The 71st British Dragon Nationals, the Haulfryn Edinburgh Cup is set to be four days of thrilling one-design keelboat racing in the waters of North Wales.
The South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club (SCYC), one of the UK’s premier yachting and sailing destinations, is this year’s host to their eighth Edinburgh Cup.
The home SCYC Dragon fleet will be joined by visiting Dragons from Ireland, Turkey, United States and all four corners of the country. Following the two-day Northern Championship, Abersoch will see local experts race together against regional champions, past national champions; Martin Payne, Julia Bailey and Martin Byrne and current reigning champion Graham Bailey in the Haulfryn Edinburgh Cup.
One’s to watch out for
Local Mike Budd and his team onboard Harry put in a solid performance during the Dragon Northern Championship successfully taking the overall win. Also making their presence and showing local knowledge is a key factor was Nick Whipp’s Harryot.
Gavia Wilkinson-Cox has added British keelboat racers Patrick Rigby and Jake Hardman to her team with Mark Hart onboard Jerboa. While their sights will be set on the overall championship win there is also the new Seagull Trophy, for the first placed lady Corinthian helm, that could go home with Gavia.
Coming over from the United States, Mike Breivik is racing new Petticrows V6, Mars with his team of Ron Rosenberg and Will Willett who combined come with an impressive CV of championship racing experience.
Martin Byrne’s has reassembled his 2011 Edinburgh Cup winning Jaguar Sailing Team with Adam Winkelmann and Pedro Andrade onboard. After a second-place finish in the Northern Championship Martin is focused on the renowned trophy.
Joining them on the water and adding another competitive element to the historical national event, will be current reigning champion Graham Bailey’s Aimee. First winning in 2014, Graham has dominated the last two Edinburgh Cup events, can he make it a first-ever three in a row or will there be an upset from the Irish?
Now in its 71st year the Edinburgh Cup remains a championship with a great deal of history. It has always been difficult to win and is revered by those who have won many other competitions and events.
The Haulfryn Edinburgh Cup will take place from 16 – 19 July 2019. For full results click here >>>