Macnamara's Bowl Returns with Star-Studded Lineup in Women's Sailing
by RS Sailing 24 Apr 17:16 BST
24-26 April 2026
The Macnamara's Bowl Returns © Oli King
An elite roster of international sailing talent will compete in the long-awaited return of the Macnamara's Bowl this weekend, with a line-up of accomplished female sailors gathering at Royal Lymington Yacht Club for the regatta's first edition in over three decades.
Among the standout competitors is Pippa Wilson (Kenton Page) MBE, an Olympic gold medallist in the Yngling class (2008), as well as World Champion in Cascais and Miami (2007 and 2008) and European Champion (2008). Now based in Dubai and serving as Executive Director of the 29er Class Association, she will represent the UAE at this regatta alongside Charlotte Borghesi, who made history as the first female helm to win the SB20 World Championship in 2024.
Also on the start line is fellow Olympian Vita Heathcote, 420 World Champion (2019) and 470 World Championship silver medallist (2024). The fleet is further strengthened by a host of top-tier sailors, including Phoebe Chalmers, North American WASZP champion; Emma McEwen, Corinthian RS21 World Champion (2022) and multiple RS500 and RS800 title holder; and Millie Irish, double UK RS Feva National Champion (2019/2021). Together, they form a highly competitive international line-up that underlines the event's serious sporting intent.
A total of 11 club teams from across the globe will compete, representing Ireland, the UAE, Bermuda, Canada, and the UK. The fleet also includes emerging under-25 teams from Kingston Yacht Club and the host club, adding a strong development pathway alongside the elite competition.
This renewed focus on high-performance racing reflects the event's reimagined vision. Now branded as the Dubarry Macnamara's Bowl, the regatta combines its historic legacy with modern racing standards, including the use of RS21 keelboats, supplied by RS Sailing. Crewed by four to five sailors and raced in a strict one-design format, the RS21 ensures that success is determined by skill, teamwork, and tactical execution on the water.
"It's an honour for the RS21 to be the boat of choice for such a prestigious revival," said Liam Willis, Keelboat Manager at RS Sailing and RS21 Class Manager. "Events like the Macnamara's Bowl, attracting teams from around the world, highlight the calibre of racing this class can deliver."
While the competition promises intensity on the racecourse, the event also marks the revival of a significant chapter in women's sailing history. Originally founded in 1978 by a pioneering group of women sailors, including current Royal Lymington Yacht Club Commodore Sally Kalis, the Macnamara's Bowl ran until 1995 before going on hiatus.
Its return was sparked in late 2025 by Jo Wells, granddaughter of founder Brian Macnamara. Event Director Peter Saxton quickly recognised the opportunity to align the regatta with the club's broader participation initiatives, aimed at increasing on-water activity and inclusivity.
The weekend programme begins with a training day on Friday 24th April, featuring Vakaros race system induction and on-water coaching, before two days of racing from Saturday to Sunday. Seven fleet races are scheduled, with favourable conditions forecast to showcase top-tier Solent racing.
"This weekend is more than just racing - it's a celebration of the women who have shaped the sport, from the original crews of the 1970s to today's global competitors. The Royal Lymington Yacht Club continues to champion women both on and off the water - as sailors, leaders, and innovators." said a spokesperson for the Royal Lymington Yacht Club.
A total of 11 club teams will take to the water, representing:
The Macnamara's Bowl represents both a celebration and a statement - honouring the women who shaped the sport while spotlighting the next generation of global sailing talent.