Team racing at the 2025 British American Cup. Photo © Royal Thames Yacht Club | Freddie Cardew-Smith.
The 2025 British American Cup delivered three days of high-intensity team racing, and it was the perfect stage to put our custom-designed mainsail zipper reefs to the test. Working with Craig Millar at UK Sailmakers South Africa, these custom Sonar sails were tailored to the Royal Thames Yacht Club’s specific racing requirements.
While the ability to reef Sonar mainsails isn’t part of the standard one design, the custom system proved its worth, performing exceptionally in the tricky, gusty conditions that defined this year’s event. For an inside look at the design process, check out our recent Lessons Learned Podcast with Jack Fenwick, Sailing Development Manager at the Royal Thames Yacht Club.
Team racing at the 2025 British American Cup. Photos © Royal Thames Yacht Club | Freddie Cardew-Smith.
A Close-Fought Series
From start to finish, the racing was tight. Day one saw gusts up to 30 knots and furious tactical battles. The British Team fought hard, ending the first day 3–1 up, only for the Americans to fight back over the next two days. By the final day, scores were tied, and the series effectively came down to a best-of-three showdown.
Every race pushed both teams to the limit. In the final, clever team tactics and relentless pressure allowed the American Team to clinch the sixth series of the British American Cup with a 7–5 victory. Despite the loss, British Team Captain Arthur Henderson praised his crew’s determination, while the Americans celebrated one of the closest, most competitive events in the history of the Cup.
Team racing at the 2025 British American Cup. Photos © Royal Thames Yacht Club | Freddie Cardew-Smith.
Celebrating History and Teamwork
The event concluded with a Prizegiving Dinner at the Royal Thames Yacht Club, where medals replicating those awarded in the 1930s were presented to all competitors. The American team received the sixth series trophy, and Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club was presented with a commemorative book covering the 104-year history of the Cup.
Looking Ahead
For UK Sailmakers, events like the British American Cup are a chance to demonstrate how custom sails, designed and refined with input from sailors, can make a difference on the racecourse.We’re proud to help clubs compete with confidence—and to see our sails performing at the highest level of team racing.
