Falmouth has been hosting one of the most important yachting championships during the the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year, as the British Dragons Association South West Championships kicked off in Falmouth Bay – with Bluebottle GBR 192, the late Duke of Edinburgh’s yacht, leading the way with three race-wins out of three.

After an 18-month-long restoration project, Bluebottle was resplendent in the same hull colours as the Royal Yacht Britannia.

A healthy northerly breeze swept over Falmouth Bay last weekend, where 19 Dragons began their Championship racing week. Watched by a flotilla of local and visiting vessels the Dragons battled out three races with Bluebottle clear lead for the first two races.

The start of race three saw her drop back to sixth place, before an impressive climb-back during the final up-wind leg, crossing the finish line in first position.

Bluebottle was originally a wedding gift to the then Princess Elizabeth and Duke of Edinburgh from the members of the Island Sailing Club in Cowes. She was built in 1947 by Camper & Nicholsons in Gosport and the Duke raced her with family – including Prince Charles and Princess Anne – as well as with her esteemed local designer Uffa Fox.

The prestigious Dragons are 9m keel boats, raced by three people, and have returned to Falmouth where they are competing for the Edinburgh Cup 2022 – the British Open National Championships for Dragon class boats in a full week of competitive racing hosted by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club.

Race director Robin Taylor said: “It’s fantastic to host such competitive events and vessels as the Dragons here in Falmouth Harbour – events which are greatly supported by all of our local stakeholders.”

Falmouth Harbour CEO Miles Carden added: “Having such esteemed boats and sailors in our Falmouth waters is a treat and we are truly delighted to welcome the Dragons back to Falmouth Harbour and our Falmouth Haven.

"We have incredible waters to sail and we look forward to becoming a long-standing partner of – and playground for – the Dragons class.”