Young Guns Regatta 2026

Published 09:54 on 2 Sep 2026

Young Guns Regatta has become one of the standout highlights of the Seaview calendar, and the 2026 edition did not disappoint. After eight hotly contested races, two protest hearings and one lively dinner, the youth Mermaid fleet is truly alive and well. 

Sunday afternoon produced a slightly lighter wind than forecast, meaning the fleet got away on time with full mains and big spinnakers. Tiger Tellwright in Jade dominated the day, winning three from four. It was great to see spinnakers flying throughout the fleet in building conditions. Senan Bottomley, Caspar Gray/Nate Bottomley and Barnaby Cotterell all placed well throughout the day, with a second for Ben Clayden in Race 2 and a third for Henry Knight in Race 4. The last two races were defined by building conditions and tricky start lines as the fleet bunched at the CB End. Two boats were unfortunately UFD on the final race, Senan Bottomley and Matilda Scott. As the gusts increased, a number of boats had some testing downwind legs, including Tiger's spectacular Chinese gybe and resulting broach. Matilda Scott led the female helm competition at the end of Day 1, closely chased by Annabelle Youngman, Phoebe Cazely and Maude Casey.

After a fabulous evening, the fleet were (nearly) on time and (sort of) raring to go on Monday morning. The first race got away second time, much to the relief of Adastra and Bluebell whose crews might have set their alarms 5 minutes too late. The breeze was up though, with gusts up to 26kn recorded, and the seamanship of the fleet superb. It was fantastic to see the whole fleet battling the conditions with determination and guts. The same three names became a familiar sight at the top of the scoresheet, with Tiger, Nate and Senan rotating places around the top three for the entire day. Charlie Lidbury, sailing the only Classic Mermaid in the regatta, scored a commendable 9th place in Race 5, along with Ben Clayden who placed 2nd in the same race. Felix Craig-McFeely and Oli Waltham both upped their game from the previous day too, though Henry Knight struggled in the heavier winds. Plenty of spectator boats were also enjoying the close and competitive racing. The fleet got a little over-excited again on the final start, with Noah Lowe, Maude Casey and Phoebe Cazely all regrettably UFD. After three beats though, the final standings were clear. Congratulations to Tiger, Senan and Nate who completed the top 3. First U21 went to Henry Knight, and first Lady went to Annabelle Youngman. Young Guns is traditionally a show of youth sailing talent and enthusiasm in an otherwise ageing sport, and this year did not disappoint one bit. Young Guns returns on the 29th-30th August 2027 - save the date.

Thanks must go to Simon North, Jeremy Spencer Cooper, Jo Haigh, and all the club boatman and house staff who help to bring this great event to life.