Burntisland Triumphs in Thrilling 2026 B.A.D. Cup Clash

Published 15:01 on 13 Jul 2026

Under glorious summer skies and a spirited easterly breeze, the annual B.A.D. Cup returned on Sunday, 12th July, delivering an exhilarating afternoon of inter-club keelboat racing on the Firth of Forth.

The historic, team-based regattatraditionally contested between neighboring rivals Burntisland Sailing Club, Aberdour Boat Club, and Dalgety Bay Sailing Clubsaw Burntisland SC lift the coveted trophy after an impressive display of tactical sailing.

The Format & Conditions

Hosted this year by Aberdour Boat Club, the event kicked off at midday under near-perfect conditions. Competitors were greeted with brilliant sunshine, excellent visibility, and a fresh 1015 knot easterly breeze that kept crews on their toes throughout the two-hour window.

Eleven yachts took to the start line representing the three clubs:

• Burntisland SC: 5 yachts
• Dalgety Bay SC: 4 yachts (General Konfusion, New Wave, Cirrus, and Braveheart)
• Aberdour BC: 2 yachts

Because Aberdour fielded the fewest entries (two boats), tournament rules dictated that the overall standings would be decided by the top two finishing boats from each respective club. The club with the lowest aggregate point score would claim the title.

Leaderboard and Standings

After handicaps were applied, Burntisland SC dominated the top of the fleet, safely securing the championship with a stellar aggregate score of just 4 points. Meanwhile, a fierce battle for the runner-up spot resulted in a dead heat for second place.

A Historic Win for a 93-Year-Old Legend

While Burntisland celebrated a comprehensive team victory, the individual standout performance of the day belonged to the crew of the Fife Flyer. The Burntisland yacht crossed the finish line in 1st place overall to seal the club's victory.

In a heartwarming post-race ceremony, a special commendation was awarded to the Fife Flyer's remarkable helmsman, Andy Linton. At 93 years young, Linton's masterclass on the water proved that age is absolutely no barrier to competitive sailing, earning him a resounding ovation from competitors and spectators alike across the Forth.

A Tradition of Local Rivalry

The annual B.A.D. Cup remains a staple of the local white-sail racing calendar. Designed to foster camaraderie and friendly competition between the three close-knit coastal communities, the regatta continues to showcase the very best of grassroots Scottish sailingand if this weekend was any indication, the spirit of the event is as strong as ever.