Two Class40 campaigns have now entered the 2026 Round Ireland Yacht Race, signalling early momentum for the offshore class.
As Afloat reported on Saturday, Italy’s Luca Rosetti has entered Maccaferri Futura, a 12.19m Class40 representing Club Nautico Rimini. Rosetti is a leading figure on the European circuit and brings a strong offshore pedigree to the Irish race.
Belgium’s Djemila Tassin has entered Magenta, also a Class40. Tassin is part of a new wave of Class40 sailors targeting major offshore fixtures, with Ireland now on the calendar.
Wicklow Sailing Club is inviting Class40 teams back to Irish waters for the 2026 Round Ireland Yacht Race, which starts on Saturday, 20 June.
Organisers say they are keen to build on previous strong showings by the high-performance offshore class.
Island loop — Round Ireland Yacht Race poster highlights 20 June start from Wicklow, with 704-nautical-mile course mapped around Ireland for the 2026 offshore challenge
In 2018, the French Class40 Corum, a Mach 40 design, drew attention with a powerful start from Wicklow under full sail. The boat was among the most striking in the fleet.
That appearance helped establish the class on Irish waters. “Corum looked every inch the serious contender,” Afloat.ie reported at the time.
By 2022, the 704-nautical-mile race secured a place on the official Class40 calendar, boosting international interest.
Race director Kyran O’Grady has continued to promote the event across European offshore networks.
“The Round Ireland is an iconic challenge that suits the Class40 ethos,” O’Grady previously told Afloat.ie.
The Notice of Race confirms a dedicated Class40 division for 2026, subject to a minimum of four entries and compliance with current class rules.
Online entry opened on 14 January, with early bird discounts available until 31 March. Entries close on 31 May.
Irish sailor Pamela Lee has also been working to attract further international participation, including French campaigns, as part of her Class40 programme.
