Excitement is building rapidly ahead of the 2026 Round Ireland Yacht Race, with just one week to go until Ireland's premier offshore sailing challenge gets underway from Wicklow Harbour on 20 June.
Organised by Wicklow Sailing Club in association with the Royal Ocean Racing Club and Royal Irish Yacht Club, this year's race has attracted exceptional interest, with a late surge in entries bringing the fleet to an impressive 60 boats.
Covering approximately 704 nautical miles around the island of Ireland, the race remains one of the most demanding and respected offshore events in north-west Europe. Competitors must leave all offshore islands to starboard before returning to Wicklow, facing everything from Atlantic swells and strong tidal gates to rapidly changing weather systems along the Irish coastline.
The fleet represents a diverse mix of offshore racing talent, including professional campaigns, Class 40s, double-handed teams and experienced cruiser-racer crews. Strong international participation alongside a large Irish contingent highlights the growing reputation of the event on the global offshore racing calendar.
For many crews, preparation has been underway for months. Qualification passages have been completed, safety equipment checked and rechecked, and crews have been refining their boat handling and navigation skills ahead of the challenge that lies ahead.
The Round Ireland Yacht Race has long occupied a special place in Irish sailing. Completing a successful circumnavigation of Ireland demands endurance, seamanship, teamwork and resilience, making it one of the sport's most sought-after achievements.
With 60 boats now entered and anticipation continuing to build, all eyes will turn to Wicklow next week as competitors prepare to take on one of offshore sailing's great challenges.
The countdown is officially on.