The 2026 Irish Cruiser Racing Association (ICRA) National Championships concluded with Galway Bay Sailing Club’s Beneteau First 35 Out of the Blue taking overall honours under the ECHO Handicap system, while Frank Whelan’s Ker 43 El Syd from Greystones Sailing Club was confirmed as the overall IRC winner.
Skippered by Fergal Lyons, Out of the Blue delivered a strong performance throughout the championship to secure the top position on ECHO Handicap. El Syd claimed the IRC title following a competitive week of cruiser racing.
Hosted by Royal Cork Yacht Club alongside Cork Week, this year’s ICRA National Championships brought together a large and diverse fleet across eight classes. Competitors travelled from all four provinces of Ireland, as well as overseas, to compete for national honours in IRC, ECHO, Coastal and Non-Spinnaker divisions.
The championship featured closely contested racing across a range of conditions, with varied wind strengths and sunshine contributing to a successful week of racing on the water.
Irish Sailing congratulates the Irish Cruiser Racing Association on another successful National Championships and recognises the commitment of all competitors, clubs, volunteers and organisers who contributed to the event.