Historic Bermuda Gold Cup Victory for Christian Hamilton Aboard FAREAST 28R

British skipper Christian Hamilton made history at the 2026 Bermuda Gold Cup, claiming the prestigious King Edward VII Trophy on his event debut after a thrilling 3–2 victory over World No. 1 Chris Poole (USA). The dramatic finale also marked a significant milestone for FAREAST, as the iconic event welcomed a brand-new fleet of FAREAST 28R keelboats for the first time.

A Dramatic Finish to a Historic Event

Competing with Khumbu Racing Team alongside Ian Williams, Richard Sydenham, and Jon Gundersen, Hamilton delivered an impressive performance at the 74th edition of the Bermuda Gold Cup, the penultimate stage of the 2026 World Match Racing Tour (WMRT).

After falling 2–1 behind in the best-of-five final, Hamilton and his crew fought back to level the score before securing victory in a tense deciding match.

The championship remained undecided until the final metres, as Poole attempted a tactical mark trap while carrying a penalty. Hamilton maintained his composure and successfully avoided the trap to cross the finish line and claim his first Bermuda Gold Cup title.

The victory added Hamilton's name to one of the most prestigious trophies in professional match racing.

A New Chapter with the FAREAST 28R

The 2026 Bermuda Gold Cup represented a major transition for the historic event, with eight new FAREAST 28R keelboats replacing the International One Design (IOD) fleet traditionally used in the competition.

Designed by Simonis Voogd Yacht Design, the FAREAST 28R is an established one-design racing keelboat used at multiple World Match Racing Tour events, including stages in Sweden and Macao.

For the Bermuda Gold Cup, the new FAREAST 28R fleet was specially adapted to carry symmetrical spinnakers, enabling deeper downwind sailing angles and adding another tactical dimension to the close-quarters racing.

Throughout the week, the fleet hosted more than 100 matches featuring 12 international skippers, culminating in a championship final decided in the closing metres.

The introduction of the FAREAST 28R marked the beginning of a new era for the Bermuda Gold Cup, bringing a contemporary racing platform to one of sailing's most historic competitions.

FAREAST 28R on the World Stage

The successful debut of the FAREAST 28R at the Bermuda Gold Cup further strengthens the model's presence in international professional match racing.

With the FAREAST 28R now featured at several major WMRT events, its expanding role reflects the continued adoption of the design within the global competitive sailing community.

FAREAST is proud to see its boats providing the platform for world-class sailors to compete, develop their skills, and create memorable moments in the sport.

Congratulations to Christian Hamilton and Khumbu Racing Team on their historic victory, and to all participating teams for an outstanding week of racing in Bermuda.

2026 Bermuda Gold Cup | Top Three

Christian Hamilton (GBR) — Khumbu Racing Team

Chris Poole (USA) — Riptide Racing

Jeppe Borch (DEN)

Source: World Match Racing Tour (WMRT)