Dragon Edinburgh Cup at the Royal Torbay Yacht Club - Overall

Dragon Edinburgh Cup in Torbay Day 3 © Emma York

The final day of the 2025 Edinburgh Cup brought sunshine, shifting breeze, and two exciting races that kept the championship wide open until the very last run. With the Dragons battling in light but raceable conditions, every tack, gybe, and gust counted. Torquay delivered a spectacular finale as the fleet fought hard across Races Five and Six, dramatically sealing the title and showcasing the very best of one-design keelboat racing.

Another beautiful morning greeted sailors in Tor Bay, though the race committee held the fleet ashore as they waited for the predicted southerly breeze to fill. By 13:55, racing was under way with a clear start for Race Five. The fleet quickly favoured the right-hand side of the course, tacking towards Brixham Harbour.

At the first windward mark, True Story (HKG50), helmed by Lily Xu of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, led the charge. Fit Chick, Meteor, Dreki, and Fei-Lin's Flirtation chased closely through the downwind leg. As the wind softened and the sea state turned glassy, gains were hard-fought. Fei-Lin's Flirtation and Fit Chick found pressure on the left side of the final beat, moving into the lead group alongside Meteor, Bertie, and Jerboa.

The final run produced a thrilling conclusion as Meteor found another gear, surging through to take the win. A close finish for second saw Fit Chick edge ahead of Fei-Lin's Flirtation with a well-timed dash for the pin end. The top ten also included Bertie, Jerboa, True Story, Bluebottle, Avalanche, Wild Iris, and Hands Off.

With Friday's forecast predicting light winds, the race committee made the call to run the final series race that same afternoon.

As the late afternoon breeze steadied at 160 degrees and built to nine knots, the final race got under way, two laps with a downwind finish to decide the 2025 Edinburgh Cup champion. Going into Race Six, Meteor held a two-point lead over Provezza and needed to stay ahead to secure the title.

It was Bluebottle who launched into the lead, powering ahead with her distinctive yellow spinnaker. The four-up team rounded the windward mark first, followed closely by Wild Iris, Fei-Lin's Flirtation, Fit Chick, and Magic. The final beat saw the fleet split evenly, with left and right sides hunted for every last puff of breeze. At the windward mark, Bluebottle, Magic, and Fei-Lin's Flirtation held firm.

Despite pressure from behind, Bluebottle maintained her lead to cross the line first, taking the final win of the regatta. Wild Iris secured second, with True Story close behind in third. While Provezza and Meteor finished just one place apart, it was enough for Meteor to clinch the overall title.

Dragon Edinburgh Cup in Torbay Day 3 - photo © Emma York

The overall results highlighted just how competitive the International Dragon fleet remains. After six races, the championship concluded with a three-way tie on points for second, third, and fourth places, decided only on countback. Equally tight were the gaps between 5th and 6th, 7th and 8th, and even the 13th to 15th positions, all separated by just a single point.

The 2025 Edinburgh Cup was a true showcase of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship, reinforcing the British Dragon's reputation for delivering elite keelboat racing in a welcoming and sociable atmosphere.

As the sun set over the Royal Torbay Yacht Club, sailors and supporters gathered on the terrace for an enjoyable post-race BBQ, sponsored by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust. Daily prizes were awarded, including the Lancombe Trophy and Dubarry Boot Trophy to Meteor for their stellar mid-series performance, and the Princess Jalina Trophy to Bluebottle for their Race Six win. Trickledown prizes for second and third places, as well as top Corinthian honours, were awarded thanks to sponsor Crewsaver.

Dragon Edinburgh Cup in Torbay Day 3 - photo © Emma York

With no racing scheduled for the final day, teams can relax and enjoy Torquay's charm before reuniting for the official prize-giving dinner. Champions will be crowned, efforts acknowledged, and camaraderie celebrated, capping off a truly memorable 2025 Edinburgh Cup.

Overall Results:
If you finished in the top ten at the Dragon Edinburgh Cup then enter your Gear Guide information here