The 2026 J Cup returned to the Royal Southern Yacht Club for a weekend of close racing, sunshine and catching up with the J family ashore. This year’s event brought together J/70s, J/88s, J/92s, J/99s, J/105s, J/109s, J/111s and J/112Es for three days of competitive racing, social events and the unique atmosphere that has made J Cup a highlight of the UK sailing calendar. The J/111 fleet enjoyed an extended programme, arriving a day early to contest their UK National Championship over eight races. Conditions kept everyone on their toes throughout the weekend. Friday’s delayed start proved the right call as the breeze filled in to provide three excellent races in 10–15 knots for the J/111 fleet competing in their Nationals. Saturday brought a shifty north-easterly that made consistency difficult, while Sunday’s lighter winds meant the final races were far from decided until the finish. The J/111 UK National Championship once again produced some of the closest racing of the weekend. Louise Makin and Chris Jones’ JourneyMaker 11 dominated the series with five race wins to take the title ahead of McFly, sailed by Tony and Sally Mack, with Paul Griffiths’ Jagerbomb completing the podium. JourneyMaker 11 also earned a Musketeer Team Award. J Cup has always been about more than the racing, and 2026 was no exception. From the dockside atmosphere to the daily prize-givings, competitors enjoyed a full social programme throughout the weekend. Saturday’s Salcombe Gin reception led into the ever-popular J Party, where a live band created a fantastic atmosphere at the Royal Southern Yacht Club. Full results: https://j-cup.co.uk/uk