Bangor Regatta 2026 is shaping up for a strong return, with more than 40 yachts already entered one month before racing begins. Hosted by Royal Ulster Yacht Club, the regatta will run from 25 to 28 June on Belfast Lough and is expected to attract crews from across Ireland and Britain.
Entries have already been received from Dublin Bay, the Clyde and the south coast of England. National Yacht Club race officer Con Murphy will oversee racing. Organisers say his experience and calm approach will help deliver competitive racing across the four-day event.
Royal Ulster Yacht Club Sailing Secretary Rory Flannigan said he was looking forward to seeing the fleet compete off the clubhouse. “I am really excited to watch these beautiful yachts compete for the Bangor Town Trophy in front of our beautiful clubhouse,” he said.
The winner of the Bangor Town Trophy will also receive an original artwork by artist Terry Bradley.
Trophy Time — The Bangor Town Trophy and original Terry Bradley artwork awaiting this year’s winner at Bangor Regatta 2026
The regatta fleet will be divided between windward-leeward racing and coastal courses around Belfast Lough and the North Channel.
The Sigma 33 Class Championships will again form part of the event, with ten boats expected on the start line for a ten-race series. James Millar’s Mayrise from Helensburgh Sailing Club is among the boats tipped to perform strongly.
The Feedwell Impala Championships will also return after organisers partnered with the animal food brand to support the strong local Impala fleet.
Event chairman Gavin Watson said preparations were entering their final phase. “With only one month to go and the sailing season underway, the BR26 team are ramping up the organisation of this year’s premier keelboat sailing event in Northern Ireland,” he said.
“Our entries have been growing fast with yachts from as far afield as the South of England, Dublin and Scotland.”
Alongside racing, Royal Ulster Yacht Club will host a full social programme including barbecues, dinners and live music across the regatta weekend. Organisers say Luke's Point and Seacliff Road will offer some of the best viewing locations for spectators ashore.
