Round Ireland 2026 Entries Reveal Strong Overseas Interest

 

Early registrations for the Round Ireland Yacht Race 2026 point to a strongly international fleet.

As of 7 February, 12 boats are listed, with nine based outside Ireland or sailing under overseas club affiliations, many connected to the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC).

The early entry list includes yachts from the UK, USA and Isle of Man, alongside a smaller Irish contingent.

Irish-based entries so far include Prime Suspect from Kilmore Quay Boat Club, Cristina from the Royal Irish and National Yacht Clubs, and Galway Bay SC’s La Veuve Noire.

The remaining boats represent a broad mix of offshore programmes, including US-flagged Hiro Maru and Leonard, and several RORC-regular campaigns such as Bellino, Promise 3 and Whiskey Jack.

The race begins on Saturday, 20 June 2026, from Wicklow Harbour, with monohulls starting at 13:00 and multihulls at 13:10.

The 704-nautical-mile course runs clockwise around Ireland, leaving all islands to starboard, except Rockall.

Organised by Wicklow Sailing Club in association with the RORC and the Royal Irish Yacht Club, the race carries 20 bonus points for the RORC Season’s Championship.

Entries opened on 14 January and are expected to build through spring as offshore teams finalise summer programmes.

Round Ireland Yacht Race 2026 Entries as at February 7th

No. Boat Name Entered By Design Length (m) Home Port / Club / Affiliation

1 HIRO MARU Hiroshi Nakajima S & S 49 (71) 15.05 Stamford YC, RORC, Cruising Club of America, NYYC, Storm Trysail Club

2 FINALLY Paul Kitteringham ELAN 350/360/E4 2.35 10.60 Pwllheli Sailing Club

3 J’OUVERT Simon Harris J 112 E 2.12 11.00 RORC

4 PRIME SUSPECT Keith Miller MILLS 36 Custom 10.99 Kilmore Quay Boat Club

5 CRISTINA John Treanor NMD 43 2.99 13.07 RIYC / NYC

6 Leonard Benjamin Owens JPK 1010 10.00 Lake Lanier Sailing Club

7 La Veuve Noire Mark Wilson Beneteau First 40 12.24 Galway Bay Sailing Club

8 PURPLE MIST Kate Cope SUN FAST 3200 R2 1.90 9.78 RORC / UKDHOS

9 POLISHED MANX 2 Kuba Szymański FIRST 40.7 2.40 11.92 Douglas Bay Yacht Club

10 Promise 3 Steve Robinson FIRST 47.7 2.80 14.50 RORC

11 Whiskey Jack Nick Southward J 122 2.20 (MOD rudder) 12.19 Royal Yacht Squadron, Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, RORC

12 Bellino Rob Craigie SUN FAST 3600 2.20 Fin6 10.80 RORC