Irish Sailing are delighted to announce that Ireland will be represented at the 2026 World Sailing Offshore Double-Handed World Championship by Richard Bretherton and Inka Luhrs, who will compete in Marseille from 23 September to 2 October.
Hosted by the Cercle Nautique et Touristique du Lacydon (CNTL), alongside the Royal Ocean Racing Club, Yacht Club de France and Cap Regatta, the championship will bring together up to 22 of the world’s leading offshore double-handed teams. Racing will take place in identical Sun Fast 30 One Design yachts, placing the emphasis firmly on teamwork, tactical decision-making and boat handling.
The team have enjoyed an impressive first season racing double-handed aboard their Sun Fast 3200 Zanzibar. After purchasing the boat in 2026, they quickly established themselves on the offshore circuit, winning their class in the RORC Cervantes Trophy, finishing second in class in the Myth of Malham Race, and claiming both class honours and the mixed overall title in the Celtic Triangle Race to Kinsale and back. They recently completed the DRHEAM-Cup in France before turning their attention to preparations for the World Championship.
Richard, an Irish citizen, grew up sailing and was National Cadet Champion as a teenager. Inka also learned to sail from a young age and has competed across a wide range of classes, from keelboats and classic yachts to IRC offshore racing. Together they have developed a strong partnership on the water, combining complementary strengths in helming, trimming, tactics and bow work.
The pair previously raced together as part of the crew aboard the Sun Fast 3300 Lord of the Dance, completing the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race before making the move to double-handed competition this season.
Speaking ahead of the championship, Inka said:
“We’re incredibly excited to be representing Ireland. Marseille will present a completely different sailing area and a different boat, but we’re looking forward to the challenge and hope our teamwork, preparation and experience will help us deliver a strong performance.”
Irish Sailing wishes Richard and Inka every success as they represent Ireland on the world stage.