Claire and Ed Mockridge’s Elaine Again has won the 2026 GBR IRC National Championship after taking victory in IRC 3 during the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta Sailing Week.
The championship was sailed in Start Bay during the final week of August, with 61 boats racing under IRC and 39 holding Endorsed IRC certificates to qualify for the national title.
Strong Winds Disrupt Dartmouth Championship
A ten-race series had been scheduled across four days, but strong south-westerly winds and a building sea state forced organisers to shorten the programme to seven races.
Three races were completed on Thursday, followed by two more on Friday morning.
Start Bay Charge: The IRC fleet gets away in Start Bay during the 2026 GBR IRC National Championship at Dartmouth, where 61 boats competed under IRC across the regatta. Photo: Ingrid Abery
Conditions then deteriorated, with racing abandoned after two dismastings and a broken boom as organisers considered the safety of competitors, volunteers and committee boat crews.
Saturday’s racing programme, including the planned Bay Race, was subsequently cancelled.
More manageable conditions returned on Sunday, allowing two final races to be completed before the prize-giving at the Royal Dart Yacht Club.
Elaine Again Takes Overall IRC Title
Elaine Again, winner of IRC 3, was declared overall 2026 GBR IRC National Champion.
David Franks’ Leon, winner of IRC 1, finished second overall, while Simon Patterson’s Standfast, the IRC 0 winner, completed the championship podium.
Leading Leon: David Franks’ Leon powers through Start Bay on the way to winning IRC 1 and taking second overall in the 2026 GBR IRC National Championship. Photo: Ingrid Abery
The IRC fleet was divided into five classes across three race areas, with a mix of windward-leeward, triangle-sausage and bay racing planned during the series.
Standing Fast: Simon Patterson’s Standfast tackles the stronger conditions at Dartmouth, winning IRC 0 and securing third overall in the GBR IRC National Championship. Photo: Ingrid Abery
Robotic Marks Used in Start Bay
Remotely controlled robotic marks were also used, allowing race officers to adjust courses as wind conditions changed while avoiding the need for anchors.
Dartmouth has received Platinum Clean Regattas certification from Sailors for the Seas for the past two years.
The regatta also continued initiatives aimed at supporting sailors aged 18 to 29 through educational opportunities and financial incentives intended to help youth-crewed yachts develop their racing programmes.
