British Dragon sailors delivered a standout performance at the Yanmar Dragon Gold Cup 2026, with GBR833 Louise Racing crowned overall champions and Great Britain securing the prestigious Nations Cup in a dramatic finale in the Bay of Palma.
The six-race series brought together a world-class fleet of 65 boats from 16 nations, racing under the Gold Cup's demanding long race, no-discard format, where consistency across the week proved decisive.
The championship tested crews with predominantly light and unstable conditions, placing a premium on patience, precision, and tactical awareness. It proved to be a winning start as race one was jointly won by GBR833 and SWE800 Miss Behaviour. For the first time, the Børge Børresen Memorial Trophy was jointly won by Grant Gordon and Jan Secher on the first day of the Yanmar Dragon Gold Cup.
Race one also determined the Nations Trophy teams. A strong performance from Louise Racing, Bluebottle and Jerboa GBR831 guaranteed their places in the team.
At the half way stage the fleet were towed to the race area in near-glassy conditions before a developing sea breeze allowed racing to get under way. Gains and losses were significant across the shortened three-leg course, with the breeze fading into the finish. Day four offered no respite, with attempts to complete racing abandoned as conditions failed to stabilise.
Momentum built on Day five, with two crucial races sailed in shifting north-easterly winds. GBR833 Louise Racing capitalised on clear air and strong positioning to secure victory in Race four, extending their overall lead. Michael Zankel's POR90 took the win in race five, ahead of SUI355 and GER11, after two Dragons were black flagged at the start.
Fellow British crews also made their mark. GBR767 Firefly delivered their strongest performance of the regatta in race four. GBR192 Bluebottle remained firmly in podium contention and GBR753 FitChick impressed with a top-10 finish in Race five.
Heading into the final race, just half a point separated GBR833 and SUI355 at the top of the leaderboard, while GBR192 Bluebottle remained within striking distance of the podium, and Great Britain were leading the Nations Cup. With the breeze expected to shift and ease, the final race delivered classic Palma conditions, testing even the most experienced teams.
In a composed and controlled performance, GBR833 held their nerve, finishing inside the top five to secure the Gold Cup title. Behind them, GBR192 Bluebottle delivered a decisive performance, finishing third in the final race to climb to second overall, a result that also secured the Nations Cup for Great Britain.
Gold Cup winning helm Grant Gordon, GBR833 reflected on the achievement: "Thank you to my whole team, to everyone who has organised this event, the race officers, the shore team and everyone in Puerto Portals for making this a special event. To all of the sailors and teams we compete against, being in the Dragon class is a privilege, and it is very humbling to win this special trophy, which comes from our country, from Scotland and the River Clyde.
"Thank you to our fellow Squadron members Bluebottle and to Gavia's team for helping us to win the Nations Cup. We look forward to competing again in the Dragons."
This double success marks a significant moment for British Dragon sailing on the international stage, underlining the strength, depth, and competitiveness of the fleet.
With the 2026 season continuing, and a landmark summer ahead in Cowes as part of the British Dragon Association's 70th anniversary year, British teams have firmly set the tone for what promises to be an exceptional season.
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