British Finn Association and the WPNSA said: "It is with much excitement that we are delighted to announce that the 2028 Finn Gold Cup has been awarded to WPNSA."

"The facilities at WPNSA are legendary, and the venue has hosted numerous championship events."

The British Finn fleet will be holding a qualification series for the 2028 Gold Cup during 2027, and there will be an automatic place for the winner of the 2027 British Nationals, plus discretionary places for U29 sailors.

The Gold Cup fleet will be populated with many sailing superstars from around the globe and should include world champions and Olympians

From the British fleet, former world and multiple European champion Ed Wright brings vast big‑fleet experience, while rising talent Cameron Tweedle has already proved himself at national and international level.

Masters standouts John Greenwood and Nick Craig, both regulars at the sharp end of World Masters results.

Aerial view of Portland Harbour and Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (Image: WPNSA)

The current Finn Gold Cup title holder is Italy’s Alessandro Marega, who won the 2026 world championship at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron in Brisbane.

Before him, the 2025 Finn Gold Cup in Cascais was won by Estonia’s Deniss Karpak, with Italy’s Arkadii Kistanov taking silver and Finland’s Oskari Muhonen bronze. Other major names currently active at the top end of the class include Brendan Casey, 2026 Finn World Masters champion, Rafael Trujillo, Karl Purdie, Anders Pedersen, Valérian Lebrun and Anthony Nossiter.

The 2027 regatta is being held in La Rochelle, France.

80 Entries and Counting as Fireball World Championship Momentum Builds in Torquay

 

The UK Fireball Association is delighted to announce that 80 entries have already been secured for the 2026 Fireball World Championship, set to take place at the Royal Torbay Yacht Club from 22nd July 2026.

With just 47 days to go, excitement is rapidly building for what promises to be one of the most memorable Fireball events in recent history.

Hosted on the stunning waters of Torbay, the regatta will bring together crews from across the globe to compete in one of sailing's most enduring and competitive two-person dinghy classes. The Fireball, first designed in 1962, continues to thrive internationally, combining high performance, accessibility, and a strong sense of community.

The 2026 event is set to be a true celebration of the class, combining the Fireball World Championship with the UK National Championship, creating a packed on-the-water schedule and a festival atmosphere ashore. The combined format reflects the strength of the UK fleet and the growing international interest in this "home worlds" year.

A Championship On and Off the Water

While the racing will be fiercely contested, the social programme promises to be equally compelling. A full calendar of evening events will run throughout the championship, bringing together sailors past and present in true Fireball style.

At the heart of this will be a special "Fireball Legends Night", celebrating the rich heritage of the class. The evening will feature interviews, stories, and images spanning the decades since the Fireball's original design, offering a unique opportunity to relive the moments, personalities, and innovations that have shaped the class worldwide.

This blend of elite racing and vibrant social activity reflects what makes Fireball sailing unique—competitive on the water, but deeply connected and welcoming ashore.

A World-Class Venue

The Royal Torbay Yacht Club provides an outstanding setting for the championship, with Torbay widely recognised as one of the UK's premier sailing venues. The bay has a long history of hosting major international regattas and offers reliable racing conditions alongside a spectacular coastline backdrop.

Entries Still Open

With momentum building and entries continuing to rise beyond the current 80 boats, organisers expect a strong international fleet by the time the regatta begins.

Competitors are encouraged to secure their place and be part of what promises to be a landmark event for the Fireball class.

Entry can be made via the event site, 2026.fireballworlds.com.

Turkey Sailing Adventure

 

This 7-day sailing trip on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast is to start and finish in Göcek or Fethiye. The waters are sheltered, sailing distances are manageable, and you can combine swimming, ancient ruins, hiking, and lively waterfront towns.

Day 1 – Göcek to Bedri Rahmi Bay

Sailing: 1–2 hours

Onshore activities:

Explore the famous rock painting left by Turkish artist and writer Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu.

Short coastal walks through pine forests.

Swim and paddleboard in calm coves.

Evening: Anchor in a quiet bay and enjoy a waterfront dinner.

Day 2 – Tersane Island and Cleopatra's Bay

Sailing: Short island-hopping day

Onshore activities:

Walk among Byzantine and Ottoman-era ruins on Tersane Island.

