The West of Ireland Offshore Racing Association (WIORA) held its Annual General Meeting on 19 November at Dromoland. All West Coast clubs were represented.
A new committee was elected featuring Liam Lynch (Commodore), Liam Burke (Vice Commodore), Pat Aylward (Treasurer) and Joe Kieran (Secretary). The wider committee includes Ray McGibney, Adrian O’Connell and Rachel Conway.
The 2026 West Coast Championships will take place in Fenit from 1–4 July, hosted by Tralee Bay Sailing Club (TBSC). The 2027 event is slated for Kilrush, hosted by the Royal Western Yacht Club of Ireland (RWYCI) on the Shannon Estuary.
Notably, the 2026 Championships mark WIORA’s 50th anniversary, coinciding with TBSC’s 70th anniversary. A “bumper fleet” is expected, with racing under both IRC and ECHO for spinnaker and white‑sail fleets.
During the AGM, members debated the status of sports boats and day boats in the fleet. The agreed outcome: boats not meeting the Irish Cruiser Racer Association (ICRA) definitions of a cruiser/racer will be excluded from IRC competition but may race under ECHO. Subject to sufficient entries, a one‑design fleet may also be introduced.
Finally, it was unanimously agreed that a “Best Lady Helm/Crew” prize will be presented, with TBSC donating a trophy in memory of their late member Jacquie Browne.
