Sail Racing Academy

Round Ireland Yacht Race 2026

Held biennially, The Round Ireland is Ireland’s premier offshore yacht race. At just over 700 nautical miles, over five days, it is the second longest race in the Royal Ocean Racing Club calendar and is one of the true classics of the racing world. Originally taking place in 1980 with only thirteen boats, the fleet has grown steadily in the past 40 years and now attracts a record 64 entrants from all over the world, ranging from small yachts to high performance catamarans.

The course is simple; leave from Wickow on Ireland’s east coast, then keep it’s rocky outcrops to starboard as the fleet heads south. This naturally lends itself to creating one of the most picturesque and stunning race courses in the sailing calendar. At times it can be both challenging and varied; from battling Atlantic squalls to wind shadows and holes, this is not a cruise but a challenge to be conquered and something to be proud of.

Hosted by Wicklow Sailing Club, there are plenty of recognisable names and impressive boats and with the Royal Irish Yacht Club acting as the Dublin hosts, larger boats can also compete. Big or small, all boats are treated with the same wonderful Irish hospitality, famously known as the Warm Wicklow Welcome.

We also include the option of a delivery builder.

*** The Round Ireland Yacht Race 2026 has been confirmed to begin June 14th, however, the exact schedule has yet to be released. We do not believe the dates below will be altered, but please occasionally check this page as we will be updating it as soon as the full official schedule is released.

• 14th June 2026: Arrival in Hamble & Departure for Qualifying Passage
Arrival in Hamble and welcome on the yacht at Port Hamble Marina. Meet your skipper and crew at 8.00am, followed by a safety brief and an overview of the passage route to Wicklow. You will have a safety briefing before leaving at 9.00am for the 3 day sail to Wicklow. Before setting off, everyone will also take part in cleaning and organising the boat to ensure she is ready for the journey ahead.

• 15th June 2026: Qualifying to Ireland
Continue sailing to Wicklow.

• 16th June 2026: Qualifying Passage to Ireland
Continue sailing to Wicklow.

• 17th June 2026; Arrival in Wicklow & Boat Prep
After arrival in Wicklow, a shower and some food the skipper will outline the maintenance and training programme for the next 2 days in preparation for the race.

• 18th June 2026: Training Day 1
Boat prep and training.

• 19th June 2026: Training Day 2 & Skipper Briefing
After further training and boat preparations, the skipper will join the Skipper Reception and Briefing with one further crew member.

• 20th June 2026: Race Start
13:00pm — Race start. Starting at Wicklow Sailing Club, leave Ireland and all its islands excluding Rockall to starboard.

• 25th June 2026: Race-Finish
Typically, and dependent on the weather it takes about 5 days to get around the approximately 704nm course. With a watch system, you will get more experience of what it means to participate in a race while sharing the excitement and the sense of achievement with your crew members when finally crossing that finish line.

• 26th June 2026: Prize-giving
Celebrate your efforts with your crew and the other participants at the Pricegiving and final party.

• 26th June 2026: Departure
Before departure, we kindly ask everyone to help with a general cleaning and tidying of the boat.

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