Snorkel above submerged archaeological remains in Cleopatra's Bay.

Easy hiking trails with panoramic views over the Gulf of Fethiye.

Day 3 – Ölüdeniz and Butterfly Valley

Sailing: 2–3 hours

Onshore activities:

Visit Butterfly Valley and hike into the canyon.

Relax at the Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz.

Try tandem paragliding from Babadağ, one of Europe's best launch sites.

Day 4 – Gemiler Island to Kalkan

Sailing: 4–5 hours

Onshore activities:

Explore Byzantine churches and ruins on Gemiler Island.

Wander the whitewashed streets of Kalkan.

Sunset drinks overlooking the harbour.

Day 5 – Kaş

Sailing: 1–2 hours

Onshore activities:

Explore the old town of Kaş.

Visit Lycian rock tombs and the ancient theatre.

Optional sea-kayaking or diving excursions.

Browse local artisan shops and cafés.

Day 6 – Kekova and Üçağız

Sailing: 2–3 hours

Onshore activities:

Cruise above the famous Sunken City of Kekova.

Walk through the village of Üçağız.

Hike up to Simena Castle for spectacular views.

Try homemade ice cream in Kaleköy.

Day 7 – Return toward Göcek/Fethiye

Sailing: Longer passage back

Onshore activities before departure:

Explore the marina and old town of Fethiye.

Visit the Tomb of Amyntas.

Browse the fish market and local bazaars.

Enjoy a final Turkish breakfast before disembarking.

Why this route works

Mixes relaxed sailing with substantial shore exploration.

Includes ancient Lycian history, hiking, village life, and beaches.

Features the coast's highlights: Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley, Kaş, and Kekova.

Suitable for both bareboat charters and skippered yachts, with mostly protected waters and manageable daily distances.

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Rooster Hayling Island Sailing Club Open Youth Race Week Returns For 2026

 

Hayling Island Sailing Club's Youth Race Week returns in 2026, proudly supported by Rooster as title sponsor.

One of the highlights of the HISC youth sailing calendar, Youth Race Week will take place from Monday 3 August to Friday 7 August 2026. The event combines a week of exciting racing and a packed social programme at one of the country's premier sailing venues, bringing sailors from across all fleets together for a fantastic week both on and off the water.

The fleets supported by HISC Youth Race Week include Optimists, RS Tera Sport and Pro, RS Fevas, ILCA 4 and ILCA 6, RS200s, as well as a handicap fleet. Racing is designed to cater for a wide range of abilities, from Bronze Fleet racing in Chichester Harbour through to competitive racing in Hayling Bay for more experienced sailors.

A total of 15 races are scheduled for all fleets throughout the week.

The popularity of Youth Race Week extends well beyond the racing. A packed social calendar includes Chocolate Bingo, splicing workshops, a photo booth, beach BBQ and surf simulator.

The social highlight of the week will be Thursday evening's Black-Tie Ball, featuring a three- course meal, fun casino and live music from DJ Freddie Covell.

The organising team is hugely grateful to all of this year's sponsors. In addition to title sponsor Rooster, support has been provided by Allen Brothers, The Hayling Yacht Company, DMH Stallard Solicitors, Apex Sailing, Marlow and The Summer Berry Company. Rooster will also be on site throughout the week.

Entries are now open to sailors aged under 21. The current entry fee is available until 30 June, after which prices will increase. Entries can be made via the HISC website.

Stewart Brewing Enterprise Scottish Bluebell Series at East Lothian Yacht Club

 

Following on from a highly successful National Championships, the Bluebell fleet now turns its attention to the next event in the Traveller Series as sailors make their way East to East Lothian Yacht Club in North Berwick for the Area Championships.

The East Lothian Yacht Club Regatta forms part of the Bluebell Traveller Series and promises another fantastic weekend of competitive racing, close fleet action, and plenty of opportunities for sailors and families to come together both on and off the water.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Scotland's east coast, North Berwick provides a superb sailing venue and the fleet is looking forward to testing itself in what is expected to be a strong and competitive championship.

Alongside the racing, the event offers a great chance for the Bluebell community to catch up, share stories from the Nationals, and enjoy the renowned hospitality of East Lothian Yacht Club.

With fingers firmly crossed for favourable Scottish weather, the fleet is eagerly anticipating another memorable weekend on the Traveller Series calendar on 6-7th June 2026.

