Royal Ulster Yacht Club has unveiled a busy 2026 sailing programme on Belfast Lough, with racing, regattas and participation events planned throughout the year.
Preparations are already underway with a call for volunteers to help run the season’s events on and off the water.
A Volunteer Information Evening took place at the clubhouse on Thursday, 5 March.
The club’s Spring Series begins on Saturday, 4 April and continues on Sundays during the month.
New sailors can also get afloat during the club’s Try Sail Day on Saturday, 25 April. The initiative is aimed at newcomers and those returning to the sport.
After Opening Day on 2 May, the Thursday evening Club Racing Early Series starts on 7 May and runs until 18 June.
Bangor Regatta Draws Early Entries
The biggest cruiser-racing event on Belfast Lough this year will be Bangor Regatta 26, running from 25 to 28 June.
The biennial event has already attracted 18 entries from across the British Isles, including boats from Cornwall and Scotland’s west coast.
Among them is the J109 Blue Jay of John Stanley-Whyte, winner of the IRC Northern Ireland Championship at Royal Ulster last season.
The regatta will also host the Sigma 33 Class Championship, which has eight early entries.
Full Season Programme
The RUYC programme also includes three Copeland Island races, the Peel Race and offshore fixtures to Ailsa Craig and Portpatrick.
A Young Helm Race returns on 2 July after several years’ absence.
The Ladies Regatta is scheduled for 30 August.
The Autumn Series runs on Sundays from 13 September to 25 October, closing the main programme.
Organisers also hope to stage the traditional Christmas Cracker Race on 27 December.
