Bluebottle Tops International Dragon Rankings in Historic Return to Racing Glory
by Emma York 25 Jun 18:38 BST
Julia and Graham Bailey with Bluebottle © Helen Pugh
Bluebottle (GBR 192), the historic Royal racing yacht cared for by The Royal Yacht Britannia's charitable trust, along with her world-class helm Graham Bailey, has surged to the top of the Dragon Class 2026 International Ranking List, marking a stunning new chapter in Bluebottle's 79-year history.
The breakthrough moment came with Team Bluebottle's recent victory at the Finnish National Championship in Helsinki, propelling Bailey and Bluebottle to number one in the international rankings. Supporting Bailey is Bluebottle's outstanding race crew: Julia Bailey, Will Bedford and Killian Boag.
Heritage vessel Bluebottle has now re-established herself as a dominant force, competing - and winning - against modern fibreglass yachts on the global stage.
This achievement follows investment by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust who meticulously restored and maintain Bluebottle within their fleet of former Royal racing yachts. The comprehensive refit was carried out by David Heritage Racing Yachts in Cowes, Isle of Wight, which returned the classic wooden Dragon to full racing condition.
Built in 1948 by Camper and Nicholsons, Bluebottle was presented as a wedding gift to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip by the Island Sailing Club, Isle of Wight. In 1956, the yacht was loaned to the British sailing team for the Melbourne Olympic Games, where, under Lt Cdr Graham Mann, it secured a bronze medal - the only Olympic medal ever won by a British Dragon.
Graham Bailey said: "We love racing Bluebottle. It is always an absolute privilege and joy to put her up against the best teams on the international circuit but sometimes you must pinch yourself; achieving current world number one ranking is one of those moments."
Franck Bruyère, Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, said:
"A longstanding ambition of the Trust has been to reunite the former Royal sailing yachts Bluebottle, Coweslip and Bloodhound - Britannia's historic sailing fleet. In recent years, all three have come under our care and are benefiting from investment and specialist expertise.
"Reaching the top of the Dragon class rankings is an incredibly proud moment and a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved. The Trust remains committed to supporting our Royal sailing fleet and investing in its future."
Team Bluebottle will compete in the 2026 Dragon European Championship in Helsinki, where many of the world's leading Dragon class teams are expected to contest for honours.