The 2026 season promises to be an exciting and competitive year for the 1720 fleet, with a full calendar of major championship events across some of Ireland's premier sailing venues, and renewed enthusiasm throughout the class.
The name “1720” celebrates the establishment date of the Royal Cork Yacht Club at Crosshaven, where the 26ft Tony Castro-designed class was founded more than thirty years ago, and is already into its 2026 Spring series (despite the opening race cancellation due to Storm Eddie) with further racing scheduled for the 1720s on 18th April, 25th April, and the 2nd of May.
SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIP AT RCYC
The season begins in earnest with the Southern Championships at the Royal Cork on May 16/17th. Although there’s no specific defending champion as it was weather-cancelled last year, for 2026 it’s anticipated that it will set the tone for what is expected to be one of the most competitive years in recent memory. With strong early-season participation anticipated, the Southern Championships will provide the first real test of form for teams targeting silverware later in the year.
However, in the lead-up to this event, crews will have had an excellent opportunity to sharpen their performance during the Royal Cork Spring Series, which has been shown to provide valuable early-season racing and training, with the bonus of the boat being on station for the Southerns in Crosser in mid-May.
When the 1720 Europeans are featured as part of Cork Week, the turnout is seriously impressive. Photo: Cork Week/Rick Tomlinson
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AT BALTIMORE
June sees the fleet travel to Baltimore for the National Championships at Baltimore Sailing Club from June 12th-14th, with Ross McDonald of Howth and the English family from Crosshaven defending the title with their joint venture on Atara.
A venue well known for its challenging tidal waters and tactical racing, Baltimore has consistently delivered competitive racing in recent years, and the Nationals are expected to attract a strong turnout as teams build momentum heading into the second half of the season.
BALTIMORE CUP
The ever-popular Baltimore Cup follows on 1st/2nd August, with West Cork’s own Fionn Lyden the defending title-holder in a process of continuing Baltimore's central role in the 1720 calendar, while offering another key opportunity for teams to test themselves in high-quality racing conditions during the peak of the summer season.
Baltimore in West Cork is one of the happy places for the 1720 class.
EUROPEANS ON LOUGH DERG
Attention then turns inland in September, when Lough Derg Yacht Club hosts the European Championships on 4th-6th September, with Fionn Lyden of Baltimore again the defender.. Racing on Lough Derg presents a different challenge from the coastal events, with variable winds and strategic racing placing a premium on boat speed and tactical awareness. The European Championships are expected to draw strong participation and will be a major highlight of the season.
EASTERNS AT GREYSTONES
The campaigning concludes on 10/11th October with the Eastern Championships at Greystones Sailing Club. This is the first time that the class has held the Easterns as the final major event of the year, and with Julian Hughes of Dunmore East’s Waterford Harbour SC the Title Defender, Greystones will provide a fittingly high note to end to the season in potentially testing Autumnal conditions on the east coast.
Light wind test – A different skill-set comes into action when the 1720s are sailing in lighter winds.
There is a noticeable sense of renewed energy within the 1720 class heading into 2026. A number of boats that did not launch last year have committed to full campaigns this season, strengthening fleet numbers and increasing the level of competition across all events. Particularly notable among those returning is Dark Side, with Mel Collins at the helm to add further depth to an already competitive fleet.
With a strong championship schedule, excellent venues, and growing participation, the 2026 season looks set to reinforce the 1720's position as one of Ireland's most exciting and competitive keelboat classes. Early-season preparation, tight racing, and a busy championship calendar should ensure a memorable year for sailors and supporters alike.
