Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club is preparing to welcome the world’s best GP14 sailors as it hosts the 2026 GP14 World Championship from 8–14 August on Belfast Lough. With entries now at capacity, one of the largest fleets in the class’s history is expected to compete, with crews travelling from Ireland, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan and France for the prestigious championship. Racing gets underway on Sunday 9 August, with courses set between Royal North and Grey Point, and continues through to Friday. Before the World Championship begins, competitors will contest the GP14 Championship of Ireland at Carrickfergus Sailing Club on 1–2 August, providing the final opportunity to fine-tune ahead of the main event.
Ireland will be strongly represented throughout the fleet. Two-time Olympian Robert Dickson of Howth Yacht Club will compete alongside crew Adrian Lee, while reigning Irish National Champions Ross Kearney and Daniel Nelson, representing the host club, will also be among the favourites. The fleet will also include 2025 Irish Sailing Dinghy Champion of Champions Ger Owens, while former Olympian Curly Morris, who competed for Ireland in the Dragon class at the 1972 Olympic Games, will bring further experience to the championship. Strong entries from Rush, Sligo and Skerries sailing clubs further highlight the depth of Irish participation.
Event Director Gerry Reid said the club is looking forward to welcoming competitors from around the world.
"We are really excited and looking forward to welcoming all the competitors from the world of sailing. The racing will be highly competitive, and the social afterwards each day should be full on!"
Very best of luck to Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club in hosting what promises to be a fantastic week of world-class racing, and to all of the Irish sailors competing on home waters.