England’s run of three consecutive victories in the Nations’ Cup came to an end this year, as France claimed the title for the first time in 15 years.

Sixty-five ‘delegations’ signed up for this year’s Nations’ Cup, held on Sunday, the 26th of April. Nations represented included Australia, Belgium, China, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Scotland, Singapore, Sweden, the Philippines and the United States – a total of 18.

This year marked the 15th anniversary of the Nations’ Cup – 15 years of fun‑filled yet fiercely contested racing in Victoria Harbour. True to tradition, sailors took to the water dressed in creative costumes, flying national flags and sporting team colours, competing not only for bragging rights but also for the coveted honour of the winning nation’s flag being hung in the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club’s Main Bar until the next edition.

With the wind at 8-10 knots, race officer, Lucy Sutro, sent the fleet on a course from the club out through the east end of the harbour, around a Chai Wan mark and back through Lei Yue Mun, finishing off Kellett Island.

Costumes were everywhere, with several particularly eye-catching ensembles on display. Sailors from the Pandora class stood out, dressed as pilots and flight attendants to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s first airline to provide civil aviation services. Crews on Magic 25s also weighted in — French sailors were dressed as characters from the film Ratatouille, while another group embraced local flavour by dressing as lobsters, playfully echoing the theme of Hong Kong’s iconic seafood restaurants.

Adding to the spectacle, a group of Australian sailors turned up as lifeguards, humourously “safeguarding” the fleet, while the Japanese crew on Water Rabbit proudly showcased their national spirit by dressing as sumo wrestlers.

In the end, Hugues Rondouin’s Flying Fifteen, Second Wind, representing France, was crowned top nation for the first time in the history of the Nations’ Cup. Close on their heels was the first Hong Kong entry, Gabriel Leung’s Ruffian, Larrikin, followed by the Netherlands’ entry, Frank van Kempen’s Etchells, Bloody Brilliant.

The French team celebrated their win. “We are so proud to win for France for the first time in the history of the event. It was an amazing day on the water. We are so happy,” said Hugues Rondouin.

Sunny Leung’s Manbude, representing Hong Kong, China, won first place in the PHS division.

Race officer, Lucy Sutro, praised both the conditions and the atmosphere on the day: “The Nations’ Cup is always a fabulous race. It’s such a joy to see so many people having fun racing in the harbour. The wind gods really smiled on us, giving us 8 to 10 knots. And judging by the smiles on the sailors’ faces, I think everyone had a great time, so it was also a great day to be a race officer.”

The celebrations continued well into the prize-giving ceremony, with sailors clearly enjoying themselves regardless of their results on the water. The Best Dressed Crew Award was ultimately claimed by the Malaysian team on the J/80, Lila, with Big Boat, Zoe, and Ruffian, Larrikin, named as joint runners up.             

 – photos RHKYC/ Guy Nowell     

PAST WINNING NATIONS

2025         England   

2024         England   

2023         England   

2022         Scotland   

2021         Hong Kong   

2020         Sweden   

2019         Hong Kong   

2018         Scotland   

2017         New Zealand   

2016         New Zealand     

2015         New Zealand   

2014         New Zealand   

2013         The Philippines   

2012         (cancelled due to lack of wind)

2011         England