Eleven boats, 35 Gunners and 12 fiercely contested races combined to make the Royal Artillery Yacht Club’s 80th Keelboat Regatta, held at Seaview Yacht Club on the Isle of Wight from 7–9 July 2026, another memorable celebration of competitive sailing and regimental camaraderie. Watch the video from the regaatta and keep reading for more details.
Crews from seven Royal Artillery Regiments took to the water in ideal sailing conditions during the opening two days of the regatta, completing 12 races before light winds on the final morning brought the racing programme to an early conclusion. The result was a closely fought championship that showcased the high standard of sailing and teamwork across the Regiment.
Congratulations go to 100 Regiment RA, who dominated the overall standings by securing both first and second places. Maj Rob Hoey’s crew (100 Regiment B) claimed the Commodore Trophy with an outstanding 19 points, narrowly ahead of Lt Col Jim Edwards’ crew (100 Regiment A) on 20 points. 14 Regiment RA, helmed by Capt Tom Walsh, completed the podium in third place with 41 points, while 16 Regiment RA B and 7 RHA rounded out the top five.
In the Victor Ludorum competition, 100 Regiment RA also took first place, followed by 14 Regiment RA in second and 16 Regiment RA in third, underlining the Regiment’s strength across the event.
The regatta also celebrated a number of individual achievements. 100 Regiment B received the Commodore Trophy; 100 Regiment A lifted the Crane-Mills Cup; Early Bird claimed the Ryde Cup; 14 Regiment RA won the Morton-Wood Friends’ Trophy; 1 RHA received the Mermaid Trophy; and 47 Regiment RA took home the Best Endeavour Award.
The Royal Artillery Yacht Club extends its thanks to Seaview Yacht Club, Race Officer Jeremy Spencer-Cooper, the race management team, volunteers and all the competing crews for making the Club’s 80th Keelboat Regatta such an enjoyable and successful occasion. Plans are already underway for next year’s event, and the Club looks forward to welcoming even more serving Gunners to the start line.
The Prize Winners
