An elite roster of international sailing talent competed in the long-awaited return of the Macnamara’s Bowl, 24-26 April 2026, with a line-up of accomplished female sailors gathering at Royal Lymington Yacht Club for the regatta’s first edition in over three decades.
Among the standout competitors was Pippa Wilson (Kenton-Page) MBE, an Olympic gold medallist in the Yngling class (2008), as well as World Champion in Cascais and Miami (2007 and 2008) and European Champion (2008). Now based in Dubai and serving as Executive Director of the 29er Class Association, she represents the UAE at this regatta alongside Charlotte Borghesi, who made history as the first female helm to win the SB20 World Championship in 2024.
Also on the start line was fellow Olympian Vita Heathcote, 420 World Champion (2019) and 470 World Championship silver medallist (2024). The fleet was further strengthened by a host of top-tier female sailors, including Phoebe Chalmers, North American WASZP champion; Emma McEwen, Corinthian RS21 World Champion (2022) and multiple RS500 and RS800 title holder; and Millie Irish, double UK RS Feva National Champion (2019 and 2021) and representing RYA British Sailing Team at 470 World Championships and Dragon Gold Cup. Together, they formed a highly competitive international line-up that underlined the event’s serious sporting intent.
A total of 11 club teams from across the globe competed, representing Ireland, the UAE, Bermuda, Canada, and the UK. The fleet also included emerging under-25 teams from Kingston Yacht Club and the host club, adding a strong development pathway alongside the elite competition. See the full entry list here.
This renewed focus on high-performance racing reflected the event’s reimagined vision. Now branded as the Dubarry Macnamara’s Bowl, the regatta combined its historic legacy with modern racing standards, including the use of RS21 keelboats, supplied by RS Sailing. Crewed by four to five sailors and raced in a strict one-design format, the RS21 ensures that success is determined by skill, teamwork, and tactical execution on the water.
“It’s an honour for the RS21 to be the boat of choice for such a prestigious revival,” said Liam Willis, Keelboat Manager at RS Sailing and RS21 Class Manager. “Events like the Macnamara’s Bowl, attracting teams from around the world, highlight the calibre of racing this class can deliver.”
While the competition promised intensity on the racecourse, the event also marked the revival of a significant chapter in women’s sailing history. Originally founded in 1978 by a pioneering group of women sailors, including current Royal Lymington Yacht Club Commodore Sally Kalis, the Macnamara’s Bowl ran until 1995 before going on hiatus.
Its return was sparked in late 2025 by Jo Wells, granddaughter of founder Brian Macnamara. Event Director and Rear Commodore Peter Saxton quickly recognised the opportunity to align the regatta with the club’s broader participation initiatives, aimed at increasing on-water activity and inclusivity.
“This weekend is more than just racing – it’s a celebration of the women who have shaped the sport, from the original crews of the 1970s to today’s global competitors. The Royal Lymington Yacht Club continues to champion women both on and off the water – as sailors, leaders, and innovators.” said a spokesperson for the Royal Lymington Yacht Club.
The weekend programme began with a training day on Friday 24 April, featuring Vakaros race system induction and on-water coaching, before two days of racing from Saturday to Sunday. Seven fleet races took place, with favourable conditions forecast to showcase top-tier Solent racing.
11 club teams took to the water, representing:
- Ireland – Royal Cork Yacht Club
- UAE – Dubai Offshore Sailing Club
- Bermuda – Royal Bermuda Yacht Club
- Canada – Kingston Yacht Club
- UK – Royal Lymington Yacht Club
- UK – Royal Southern Yacht Club
- UK – Rutland Sailing Club
- UK – Royal Thames Yacht Club
The Results
Dubai Offshore Sailing Club ‘Team 2’ dominated the regatta, securing an impressive 5 wins from 7 races to take the overall victory.
- 🥇 Dubai Offshore Sailing Club – Team 2
- Charlotte Borghesi, Pippa Kenton-Page, Vasileia Karachaliou, Frederica Salva, Chiara Degli Angioli
- 🥈 Royal Lymington Yacht Club – Team 1
- Olivia Dowling, Emma McEwen, Fanny Rogers, Hilde Geerling
- 🥉 Royal Lymington Yacht Club – Under 25 Team
- Vita Heathcote, Alex Paton, Emma Breese, Annabel Vines
Full results can be found here.
Speaking at the prizegiving, Charlotte Borghesi reflected on the experience: “It’s really been a pleasure to be here. The club have been so welcoming – thank you. It’s wonderful to sail at a club with a female commodore! I’ve never raced just against women, which was fantastic. The race organisation was amazing – getting the racing in – considering all the weather conditions in the different places. We will definitely be back again next year.”
Rear Commodore at Royal Lymington Yacht Club added: “A great weekend of competition and camaraderie on and off the water – it was great to see so many happy smiling faces! The weather cooperated, the race team delivered and the Royal Lymington hospitality team ensured that the evening socials were thoroughly enjoyable. The RS21s (mainly chartered from RS) were ideal and suited the crews who came from a variety of racing backgrounds, with excellent technical support and post-race debriefs from Liam Willis of RS. Our headline sponsor, Dubarry provided a generous mix of prizes and the event was supported by Square Mile Gin, which definitely helped the socials go well!
After a break of 31 years since the last event, the Macnamara’s Bowl is definitely back on the calendar. We’re delighted that RS will be supplying the RS21 for charter again for next year and look forward to another great event in 2027.”
The weekend represented both a celebration and a statement – honouring the women who shaped the sport while spotlighting the next generation of global sailing talent. A huge thank you to all the sailors, teams, and volunteers who helped make the return of this international event such a success.
