Calling all challengers: Royal Racing Yacht Bluebottle brings Marblehead Trophy to UK for first time

by Emma York 2 Apr 06:26 BST 23-25 August 2026

The Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes is calling for Dragon class challengers for The Marblehead Trophy 2026. The event will be held in Cowes, Isle of Wight, UK at the Royal Yacht Squadron. The Royal Racing Yacht Bluebottle (GBR 192) won the 2025 event in St. Tropez, marking the first-ever British victory and bringing the trophy to the UK for the first time.

The regatta will follow the Edinburgh Cup (18th-21st August), and a bumper month of sailing, as well as marking the 75th year of the trophy being vested in the International Dragon Class. The Marblehead Trophy is the Dragon class's premier inter-club competition, and Bluebottle's defence of the 2026 edition is being organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron and supported by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust.

Commissioned in 1948 and built by renowned British shipbuilders Camper & Nicholsons, Bluebottle was originally presented as a wedding gift to Princess Elizabeth (as she then was) and Prince Philip. She is the only British Dragon to have won an Olympic medal, achieving bronze at the 1956 Melbourne Games, a testament to her timeless design and competitive pedigree.

Now meticulously restored and maintained by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, Bluebottle remains an active competitor on the international regatta circuit. Far from a museum piece, she embodies the living legacy of classic yacht design and continues to inspire sailors of all ages.

Skippered by Graham Bailey, with Bluebottle crew Julia Bailey, Will Bedford and Killian Boag, after five close races the team delivered a superb performance in 2025 and against a top international fleet securing the Marblehead Trophy, one of the most coveted trophies in sailing.

The Marblehead Trophy is a prestigious international sailing prize linked to the Dragon class. Established in 1929 by the residents of Marblehead in Massachusetts, it commemorated the town's 300th anniversary and celebrated its heritage as a renowned centre of sailing.

Franck Bruyere, Chief Executive of The Royal Yacht Britannia and Fingal Hotel said: "We are delighted that Bluebottle now joins the very select circle of winners of this prestigious trophy, and we hope that this marks the beginning of a new 'British era' of champions. It is with great pride that we bring the trophy to Cowes and look forward to the 2026 challenger event"

Commodore Bertie Bicket of The Royal Yacht Squadron commented "We are very proud to welcome challengers of the Marblehead Trophy to Cowes and to host this prestigious event in this very important year for Cowes as it is the 200th anniversary of Cowes Week."