Bluebottle (GBR 192), the historic Royal racing yacht under the care of The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust in Edinburgh, has surged to the top of the Dragon Class 2026 International Ranking List, marking a remarkable new chapter in the vessel’s 79-year history.
The breakthrough came following Team Bluebottle’s standout victory at the Finnish National Championship in Helsinki, a result that propelled helm Graham Bailey and his crew to the number one spot in the global rankings. Supporting Bailey is an experienced and highly regarded race team comprising Julia Bailey, Will Bedford and Killian Boag.
The achievement signals a powerful resurgence for the heritage yacht, which is now competing and winning against modern fibreglass competitors on the international stage.
Bluebottle’s return to elite competition has been made possible through significant investment by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, which has overseen the meticulous restoration and ongoing maintenance of the vessel as part of its historic sailing fleet. The comprehensive refit was carried out by David Heritage Racing Yachts in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, restoring the classic wooden Dragon to full racing condition.
Built in 1948 by Camper and Nicholsons, Bluebottle holds a distinguished place in British maritime history. The yacht was presented as a wedding gift to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip by the Island Sailing Club. In 1956, she was loaned to the British sailing team for the Melbourne Olympic Games, where, under Lt Cdr Graham Mann, she secured a bronze medal – the only Olympic medal ever won by a British Dragon.
Reflecting on the recent success, helm Graham Bailey said: “We love racing Bluebottle. It is always an absolute privilege and joy to put her up against the best teams on the international circuit but sometimes you must pinch yourself; achieving current world number one ranking is one of those moments.”
Franck Bruyère, Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, added: “A longstanding ambition of the Trust has been to reunite the former Royal sailing yachts Bluebottle, Coweslip and Bloodhound – Britannia’s historic sailing fleet. In recent years, all three have come under our care and are benefiting from investment and specialist expertise.
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“Reaching the top of the Dragon class rankings is an incredibly proud moment and a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved. The Trust remains committed to supporting our Royal sailing fleet and investing in its future.”
Looking ahead, Team Bluebottle will return to Helsinki to compete in the 2026 Dragon European Championship, where many of the world’s leading Dragon class teams are expected to contest for honours.
