WIORA Marks 50 Years As Fenit Prepares For Championships

25th June 2026

Afloat.ie Team

Anniversary Watch — WIORA marks its 50th anniversary at this year’s West Coast Championships in Fenit, with more than 40 boats expected for four days of racing from July 1 to 4

The West Coast Offshore Racing Association (WIORA) will celebrate its 50th anniversary when sailors gather in Fenit, Co Kerry, for the 2026 West Coast Championships from July 1 to 4.

Excitement is already building at Tralee Bay Sailing Club as the first boats arrive ahead of what is expected to be the largest WIORA event in recent years, according to WIORA's Liam Lynch. The entry list currently stands at 38 boats and organisers are confident the fleet will exceed 40 entries before racing begins.

The championships will feature four classes, including a White Sails division racing under the ECHO handicap system. The Irish Open Soling Championship will also be contested during the event, with Solings racing within Class 3. The regatta also coincides with the 70th anniversary of Tralee Bay Sailing Club, adding further significance to the four-day championship.

Racing will be managed by Principal Race Officer John Leech, a familiar figure on the west coast sailing circuit. The event is supported by title sponsor High Voltage Engineering, alongside Dubarry, North Sails Ireland and Bon Secours Cork Heart and Cancer Research Centre.

Away from the racecourse, competitors and visitors can look forward to a full social programme as sailors celebrate two major milestones in west coast sailing, renew old friendships, and welcome new faces to Fenit.

Organisers say the combination of competitive racing, anniversary celebrations and a strong fleet promises a memorable championship on Tralee Bay.

Published in WIORA, North Sails Ireland

Published in WIORA

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