For more information about the regatta and to enter the event, see: elyc.org.uk/regatta26/13614946

We look forward to seeing a strong Bluebell turnout in North Berwick!

Grounding Ends Tom Dolan's Bid For Second Figaro Victory

 

Irish offshore sailor Tom Dolan's challenge for a second Solitaire du Figaro title ended dramatically overnight after he ran aground while leading the fleet off the Brittany coast.

Dolan, racing aboard Kingspan, was at the front of the fleet alongside Loïs Berrehar (Banque Populaire) when he struck the Chaussée de Sein at 00:16 local time, just a few cable lengths from Beg ar C'hale near the Île de Sein.

According to race organisers, the Irish skipper initially attempted to free the boat himself. However, with the tide falling, his efforts proved unsuccessful.

Assisted by the local SNSM lifeboat crew from Île de Sein, Dolan deployed both anchors in an attempt to stabilise the yacht and manoeuvre clear on the rising tide.

Despite five hours of effort, the boat could not be freed.

As conditions deteriorated and the situation became increasingly hazardous, a French Navy helicopter evacuated Dolan at 05:40 local time.

Race organisers confirmed that the Irish sailor was safely transferred ashore.

The retirement brings a cruel end to an otherwise impressive campaign for the County Meath-born skipper, who had been in contention for overall honours and was leading the fleet during the final stage of the race.

Dolan's exit leaves the Solitaire du Figaro without one of its strongest performers and ends hopes of a second victory in the renowned solo offshore contest.

While the race continues for the remaining competitors, attention will now turn to the condition and recovery of the Kingspan yacht off the coast of Brittany.

Yachting World Dayboat open meeting at Avon Sailing Club

 

The annual migration of YWDB's from the coast to Gloucestershire took place at the weekend with nine boats competing in a calm and beautifully sunny event. There was very little wind, a fair bit of current, and it was extremely hot. The sailing was difficult.

Massive credit must go to Jon Wood and his race committee team including Felix, Dickie and Tony for getting 3 races away in the most marginal of conditions. In these conditions, the local ASC members in the fleet seemed to have an advantage with Anthony "Win-all" Lynall ending with two first places counting but the third "bullet" being denied by some great sailing from Matt Straker. Club commodore Tracy Lashford was the winning crew.

Simon and Georgie Bullingham finished a creditable second on countback. There were local club members in each of the top three boats.

On display was a great range of youth and experience. The extremely experienced Pete Hewitt narrowly missing out on second place on count back with ASC club bosun Alfie as crew. Also gaining experience were Martha and Harry Wylie who improved throughout and the junior generation of Hewitts (Max, Stan, Will and Henry) who will be a force to be reckoned with in the future. Max won this year's plate with Uncle Mikey being told what to on the helm.

The YWDB is a heavy craft to be sailing in marginal conditions, and at times the winner was the boat that went backwards least, on the current. That said, there were crews who performed consistently despite the tough conditions.

The event is now in its 5th year, and the excellent Avon hospitality lived up to expectations with a fantastic BBQ on Saturday evening, thanks must go to the catering and bar volunteers who helped make the event what it has become. The site on the banks of the Severn looked beautiful thanks to the volunteer members of the grounds team led by James Aylward.

YWDB Class Chairman James Hewitt noted that Anthony Lynall, despite losing his top crew for the nationals, will be one to watch in Poole. Chairman Hewitt, noted in his speech that Simon and Georgie Bullingham sailed spectacularly, despite the challenging conditions, just about beating all four Hewitts for the first time ever. The mighty "Puddleduck" making a spectacular entrance to the fleet and making its presence felt both on and off the water!

The normal race to Lower Lode pub on the Sunday was cancelled due to lack of wind but many of the competitors still managed to navigate their way there via various alternative means.

A lot of fun was had by all and hopefully next year there will be a bit more breeze!

