The highly anticipated 2026 Bermuda Fitted Dinghy racing season got underway in spectacular fashion, as a sun-drenched St. George’s Harbour provided the backdrop for a dramatic opening day. With light winds testing the tactical limits of the unique four-boat fleet, three different syndicates walked away with silverware.
Alan Frith struck first blood on home waters, skippering St. George’s Dinghy and Sports Club’s Victory IV to a magnificent triumph to claim the coveted Heritage Trophy ahead of Challenger II.
The pendulum swung rapidly in the Anniversary Cup as the west-end fought back. Josh Greenslade produced a tactical masterclass at the helm of Sandys Boat Club’s Contest III, outmaneuvering Elizabeth II in the closing tack to seal a clinical victory.
The final piece of silverware, the Leon D. Fox Cup, belonged entirely to Olympic aspiration. Sebastian Kempe showcased his world-class pedigree, skippering RHADC’s Challenger II to an emphatic victory after a thrilling bow-to-bow drag race against Greenslade.
While the spoils were evenly distributed, it proved a frustrating afternoon for Roger Beach and the crew of Elizabeth II. Despite displaying excellent baseline speed—highlighted by a second-place finish in the second race—they finished as the only syndicate not to taste ultimate glory on day one.
