The Royal Yacht Squadron has issued a call for challengers for the 2026 Marblehead Trophy. The Dragon class event will be staged in Cowes, marking the first time the trophy will be contested in the UK. The move follows a historic win by Bluebottle GBR192 at the 2025 regatta in St Tropez.
It was the first victory by a British team in the competition’s history. The 2026 event will follow the Edinburgh Cup from 18–21 August as part of a busy sailing calendar in Cowes.
The Marblehead Trophy, first awarded in 1929, is regarded as the premier inter-club competition in the International Dragon class.
Silver Prize — The historic Marblehead Trophy arrives in the UK after Bluebottle’s landmark win, ahead of the 2026 Dragon class showdown in Cowes
Bluebottle will defend the title under the management of the Royal Yacht Squadron, with support from the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust. Built in 1948 by Camper & Nicholsons, Bluebottle was presented as a wedding gift to Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip. She later won bronze at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. Now restored and actively raced, the yacht continues to compete on the international circuit.
Skipper Graham Bailey and crew secured the 2025 title after five races against a strong international fleet.
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.” He added, “We look forward to bringing the trophy to Cowes and the 2026 challenger event.”
Commodore Bertie Bicket said, “We are very proud to welcome challengers to Cowes in this important year, marking 200 years of Cowes Week.”