Overall Results:

Pos Sail No Boat name Helm R1 R2 R3 Pts

1 619 Moody Blue Anthony Lynall 1 1 2 2

5 676 Mallory Jim Hewitt 1 4 3 4

4 621 Daydreamer Matt Straker 3 3 1 4

8 648 Shamal Jacob Lutton 3 5 4 7

2 642 Puddleduck Simon Bullingha 4 2 1 3

9 631 Lady Jane James Wylie 4 4 4 8

7 677 Genevieve Andy Hewitt 5 2 3 5

3 669 Merlin Pete Hewitt 2 1 5 3

6 678 Groovy Mike Hewitt 2 3 2 4

Medley Sailing Club hosts family-friendly open day on Port Meadow

 

A sailing club opened its doors to the public for an open day.

Medley Sailing Club, located on Port Meadow nature reserve, hosted the event on Saturday, May 30, offering introductory boat rides to local families.

The club, founded in 1937, aimed to familiarise families with the tradition of dinghy sailing.

Attendees were treated to homemade cakes and refreshments at the club's wooden clubhouse overlooking the River Thames.

The open day provided a glimpse into the club's community engagement efforts.

For those who missed the event, further information is available on the club's website or visitors can drop by the club on Sundays after 12.30pm.

The club emphasises the importance of safety, particularly being careful with children near the River Thames.

Three Rivers Race 2026 at Horning Sailing Club

 

3RR 2026 sponsored by Yachtmaster Insurance and Panks

This year's Three Rivers Race was a true test of endurance for all those taking part, with the average length of time spent on the water being over 21 hours for finishers. Hosted by, and started from, Horning Sailing Club on Saturday 30th May, the Race finally began after an hour's delay due to light winds and a strong tide.

The start line was extremely busy - both on and off the water - with thousands of spectators making their way to Horning to watch the 117 starters leave on the now iconic Broads Sailing Challenge, in its 65th edition. Despite large numbers on the water, the starts themselves were relatively uneventful, competitors contending with a shifty breeze and a few bottlenecks though the village.

However, once under way, the breeze picked up to be quite pleasant and good progress was made across the course. The majority opted to complete the Ant and South Walsham legs first, meaning that the return home would be straight to Horning. Given the light winds, the Lower Bure turning buoy was positioned at Stokesby, whilst competitors still made their way across Hickling Broad to the turning buoy positioned by the clubhouse.

In the dying breeze during the evening, and as the river turned to glass-like reflections, many prepared themselves for a long night. Thankfully, there was a full moon, but those fighting the tide found it a challenge to make any progress until the tide turned early in the morning. Only two competitors made it home during the night - Paul Browning helming Thames A Rater "Osprey" (who finished at just after 11pm) and Richard Whitefoot sailing Norfolk Punt "Comet" (who finished at 1.20am).

Both took different routes, Browning opting to complete both legs early, before Hickling and Stokesby, whilst Whitefoot completed the legs at the end of the race - both proving that speed was the key factor to race success. In the end, these results were untouchable and they finished in first and second respectively.

For the rest of the fleet, it was a long, slow night, the boats not making it back to Horning until daybreak when the breeze picked up. The next finisher was Tim Frary's River Cruiser "India" at just after 7am, having taken nearly six hours to make it from Horning Church to the finish line.

In total, there were 56 finishers and, heartbreakingly, seven further boats were timed out of the course, tantalisingly close to the finish line. With the conditions unpredictable, the morning's breeze favoured those further back on the course, who were able to make steady progress on those sailing through the tree-lined banks in Horning.

Third overall was White Wings, a Sailing Cruiser helmed by Simon Bayliss, who had chosen to sail to Stokesby first. Andrew Gallant took fourth in his Yeoman "Aquamarine", following the same course. After Heigham Sound, he spent much of the race locked in a close battle with last year's runner-up, Roger Hannant in Yeoman "Firefly", who was just behind, finishing fifth. In the end, they were separated by just over 30 seconds at the finish line after over 21 hours of racing.

Completing the top ten were Yeoman "White Spirit" helmed by Christopher Davies in sixth, River Cruiser "Amantani" (George Brewis) in seventh, eighth was another Yeoman "Anoih" (James Pettit), ninth was Broads One Design "Dipper" (Nick Heath) and in tenth was River Cruiser Modwena (Mark Cassidy).

