Royal Thames Wins 2026 3-2-1 Invitational Hosted by Annapolis Yacht Club

Article Contributed by Rachel Bartel

Have you ever heard of a regatta that hosts Match Racing, 2v2, AND team racing… simultaneously? Meet the 3-2-1 Invitational.

Eight clubs from around the globe traveled to Annapolis Yacht Club to race in the annual 3-2-1 Invitational. Each team composed of 6 sailors competed in Sonars for 3v3 and 2v3 team racing, in addition to match racing in J105’s on a separate course.

From the Royal Thames Yacht Club, a first-time 3-2-1 competitor from overseas says that “jumping from one discipline to another is something to look forward to. The teams that come approach it to have a really good time and to adapt from one format to another really quickly.”

Day 1 opened with a Northwest breeze ranging from 5 to 14 knots, rewarding sharp tactics and clean boat handling. Sailors rotated quickly between the two courses, staying agile in their tactics and mindset as they jumped between the Sonar and J105. Royal Thames Yacht Club made the trip from London and immediately claimed their spot on the leaderboard in first after 10 flights of racing. The traditional Friday night dinner was held at the Skipjack – celebrating a hard day’s work.

Not only do competitors travel to Annapolis Yacht Club for the racing, but for the unmatched hospitality. Those who have attended the 3-2-1 Invitational in past years know that the Friday night dinner is a tradition that many look forward to for its delicious food and great company. All participating teams were given the opportunity to introduce themselves, following a few words from Annapolis Yacht Club Commodore Christopher Bell.

Day 2 showed a similar breeze direction to Day 1. After 4 flights of racing, the wind shut off and the Race Committee ended racing for the day. Sailors had the afternoon off before heading to the activity center for a Jamaican themed dinner and cocktail hour by the pool. Due to the early end, the start time was moved an hour earlier with the intention of getting all 28 flights in to complete a proper round robin for the event.

The final day called for a southwesterly breeze with a 9 am warning, starting an hour earlier than planned. The wind started off strong at about 15 knots, then came down below 10 knots after the first few flights. Royal Thames held the lead throughout the day. San Diego climbed up to 2nd place, knocking the AYC Red team momentarily, before AYC Black team took back second again. All 28 flights were completed by 4 pm.

Photo Gallery by Rachel Bartel: https://bartelmedia.pixieset.com/321invitational2026/

Social media coverage: https://www.instagram.com/aycracing/

Full scores: https://www.annapolisyc321.com/copy-of-official-notice-board