The historic Lipton Cup trophy is back for 2026!
Day
1
Friday - November 20th, 2026
Welcome, warm up & waterfront hospitality
Twilight racing:
The Lipton Cup weekend begins with an invitational Twilight Race, open to all regatta competitors and local yachts. This relaxed fixed marks race is the perfect opportunity to settle into the regatta, enjoy an evening on Port Phillip and reconnect with fellow sailors.
pre-regatta briefing:
After racing, everyone is invited to the Official Welcome Function on the Royals lawn, featuring the Pre-Regatta Race Briefing, great company and a relaxed waterfront atmosphere.
Drinks, Dinner & entertainment
Throughout the evening, competitors and visitors can enjoy the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria's bar and restaurant facilities, making it the ideal place to catch up with friends old and new before the racing begins.
Complimentary berthing is available for all visiting boats throughout the entire weekend.
Day
2
saturday - November 21st, 2026
championship Racing & Saturday Night at the Royals
Off the beach
OTB classes head north into Hobsons Bay for a series of races across International Cadets, Optimists, Mirrors and 420s. First warning signal 1300.
kneel boats
-
Keelboat Divisions 1–3 contest windward/leeward racing on championship courses.
-
Cruising Yachts Division 4 enjoy a passage race around the fixed marks of Port Phillip together with the Classic Yachts Division 5 race showcasing the elegance and heritage of Port Phillip's classic sailing fleet.
Results from Saturday's racing for Keelboat Divisions 1–4 also count as the opening event of the 2026–27 Range Series, while the Classic Yacht race over Saturday and Sunday forms part of the CYAA Summer Series.
drinks, dinner & entertainment
When the racing finishes, the focus moves ashore.
The Royals lawn comes alive with live music, while the Club's bar and restaurant will be open throughout the afternoon and evening. Whether you're celebrating a great day's racing, catching up with friends or simply enjoying the waterfront, Saturday night promises to be one of the highlights of the regatta weekend.
not racing? no problem!
Come down to the Royals lawn and soak up the vibe — food, drinks and live music all day. There's no better place to watch the fleet come and go.
Day
3
sundaY - November 22nd, 2026
FINAL RACING & PRESENTATION
Off the beach
The final day delivers one last opportunity for competitors to secure championship honours.
OTB fleet returns to Hobsons Bay for a Sprint Series. First warning signal 1025. No warning signal after 1500.
kneel boats
All Keelboat Divisions 1 – 5 contest a medium-distance passage race across Port Phillip.
conclusion & presentation
Following racing, competitors, families and supporters are invited back to the Royals for the Lipton Cup Presentation Ceremony, celebrating the achievements of every class before the prestigious Lipton Cup is awarded.
Drinks, Dinner & entertainment
Stay on after the presentations to enjoy the Club's hospitality, with the bar and restaurant providing the perfect setting to round out a memorable weekend of racing, friendship and celebration.
Whether you're competing on the water, supporting from ashore or simply enjoying the atmosphere, the Lipton Cup offers three days of outstanding sailing, vibrant social events and the warm hospitality for which the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria is renowned.
not sailing? come anyway and soak up the atmosphere. Great food & great view, just need to bring some great friends!