The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) is delighted to announce that the Notice of Race for the 2026 Round Britain & Ireland Race has been published and online entry is open from 3 November 2025. Invited entries include monohulls racing under IRC for the overall win, multihulls, IMOCA and one design classes such as Class40.
The race will start from Cowes, Isle of Wight on Sunday 9 August 2026, marking the return of one of the world’s most challenging and prestigious offshore events.
An Epic Course Around the British Isles & Ireland
First run in 1976, the Round Britain & Ireland Race takes competitors on an 1,805-nautical mile circumnavigation of the British Isles, leaving all islands and rocks, including Muckle Flugga at the northern tip of Shetland, to starboard. Starting and finishing in Cowes, the course demands relentless endurance, navigating notorious headlands such as Land’s End, St Kilda, and Fair Isle, with tidal gates, shifting weather systems, manmade obstructions and exposed offshore stretches testing crews to the limit.
Fifty Years of Offshore Legend
2026 marks the 50th anniversary edition of the race, a true modern classic that has seen some of sailing’s most celebrated campaigns. From record-breaking trimarans to corinthian double-handers, past editions have showcased determination, seamanship and the spirit of adventure that defines offshore racing.
Since 2006, the race has benefitted from the title sponsorship of Sevenstar Yacht Transport, whose invaluable support has been fundamental to the event’s success. The longstanding partnership has run its course. The RORC thank Sevenstar for their longstanding support and would be delighted to hear from new sponsors and partners for the Round Britain & Ireland Race.
RORC Racing Manager, Steve Cole, commented: “The Round Britain & Ireland Race is one of the ultimate tests in offshore sailing. Its mix of coastal challenges and exposed ocean passages makes it both unpredictable and unforgettable. With the Notice of Race now published, we’re looking forward to welcoming an exceptional fleet in 2026.”
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