Dragon Edinburgh Cup at the Royal Torbay Yacht Club - Day 1

Dragon Edinburgh Cup in Torbay Day 1 © Emma York

Tuesday 8th July welcomed the opening day of the 2025 Edinburgh Cup in Torquay with sunshine, lighter airs, and no shortage of high-calibre racing.

After a breezy South West Championship warm-up event, the Edinburgh Cup, one of the most prestigious trophies in the International Dragon calendar, got underway under altogether gentler conditions. This historic regatta attracts world-class teams from near and far, including Olympians, World and European Champions, Gold Cup winners, national titleholders, local legends, and passionate Corinthian sailors. All competing with the same aspiration to lift the coveted Edinburgh Cup.

As Race One began on schedule, many Dragons were line-shy, hesitating before committing to the start. The fleet quickly split, with half heading inshore toward Paignton. On the first beat, a wind shift to the right favoured those outside, with current World Champions Provezza TUR12 first to the windward mark. They were followed closely by local favourite Jerboa GBR831, Fei-Lin's Flirtation GBR633, and Wild Iris IRL231.

Dragon Edinburgh Cup in Torbay Day 1 - photo © Emma York

As the wind continued to track right, Jerboa narrowed the gap on Provezza during the second beat. But a softening breeze made the final approach to the windward mark sluggish, delaying spinnaker hoists. Then came a dramatic weather twist: the wind began a 180-degree shift after midday, setting the stage for a surreal spectacle. Some Dragons were sailing downwind under spinnaker while others were flying their kites to the windward mark.

Jerboa, who had been sailing strongly in the top pack, found themselves trapped in a patch of glassy water as the breeze shifted dramatically. Magic USA325 was the first to reach the new wind, capitalising on the shift to beat upwind to the finish. Dreki GBR816 and Sleeping Beauty GBR704 also reacted well to the evolving conditions, making valuable gains in the final stages. But it was Provezza who held firm to take the win, with Meteor and Fei-Lin’s Flirtation completing the top three.

Dragon Edinburgh Cup in Torbay Day 1 - photo © Emma York

Following a course reset to reflect the new 12-knot breeze from the south, Race Two delivered equally compelling racing. Martin Payne’s HKG50 True Story rounded the windward mark first, closely pursued by Provezza, Wild Iris, Bluebottle GBR192, and Bertie GBR763. Sailing confidently in the afternoon airs, Mark Wade’s Avalanche GBR722 and Phil Walker’s Vendesi GBR523 found their rhythm in the shifting breeze, making the most of Tor Bay’s conditions with sharp crew work and well-timed tactical calls.

With positions changing throughout the three-lap course, it was ultimately another show of dominance from the Turkish team Provezza, who took control and extended their lead to secure their second bullet of the day. Meteor, fresh from their runner-up result in Race One, demonstrated their growing mastery of Tor Bay to finish second once again, while True Story held off a tight pack to claim third.

Dragon Edinburgh Cup in Torbay Day 1 - photo © Emma York

Day One concluded with many teams reflecting on the extreme shifts and tactical surprises that Tor Bay had to offer. With Provezza showing formidable consistency and Meteor not far behind, the competition remains wide open. The question now is who can out-sail the shifts, the pressure, and the unpredictability of this iconic venue in the days ahead?

Stay tuned for more from the Edinburgh Cup in Torquay.

Results after Day 1: