Royal Racing Yacht Bluebottle Makes History with Back-to-Back French National Championship Wins
by Emma York 21 Oct 2025 18:03 BST
Dragon French National Championship at Port Camargue © Martine Aubert
The Royal racing yacht Bluebottle has once again made history, retaining the French National Championship title in Port Camargue after ten races.
Helmed by Graham Bailey, alongside Julia Bailey, Will Bedford, and Killian Boag, Bluebottle dominated the regatta, claiming victory in eight out of ten races to secure back-to-back French National Championship titles.
In 1949, Bluebottle famously sailed across the English Channel to Deauville and triumphed in the Virginie Heriot Cup. Seventy-five years later, she returned to French waters and emerged victorious, winning the 2024 Linkers French Dragon National Championship in Deauville. This was a memorable and historic victory for the iconic Royal yacht.
The 2025 French Dragon National Championship, held in Port Camargue, delivered four days of closely fought racing. Sixteen teams competed in challenging yet stunning conditions, with Bluebottle engaged in a thrilling battle throughout the event against Jan Eckert's SUI 355 Ginkgo Racing. Demonstrating remarkable consistency and precision, Bluebottle secured victory and retained the French National Championship title for a second consecutive year.
Reflecting on the achievement, skipper Graham Bailey said:
"We are grateful for the warm welcome extended by the organisers at Port Camargue and could not be more delighted at the way Bluebottle was able to so convincingly hold her own against such high-quality competition at this magnificent French championship. Dreams are made of this."
The team were also awarded the Christan Charrè Cup, a new trophy for the top boat on the penultimate day, presented in memory of the late local Dragon sailor.
Originally presented as a wedding gift to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh, Bluebottle continues to embody British maritime excellence, craftsmanship, and competitive spirit. Restored under the care of The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, she remains a living link between royal heritage and modern racing achievement.
Bluebottle's extraordinary performance in France not only celebrates her enduring racing pedigree but also marks another golden chapter in her illustrious 76-year history.