Half Ton Race - 31 August 2026

Published 08:32 on 19 Aug 2026

The 2026 Half Ton race will take place on Monday 31 August (11:00-12:30)

The Half Ton Cup race was introduced in 1979 by John Glover (Commodore at the time) to encourage helms aged 50 or more. In 1988, John Glover (who was a manager at Polar Insulation and, at that time, Seafarers' Sailing Officer - what we now call Racing Secretary) introduced the Polar Cup. This was awarded to the winner of a race for helms under 50 years of age which was sailed on the same day as the Half Ton Cup race.

In 2025, a new format was introduced. The Half Ton Race became an average lap time race with, in effect, four fleets all starting and racing together. Trophies will be awarded as follows:

Apprentice Trophy - to the leading helm aged 34 or less
Polar Cup - to the leading helm aged 34 to 49 inclusive
Half Ton Cup - to the leading helm aged 50 to 65 inclusive
Masters (George Wills) Cup - to the leading helm aged 66 or more

Last updated 11:29 on 26 August 2026