Sixty years on, Rán returns to her home waters at the Cowes Classics and wins!

Published 10:25am on 11 Jun 2026

The Dragon fleet was the largest class at this year's Cowes Classics Regatta, with 17 entries among them six beautiful wooden classics. The Royal Yorkshire Yacht Club was there in fine company, represented by Rán, sailed by Crispin Blyth, Neil Paveley and Roger Guy of the Cowes Corinthian. The timing could hardly have been more fitting: this regatta marked 60 years since Rán was launched at Cowes, making her return to compete on her original home waters a genuinely special occasion.

The conditions did their best to thin the fleet. Sustained winds in the low to mid-twenties, with biting gusts and the short, steep Solent chop, persuaded a few owners to stay ashore and forced others to retire. Those who pressed on were rewarded with six windward/leeward races and some properly testing sailing.

When the results settled, overall Dragon honours went to the local boat Fit Chick with Rán taking first place in the Dragon Classics fleet and fifth overall.

Our thanks and congratulations go to the Royal London Yacht Club for running an impeccably organised and thoroughly friendly regatta.

(Photo credit: Paul Wyeth Photography https://www.pwpictures.com/)

Last updated 10:25am on 11 June 2026