Cannonball Trophy in Cowes
Dun Laoghaire team triumphs after 12-race showdown against Royal London and Royal Netherlands clubs
The Royal St George Yacht Club emerged victorious at the 2026 Cannonball Team Racing Trophy following a highly competitive weekend of racing in Cowes, Isle of Wight.
Hosted by the Royal London Yacht Club, the annual event brought together teams from the Royal St George Yacht Club, the Royal Netherlands Yacht Club and the Royal London Yacht Club for two days of close-fought racing in Osborne Bay. The racing took place beneath the magnificent backdrop of Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s former seaside residence, which overlooks the eastern Solent and provided a spectacular setting for the competition.
A total of 12 races were sailed over the weekend, with the Royal St George team delivering a consistently strong performance throughout the series. Recording six race victories, the Dun Laoghaire sailors secured overall victory and lifted the Cannonball Trophy after one of the most closely contested editions of the event in recent years.
Representing the Royal St George Yacht Club were Peter Bowring, John O’Connor, Max Treacy, Adam Smyth, Marcus Pearson, Tim Pearson, Neil Hegarty and Charlie Bolger. The team demonstrated the tactical awareness, teamwork and boat handling that are the hallmarks of successful team racing, combining experience and composure to stay ahead of their rivals across the weekend.
The Cannonball Trophy has become a valued fixture in the team racing calendar, fostering strong sporting ties and friendly rivalry between the three historic yacht clubs. While competition on the water was intense, the event also reflected the camaraderie and shared passion for sailing that continues to underpin the long-standing relationship between the participating clubs.
For the Royal St George Yacht Club, the victory represents another notable success in team racing and adds the Cannonball Trophy to an increasingly impressive list of achievements in the discipline.
Royal St George Team
Peter Bowring, John O’Connor, Max Treacy, Adam Smyth, Marcus Pearson, Tim Pearson, Neil Hegarty and Charlie Bolger.
Result
- Royal St George Yacht Club
- Royal Netherlands Yacht Club
- Royal London Yacht Club
