The Royal racing yacht Bluebottle GBR192 has written a major new chapter in international Dragon Class history by winning the legendary Marblehead Trophy. This is the first time Great Britain has ever claimed the Marblehead, and the first time the event will be hosted in England on behalf of a winning British team and club.
Skippered by Graham Bailey, with Bluebottle crew Julia Bailey, Will Bedford and Killian Boag, after five close races the team delivered a superb performance against a top international fleet to secure one of the most coveted trophies in sailing. As a result of this landmark victory, the next Marblehead regatta will be hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes.
Graham commented on the remarkable victory: “It was a truly epic last day – at one point we talked about heading for the harbour as a 30 knot gust blew through. No way would we put Bluebottle downwind in that but fortunately that was the only tricky moment, and she coped like a trooper with everything else that was thrown at her. Can’t believe we’ve won the Marblehead!”
The Marblehead Trophy is a prestigious international sailing prize linked to the Dragon class. Established in 1929 by the residents of Marblehead in Massachusetts, it commemorated the town’s 300th anniversary and celebrated its heritage as a renowned centre of sailing.
Royal Yacht Bluebottle stands among the most renowned Dragons in the world. Originally crafted as a Royal racing yacht, Bluebottle has enjoyed a celebrated competitive legacy that spans several decades. In 2019, under the stewardship of The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, Bluebottle was reunited with fellow historic Royal vessels Bloodhound and Coweslip, bringing together this distinguished trio once more.
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, and we hope that this marks the beginning of a new ‘British era’ of champions.”
Bluebottle’s Marblehead Trophy victory adds a significant new milestone to a remarkable story that connects royal heritage, classic yacht preservation and modern, high-level one-design racing.
