Ireland will be looking to add another chapter to its proud Edinburgh Cup record after organisers confirmed entries from 11 nations for next month's Dragon championship in Cowes.
A total of 45 teams have already entered the 2026 Edinburgh Cup and UK Grand Prix, matching the event's highest entry for the past 20 years. Entries remain open until 31 July, with the fleet limited to 50 boats.
Irish crews will compete against teams from Austria, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden, Turkey, the United States and across the UK when racing takes place at the Royal Yacht Squadron from 16 to 21 August.
Ireland has enjoyed considerable success in the historic championship. Royal St George Yacht Club's Martin Byrne won the Edinburgh Cup in 2011, while Simon Brien claimed the title on home waters at Cultra the following year, with Byrne finishing runner-up to give Ireland the top two places overall. Byrne's victory in 2011 was Ireland's 12th in the event, underlining the country's long-standing strength in the Dragon class.
The organisers' latest update does not identify the Irish entries by name, although Byrne was highlighted in an earlier announcement as leading the Irish challenge, while Nicola Halloran is among the female helms entered.
The Edinburgh Cup, first raced for in 1949, is the British Open Dragon Championship. The 2026 edition also forms part of the International Dragon Association's UK Grand Prix and coincides with the British Dragon Association's 70th anniversary.
