A new 'Silver YTC Class' will be introduced by the Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association ISORA in 2026, aiming to boost participation in its Ireland and Wales Coastal Series.
The decision follows the official rollout of the YTC rating system in Ireland next year, as Afloat reported last week.
The YTC system, developed by the RYA and managed by the RORC Rating Office, is designed to make keelboat racing more accessible.
It offers a simple, cost-effective handicap based on straightforward boat data and an easy online application.
ISORA Honorary Secretary Stephen Tudor said: "This Silver YTC Class is an ideal starter class for previously non-racing boats and as an introduction to the fun of Coastal Races."
The new class will apply to boats without an IRC certificate and will be used only in coastal races.
All races will remain Category 4, in line with current safety requirements.
The YTC system supports fair racing for cruisers and cruiser-racers and promotes wider participation in club events, regattas, and standalone races.
ISORA has published a packed 2026 race calendar featuring 19 events across Irish and Welsh waters. The season starts on 4 April with the first of five Welsh Coastal Series races, followed a week later by the Irish Coastal Series, which run in parallel through the spring and summer.
Offshore racing begins on 9 May with the 55‑mile Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead passage and includes key highlights such as the Midnight Race from Liverpool to Douglas on 5 June and the Round Ireland Race on 20 June. The final fixture is the 75‑mile Pwllheli to Kish to Dun Laoghaire James Eadie Race on 12 September.
More details are available via Afloat.ie’s feature on the YTC launch in Ireland.