The full results and trophy list can be found at horning-sailing.club/page/Results

Trophy list:-

Three Rivers Trophy (overall winner), New Three Rivers Trophy, Bosun's Call A (dinghy 12% or less), Peter Cumming Tankard (non-HSC Member), Stanley Facey Memorial Salver (Fastest Passage overall), Charles Hickling Memorial Trophy (crew average age > 60) - Osprey, Paul Browning

Yachtmaster Insurance Trophy (2nd Overall), Coffee Pot Trophy (Norfolk Punt on handicap) - Comet, Richard Whitefoot

Melody Trophy (River Cruiser on Handicap) - White Wings, Simon Bayliss

Puffin Trophy (Halfdecker on handicap), Ivybank Jug (leading Yeoman) - Aquamarine, Andrew Gallant

Bosuns Call B (dinghy over 12%) - Odie, Jonathan Coles

Night Light Trophy (leading Wayfarer) - Actuurly Urr Wayfarurr, Hamish MacKay

Howes Salver (leading YBOD), Colin Haddow Trophy (HSC crew of a YBOD or Rebel) - Scarce Copper, David Means & Dominic Copping

Mora Cruiser Cup (RCC fastest passage) -India, Tim Frary

Elias Trophy (RCC in opposite group to Melody winner) - Pirate, Willum Johnston

Wildgoose Cup (leading female helm) - Black Magic, Jane Pye

BeWILDerwood Trophy (helm under 25 in halfdecker or dinghy), Navigators Trophy (highest placed when competing in their first 3RR) - White Spirit, Christopher Davies

Trudi Memorial Trophy (first HSC member on handicap) - Firefly, Roger Hannant

Green Ginger Cup (Production Cruiser on handicap) - Papillon, Archie Campbell

Jubilee Cup (leading Rebel) - Rebel Rothay, Peter Brown

Reedling 50th Anniversary Trophy (leading Reedling) - Jaws, Stuart Bailey

Team Trophy - Team Talisker

NBYCO Shield (Hire Cruiser on handicap), Lysander Trophy (last boat to finish, elapsed time at least 20 hours) - Leda - Daniel Willett

Whoopee for Whooper at the Cowes Spring Classics

 

"Whoopee for Whooper!" with a double win for the 1939 Laurent Giles one-off Bermudan sloop owned and skippered by Giovanni Belgrano at the Cowes Spring Classics.

A fleet of achingly beautiful yachts enjoyed two days of Solent racing. Based out of Shepards Wharf the annual event marked the start of the season for Classic regattas. Designed as a relaxed regatta for pre-1970s Classic Cruisers, Cruiser/racers, Gaff-rigged boats and Pilot Cutters twenty one lovingly maintained boats lined up across three classes. Classic Meter yachts and the Modern Spirit of Tradition were welcomed and this year saw Dido and Strega join IRC Class 1. Gaff Rigged yachts and Pilot Cutters racing according to OGA Handicaps represented Class 3.

 The Best Dressed Crew at the Saturday dinner was presented to Peter Morton and his his Scherzo of Cowes team.

Osborne bay was the setting for the start of day two. The pretty West Solent One Designs battled it out for line honours. Claire Locke claimed third overall while David Heritage's Harlequin snapped at the heels of winner Suvretta to finish in second place. Tightly contested in IRC Class 1 it was five times winner of British Classic Week Giovanni Belgrano and his regular team who not only claimed Class 1 trophy but also the overall regatta winner's silverware.

The Corinthian spirit on-the-water was match by relaxed post-racing atmosphere. Pontoon drinks on the opening evening were followed by a bbq at the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club. Organised by Martin Nott, Cowes-based wooden boat builder and Mary Scott-Jackson of MSJ Events as a much welcomed season-opener to the racing calendar. And judging by the reception both on and off the water this year's was a big hit with owners and crew alike.

Find out more at cowesspringclassics.com

Royal Escape Race 2026 hailed a success after memorable race weekend

 The 2026 Royal Escape Race brought sailors together for a memorable weekend of racing, celebration and community spirit across the English Channel.

Organised by the Sussex Yacht Club in partnership with Société des Régates de Fécamp, this year's event saw 33 race entries take on the historic cross-Channel challenge from Brighton to Fécamp, alongside five yachts participating in the supporters' cruise.

Blessed with favourable conditions, competitors departed from the Sussex coast on Friday 22 May, retracing the route taken by Charles II of England during his escape to France in 1651 following the Battle of Worcester.

Taking line honours this year was Devils Advocate, completing the passage in an impressive 11 hours, 30 minutes and 42 seconds.

