The International Dragon fleet will gather off Cowes this August for the 2026 Edinburgh Cup and Dragon UK Grand Prix. The two regattas will run concurrently from 18–21 August on the Solent. The Edinburgh Cup is awarded to the winner of the Dragon British Open Championship.
At the same time, the UK Grand Prix forms one of four events in the 2026 European Dragon Grand Prix Series. The regatta will be hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron.
Racing will take place on windward-leeward courses in the central Solent. The event will be led by British Dragon Association chairman Chris Grosscurth and event director Gavia Wilkinson-Cox.
Anniversary Year
The championship also marks the 70th anniversary of the British Dragon Association. Alongside racing, competitors will take part in a social programme including a welcome reception on the Royal Yacht Squadron lawn. A gala prize-giving dinner will also be held in the Squadron pavilion.
Teams will base their boats at Cowes Yacht Haven, where launching and recovery will take place. Registration opens on Sunday, 16 August and continues through Monday, 17 August. A special BDA 70th Anniversary Celebration Race and a practice race will also be held on Monday.
Busy Dragon Calendar
For visiting crews, the Edinburgh Cup forms part of a busy Dragon racing schedule in Cowes. Cowes Week celebrates its 200th anniversary from 1–7 August and is expected to include a strong Dragon fleet. Following the Edinburgh Cup, teams can compete for the Marblehead Trophy.
The inter-club competition is organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron and hosted by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust with the Bluebottle crew.
International Interest
BDA chairman Chris Grosscurth said the event marks an important return for the class. “The Edinburgh Cup returning to Cowes as an International Dragon Association Grade 1 regatta is something we are extremely proud of,” he said. “It is a privilege for the UK Dragon community to host one of the class’s premier events once again.”
Grosscurth said interest from both British and international teams has been strong. “We are seeing a genuine swell of enthusiasm for Dragon sailing, not only across our regional fleets in the UK, but internationally as well,” he added. “The Edinburgh Cup has always held a special place in the Dragon calendar, and 2026 promises to be a particularly memorable edition.”
Entries for the regatta are open online, with discounted entry available until 31 March.
