World Match Racing Tour To Make Historic Debut in Ireland with the Dublin Match Cup
The prestigious World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) is set to make history with its first-ever event in Ireland. The brand-new Dublin Match Cup will bring the world’s best match racing sailors to Dublin’s shores, marking a significant milestone for the country’s sailing community.
As part of the globally renowned WMRT, the Dublin Match Cup will showcase high-intensity, head-to-head match racing, featuring elite sailors from around the world and promises 4 days of exceptional match racing. Competitors will battle it out in identical boats, where tactical brilliance and split-second decision-making will determine the winner. This event promises thrilling action on the water, complemented by an exciting festival atmosphere for spectators onshore.
IMRA Co-Founder and Dublin Match Cup Chair, Ruairi Finnegan, who has competed on the World Match Racing Tour, expressed his excitement about the event coming to Ireland:
“Having raced on the Tour, I know first hand how intense and thrilling match racing can be. Bringing WMRT to Ireland is a huge step forward for the sport here, giving local sailors the chance to compete against the best in the world on home waters. I can’t wait to see the buzz this event will create in Dublin.”
Hosted by the National Yacht Club, one of Ireland’s premier sailing institutions, the event will take place against the stunning backdrop of Dublin Bay. The Dublin Match Cup is expected to attract top international teams, further solidifying Ireland’s position on the global sailing map. As match racing continues to grow worldwide, this event aligns with the Irish Match Racing Association’s commitment to fostering homegrown talent and increasing participation in the sport.
The Irish Match Racing Association (IMRA) has seen significant growth since its founding in early 2024, expanding to host six events in 2025, including four Grade 4 Qualifier Events, one Grade 3 National Championship event, and one Grade 2 event, the Dublin Match Cup. In just its second year, IMRA has successfully sold out its first two national qualifier events, demonstrating the increasing demand for competitive match racing in Ireland. The Dublin Match Cup serves as another major step in IMRA’s mission to develop the discipline and provide a pathway for Irish sailors to compete on the international stage.
“We are thrilled to bring the World Match Racing Tour to Ireland for the first time”, said Oisin Cullen, Chairperson of the Irish Match Racing Association. “Dublin, with its rich maritime heritage and passionate sailing community, is the perfect location for an event of this caliber. The Dublin Match Cup will not only highlight world-class match racing but also provide a fantastic experience for Irish Match Racing sailors and further develop the discipline in Ireland.”
The Dublin Match Cup is proudly supported by Sport Ireland and will take place from 24th - 28th September 2025, with racing unfolding in close quarters to ensure maximum spectacle for both local and international audiences. Full details, including the Notice of Race, are available on the Irish Match Racing Association website and the WMRT website.
For more information and updates, follow WMRT and IMRA on social media and join the conversation using #DublinMatchCup.
If you are interested in supporting the event or if you would like to get in contact, please reach out to ruairiefinnegan@gmail.com or to chairperson@irishmatchracing.com