GLOBAL TEAM RACING REGATTA 2026
2026 and we are back at Cowes for the Global hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron. Again 12 teams from around the world assembled for the finest of two boat team racing in the fleet of twelve J70s supplied by the host and the Royal Thames.
Racing in Osborne Bay started on the Friday with strong winds on the menu… but it was the strong tides that most caught the teams from gentler climbs by surprise. Race one and the Finish Boat was the first victim of misjudgement… and then race two. The message quickly spread and “Legend” (the finish boat) was saved further assaults helped by a barrage of fenders. (No names but it was decidedly an Anglo American “special…”)
Racing on the familiar inner and outer loop course, now adopted by Worlds Sailing as standard, the brilliant race team were able to launch race after race in rapid succession, but not quite enough to complete the initial ranking round robin before gale force winds stopped play.
It was called a Bar B Q… another great understatement (for what was a fabulous supper) and the start of a brilliant and long evening.
Saturday, we woke to an illusionary calm, but by briefing time it was clear that racing would not be possible, so the teams were able to take the opportunity to tour Cowes, visit Queen Victoria’s favourite home, Osborne House, and to delight in a tour of the “Castle” before returning for an amazing Regatta Dinner and for many a too lengthy pub crawl.
Sunday, and the weather gods were now on our side. A very early start and with the wind and tide behind us the fleet quickly assembled in Osborne Bay to finish the remaining 22 races of the Robin Robin.
With time at a premium, and to give racing for all, we moved to a 2nd vs 3rd and the winner to sail 1st while 4 to 12 had a King of the Castle league.
2 v 3 was a California derby, with the World Champions Newport Harbor YC against St. Francis YC… brilliant racing but in the end it was Newport Harbor 2-0. Then to face the rookie team of the event, the Royal Thames Academy and wow it was 1-0 then 1-1 and finally in amazing form the Academy took the decider and the most prestigious trophy in Global Team Racing… well they didn’t quite take it, they were allowed to hold it briefly to have a photo before it was boxed up to be returned to the New York under armed guard.
In the King of the Castle… a brutal win and go up or lose and go home, started with Greece in brilliant form, but it then was the young Squadron Team moving up the ladder, but all stopped when the Royal Thames entered the fray. Win after win took them to fourth overall.
A brilliant event led by Col. Tony Singer with an amazing race team. And a big thanks to the Royal Yachts Squadron for delivering another spectacular regatta.