RHKYC Nations' Cup 2026 – 15th Anniversary!
by RHKYC Media 28 Apr 10:13 BST
26 April 2026
RHKYC Nations' Cup 2026 © RHKYC / Guy Nowell
A total of 65 teams signed up for the 2026 Nations' Cup, held on Sunday, 26 April, representing 18 nations and regions: Australia, Belgium, Chinese Mainland, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong (China), Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Scotland, Singapore, Sweden, the Philippines and the USA. In keeping with the spirit of this annual highlight, sailors formed national and regional teams, with crews sailing side by side for pride, camaraderie and glory.
This year marked the 15th anniversary of the Nations' Cup, celebrating fifteen years of fun filled yet fiercely contested racing on Victoria Harbour. True to tradition, sailors took to the water dressed in creative costumes, flying national flags and sporting team colours, competing not only for bragging rights but also for the coveted honour of the winning nation's flag being hung in the Club's Main Bar until the next edition.
With the wind at 8 to 10kts, Race Officer Lucy Sutro sent the fleet on a course from the Club line, out through the east end of the Harbour, around Chai Wan mark and back in, finishing off the Club.
Costumes were everywhere, with several particularly eye-catching ensembles on display. Sailors from the Pandora class stood out, dressed as pilots and flight attendants to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong's first airline to provide civil aviation services. Crews on Magic 25s were also in on the fun — French sailors were dressed as characters from the film Ratatouille, while another group embraced local flavour by dressing as lobsters, playfully echoing the theme of Hong Kong's iconic seafood restaurants. Adding to the spectacle, a group of Australian sailors turned up as lifeguards, humourously "safeguarding" the fleet, while the Japanese crews on White Rabbit proudly showcased their national spirit by dressing as sumo wrestlers.
In the end, Hugues Rondouin's Flying Fifteen Second Wind, representing France, was crowned top nation for the first time in the history of the Nations' Cup. Close on their heels was the first Hong Kong entry, Gabriel Leung's Ruffian Larrikin, followed by the Netherlands' entry, Frank van Kempen's Etchells Bloody Brilliant.
The French team celebrated their win. "We are so proud to win for France for the first time in the history of the Club. It was an amazing day on the water. We are so happy," said Hugues Rondouin.
Sunny Leung's Manbude, representing Hong Kong, China, won first place in the PHS division.
Race Officer Lucy Sutro praised both the conditions and the atmosphere on the day: "The Nations' Cup is always a fabulous race. It's such a joy to see so many people having fun racing in the harbour. The wind gods really smiled on us, giving us 8 to 10kts. And judging by the smiles on the sailors' faces, I think everyone had a great time, so it was a great day to be a race officer."
The celebrations continued well into the prize-giving ceremony, with sailors clearly enjoying themselves regardless of their results on the water. The Best Dressed Crew Award was ultimately claimed by the Malaysian team on J/80 Lila, with Big Boat Zoe and Ruffian Larrikin named as joint runners up.