The concluding James Eadie Race of the 2026 Musto ISORA Offshore Series, scheduled from Pwllheli to Dún Laoghaire on Saturday (September 12th), has been cancelled because of the weather forecast.
The 75-mile offshore race was due to start from Pwllheli at 7.30am, with the fleet sailing via Kish Light and an ISORA Dublin Bay virtual mark before finishing at Dún Laoghaire.
With the finale cancelled, ReQuest secures second place overall in the 2026 ISORA series, behind Wolf’s Head Trophy winner Pata Negra.
Concern Over Bardsey Sound Conditions
The decision followed discussion among competitors over the conditions expected off the Welsh coast, particularly around Bardsey Sound, where strong tidal streams combined with the forecast south-westerly winds raised concerns.
Forecasts being discussed by competitors indicated gusts potentially reaching 35 to 40 knots, while the race coincides with spring tides.
Race organisers had said earlier on Thursday that a risk assessment would be carried out during the day.
ISORA chairman Peter Ryan subsequently confirmed the cancellation, saying: “Due to the weather forecast and boats delivering in the morning, it is the decision of our Race Officers to cancel the race on Saturday.”
Sunday Option Ruled Out
Moving the race back by 24 hours was also considered impractical because competitors would still have to deliver boats to Pwllheli in Saturday's forecast conditions.
“Delaying to Sunday still affects boats delivering on Saturday,” Ryan said.
“Postponing of races, particularly offshore races, to a later date has not proved popular in the past.”
The James Eadie Race was to have been Race 19 and the concluding offshore race of the 2026 series. The Supplemental Sailing Instructions specify World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations Category 3 plus liferaft requirements.
Pata Negra Already Secures Wolf's Head Trophy
The cancellation does not affect Pata Negra's victory in the overall Wolf's Head Trophy, which had already been secured following the previous offshore race from Pwllheli to Greystones.
However, the loss of Saturday's finale means the remaining ISORA class contests will now be decided on the results already accumulated in the series rather than in the intended higher-weighted final race.
