TRY RACING:
When you are comfortable sailing, you may want to see what it’s like to join the racing community. Racing enables sailors across Ireland, and indeed across the world, to get to know each other at a wide range of national and world-wide sailing events. Sailors who have been competing for years will tell you that it’s the best part of sailing – the camaraderie, the helping each other out and the sheer fun of each event. So, what types of racing are there? – because, just like boats, there are all sorts of races.
CLUB RACING:
Club racing is a type of sailing competition organised by your local club or organisation, typically held on weekends. It's a fun and accessible way to enjoy regular racing in a relaxed, friendly environment. Club racing is often as much about the social side as the competition, making it a great way to improve your sailing skills while connecting with other sailors in your community.
FLEET RACING:
This is the most common type of sailing race, where a group of sailboats race around a specific course. Fleet races can be one-design (i.e. all the boats in the race are identical) or handicap (i.e. there are a variety of boats racing and each has a relevant handicap to ensure that the race is fair).
MATCH RACING:
Is a head-to-head sailing competition where two identical boats in terms of design, brand, and everything else race against each other on the same course. With evenly matched equipment, the focus is entirely on tactics, strategy, and boat-handling skills to outmaneuver the opponent and cross the finish line first.
TEAM RACING:
Is a tactical and fast-paced format where two teams, usually made up of two or three boats each, race against each other on a set course. The goal isn’t just to finish first—it’s to work together as a team to secure the best combined results and outscore the opposing team through smart tactics and coordination.
OFFSHORE RACING:
This is a long-distance race that takes place in open water, and usually lasts for several days. The well-known Fastnet Race is an example of an Offshore Race.
PARALYMPIC SAILING:
Is a form of competitive sailing specifically designed for athletes with disabilities, featuring adapted boats and inclusive formats that ensure fair and exciting racing. It showcases skill, strategy, and determination, offering equal opportunities for sailors of all abilities to compete at the highest level.
REGATTA:
Regattas involves several races over a period of days, with the winner being the boat with the best overall performance. The Dun Laoghaire Regatta is an example.
Interested? Why not take a Start Racing course? Use the link below to choose your location and then select the Small Boat Sailing Scheme
Training Centres