Cong-Galway Race Registration Closes on June 21st

14th June 2026

Afloat.ie Team

Bridge Finish — A capsized dinghy is righted beneath Galway’s Quincentennial Bridge during the Cong-Galway Yacht Race. Photo: GCSC

A capsized catamaran is righted beneath Galway’s Quincentennial Bridge during the Cong-Galway Yacht Race Credit: GCSC

Registration for this year’s Cong-Galway yacht race closes on June 21st.

The race, set for June 27th weather permitting, is billed as the longest inland waterways sailing race in Europe.

It runs over two legs from the top of Lough Corrib at Cong and down the river to the city.

There is a mid-way break for lunch at Kilbeg pier on the narrow part of the lake, and it finishes on the river Corrib upriver of the Quincentennial Bridge.

Lunch and after race food is included in the entry fee for the sailors.

The race was established by Corrib Rowing and Yachting Club (CRYC) in 1882, and this year’s organising authority is Galway City Sailing Club.

The dinghy race is open to boats with overall length of 18 ft or less, with Portsmouth Yardstick Number of 1230 or below.

The keelboat fleet is open to keelboats and traditional boats with a length overall of greater than 18 feet.

The race comprises a variety of boats from racing dinghies to Galway Hookers and everything in between.

Refunds on entries will only be provided before June 14th.

Registration details are here

Published in Cong-Galway Race

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Cong-Galway Race

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The Cong-Galway: Ireland’s oldest inland sailing race

The annual Cong – Galway Sailing Race is Europe’s oldest and longest inland water sailing race.

The original Cong-Galway Race started at the Royal Galway Yachting Club in Galway City and travelled to Ashford Castle in Cong before returning to Galway City, a race distance of 61.5 nautical miles.

The 2020 race is the 137th such race.

The Cong-Galway Race was a huge social event in Galway until 1914. It never recovered after the First World War and was last held in its old format in 1931. The race was later revived in 1972. Now half the original length, the race starts at Lisloughrey pier, near Ashford Castle, and ends just past the Quincentennial Bridge in Galway City.

Cong Galway Race Course

The Cong to Galway Race start is from Lisloughrey Pier in Cong, Co. Mayo and is typically scheduled for 10.30 a.m. on a course through Upper and Lower Lough Corrib to the finish line at Corrib Village on the River Corrib in Galway. The race makes a stop for lunch at Kilbeg Pier, approximately half way, where timings will be taken for the restart.