David Franks Cup 2026 – Race Report
The 2026 David Franks Cup brought the Cowes Etchells fleet together at the Royal Yacht Squadron on 5–6 September for the final round of the Cowes International Series. Six races were completed across the weekend, with a single discard coming into play.
It was Tango who came out on top, with an outstanding performance from Chris Hampton and his team, made up of Elliot Hansen and Sam Haines. Tango dominated the opening five races, posting scores of 1, 1, 3, 2 and 1 to build a commanding lead, allowing them to secure the event honours with a race to spare, with just 8 points and a clear victory.
Exabyte sailed consistently throughout the weekend to secure second place. Shaun Frohlich's team opened with a 3rd, 2nd, 2nd and 3rd before an 8th in Race 5. With the 8th discarded, a 4th in the final race was enough to finish on 14 points.
Ice completed the podium in third. Andrew Cooper's team showed impressive consistency, scoring three consecutive 6ths in the opening races before finishing 9th, 3rd and then 1st in the final race. The late victory managed to bump them up right into the podium position, securing third overall on 22 points.
Behind the podium, Ada, Knot On Call and Rocketman finished tightly bunched on 23 points. Ada took fourth, with David Maclean's team producing two race wins in Races 3 and 4. Knot On Call and Rocketman both finished on the same score, with Knot On Call taking fifth and Rocketman sixth on the countback. Making places 4th - 6th very tightly contested.
Overall, Tango took the David Franks Cup title and first place, Shaun Frohlich and Exabyte in second place, leaving Andrew Cooper’s Ice in third place. Andrew Cooper also claimed the Corinthian top spot, with Heather Quinn and her team on Ariel taking the youth title at the David Franks Cup, beating Ollie Maclean’s Man’s Best Friend on countback.
