With just over a week to go until the start of the 2026 Round Ireland Race, Wicklow Harbour is preparing to welcome one of the largest offshore racing fleets seen in recent years.
More than 60 Irish and international entries are expected on the start line for the 704-nautical-mile contest, which begins from Wicklow at 2pm on Saturday, June 20.
As Afloat has reported, the biennial classic has attracted a strong mix of professional sailors, seasoned offshore campaigners and Corinthian crews. Several former race winners, leading Irish IRC contenders and international challengers are among a fleet that organisers believe could produce one of the most competitive editions in decades.
The non-stop race circles the entire island of Ireland. Competitors leave Wicklow, round the Fastnet, head north along the Atlantic seaboard, pass Malin Head and return south through the North Channel before finishing back in Wicklow.
While the first boat home claims line honours, the coveted overall title is decided on corrected time, often allowing smaller yachts to challenge larger and faster rivals.
The western coast of Ireland has traditionally proved decisive. Weather systems sweeping in from the Atlantic can transform the leaderboard, while tidal gates at key points of the course have frequently rewarded patient navigation and punished costly mistakes.
Race Director Kyran O'Grady said preparations for the start are progressing well.
"Everything is coming together nicely for a terrific start that will be a spectacle," he said.
"It's still a little early to be certain but there are positive signs of fine conditions for start day at least."
Among the headline entries is the 57-foot sail-training vessel Spirit of Shackleton, entered by Enda O'Coineen and Bobby Beggs. Offshore racer Pamela Lee returns aboard her Class 40 Empowher, joined by several international competitors.
The international challenge is equally strong. Britain's Tom Kneen arrives in Wicklow aboard Sunrise VI with one of the standout offshore racing records in the fleet. Other boats widely tipped for overall honours include the Botin 56 Khumbu and Gary Trentesaux's Pogo RC Courier. Among the larger yachts, Khumbu is expected by many to be the leading contender for line honours around the island.
However, Irish hopes are strong. John Treanor's Cristina from Dún Laoghaire, Mike Evans' The Big Picture from Howth, Wicklow's own El Syd from Greystones and Ian Hickey's double winner Cavatina are among the boats expected to feature prominently in the corrected-time battle.
While Cristina, The Big Picture and Cavatina will attract plenty of attention, experienced observers point to several other Irish contenders. Loinnir Girl, Request and Outrageous are all regarded as potential overall winners, with weather likely to play a significant role. Lighter conditions could favour El Syd and Outrageous, while stronger winds may suit the proven offshore credentials of Request and Loinnir, May's Inistearaght Race winner.
Several entries have already withdrawn due to equipment issues, underlining the demanding nature of the race before a boat even reaches the start line. All competitors must complete final safety inspections before being cleared to race.
Hundreds of spectators are expected in Wicklow for the colourful fleet departure and the sprint south towards Wicklow Head, marking the beginning of one of Irish sailing's most testing offshore challenges.