The race once again attracted a diverse fleet, including six entries from the Solo Offshore Racing Club, marking a significant boost for the event and helping establish the Royal Escape Race as an increasingly important fixture on the offshore sailing calendar.

Among the standout entries was Overlord, which competed during its 90th anniversary year, adding another special moment to a race already rich in maritime history.

Off the water, competitors and supporters enjoyed a packed social programme hosted by Société des Régates de Fécamp, including a Benedictine tasting, prize-giving celebrations and the ever-popular "Sailing's Got Talent" evening, which drew crowds of up to 150 people across the weekend.

The Sussex Yacht Club says feedback from competitors has so far been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising both the atmosphere and organisation of the event and expressing enthusiasm for returning in 2027 for the Royal Escape Race landmark 50th anniversary celebrations.

Robin Stevenson, Commodore of Sussex Yacht Club, said: "This year's Royal Escape Race was a fantastic success both on and off the water. It was wonderful to see such a strong and diverse fleet taking part, alongside so much support from competitors, volunteers, sponsors and our partners in Fécamp. The feedback we've received has been incredibly positive, and it's exciting to see so many crews already looking ahead to future races.

"We are hugely grateful to our sponsors, volunteers and all those involved in the event for their continued support, which enables us to keep bringing this important and unique piece of maritime history to life each year."

This year's event was proudly supported by headline sponsor Bishop Skinner Marine alongside official clothing partner Musto, whose valued support played an important role in delivering another successful Royal Escape Race.

Following the race weekend, organisers were also invited onto BBC Radio Sussex with Sarah Gorrell to reflect on the success of the event and the growing profile of the race.

The official Royal Escape Race prize-giving will take place at Sussex Yacht Club on Saturday 13 June.

Find out more at www.sussexyachtclub.org.uk/royal-escape-race

Dragon Fleet Set for Strong Showing at Cowes Classics Regatta

 

The Dragon class is preparing for another strong showing at the 2026 Cowes Classics Regatta, with 15 and counting Dragons entered for this year's event, the largest fleet among the 21 classes taking part.

Held from 4th - 7th June in the waters of the Central Solent, the Cowes Classics Regatta has become a highlight of the traditional yacht racing calendar, bringing together a diverse fleet of classic and modern classics for four days of competitive racing and shoreside camaraderie.

While the regatta spans four days, the Dragons will contest a dedicated three-day programme featuring seven scheduled races. Adding further significance to this year's event, the regatta will also decide the 2026 British Dragon Association Classic Championship, with six Classic Dragons among the entries battling for championship honours.

The Dragon fleet's continued support of the event reflects the growing strength of the class in the UK during its 70th anniversary year. With increasing participation at major regattas, and a busy national and international calendar, the class continues to attract both experienced competitors and new owners alike.

Among the entries is the beautifully restored Dragon Penguin, which was recently relaunched in Cowes following an extensive refurbishment. Her appearance at Cowes Classics Regatta marks another chapter in the story of this wooden Dragon and highlights the enduring appeal of the class, where boats spanning generations continue to race competitively alongside one another. Co-Owner Rhys Jones commented ahead of their first race event: "It's very exciting. It's great that there will be several classic Dragons racing, so we're really just looking forward to being in that mix."

The Dragon class has long combined close racing with a strong social tradition, and Cowes Classics Regatta will be no exception. Alongside the on-water competition, competitors will gather for a dedicated Dragon fleet drinks reception, generously hosted by Ithaca owner Michael Cover, continuing the camaraderie that has become a hallmark of Dragon events around the world.

The fleet will feature a mix of modern, vintage and classic Dragons, creating close racing across the seven-race series. With valuable points on offer towards the Classic Championship and the prestige of a Cowes Classics Regatta victory at stake, competition is expected to be fierce throughout the weekend.

British Dragon Association Chairman, Chris Grosscurth said: "It is fantastic to see such a strong entry list for the Dragons. With the largest fleet at the regatta and a Classic Championship title to be decided, we look forward to an exciting weekend of racing on the Solent."

As the British Dragon Association celebrates 70 years of Dragon sailing in Britain throughout 2026, a strong turnout at Cowes Classics Regatta provides further evidence of the class's continued vitality and growing momentum.