Irish offshore sailors were to the fore in the 2026 RORC Transatlantic Race, led by a podium finish from Jackknife.
The J/125, sailed by ISORA champions Andrew and Sam Hall, secured first in class and third overall on IRC after the 3,022-mile crossing from Lanzarote to Antigua.
“It’s an absolutely brilliant result,” said ISORA honorary secretary Stephen Tudor.
Jackknife completed the course in 11 days, 13 hours, 6 minutes and 22 seconds.
Praise also came from fellow competitors. National Yacht Club sailor Justin Burke said, “A fantastic result. It must have been some adventure. Well done.”
ISORA chairman Peter Ryan added: “Brilliant result.”
The Irish Sea entry from North Wales sailed with a mixed Irish and Welsh crew. On board were Andrew and Sam Hall, Thomas Tudor, Nick Butterworth and Chris Jones of Pwllheli Sailing Club.
They were supported by Cork sailor Mark Bolger and Malta’s Fabio Galea.
Overall victory in the race went to Palanad 4, the French Mach 50 owned by Olivier Magre and skippered by his son, Antoine.
The yacht secured the RORC Transatlantic Trophy on corrected time after finishing in just over eight days.
Another notable Irish performance came from Cork’s Justin Slattery, who sailed aboard Raven as the yacht set a new monohull course record.
In a race tinged with great sadness over a fatality, the fleet continues to arrive in Antigua. Irish crews have once again left a strong mark on one of offshore racing’s most demanding events.
