ILCA Sprint Grand Prix Returns To Dublin Bay 2026

18th April 2026

Afloat.ie Team

Mark Round: ILCA sailors round a Dublin Bay mark in testing conditions, with tight fleet racing expected as the Sprint Grand Prix series returns to Dun Laoghaire clubs this summer

The ILCA Sprint Grand Prix is set to return to Dublin Bay for the 2026 season. The four-event series will run across leading waterfront clubs through the summer months.

Local Dun Laoghaire marine brokerage firm MGM Boats are among the sponsors supporting the series. The regatta features a fast-paced sprint format with six short races scheduled per day.

Black flag starts, and tight fleet competition are expected across all fleets.

Racing is open to ILCA 4, 6 and 7 classes. Organisers say the series is designed as a high-intensity training regatta for sailors of all ages.

The 2026 schedule begins on April 26 at Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club. Further rounds follow at Dublin Bay Sailing Club on May 17, Royal St George Yacht Club on July 12, and Royal Irish Yacht Club on August 16.

Visiting boats are welcome, with launching available from the Coal Harbour.

Series Launch: ILCA Sprint Grand Prix 2026 returns to Dun Laoghaire with four summer events across Dublin Bay, bringing fast-paced fleet racing to the capital’s waterfront clubs

Early bird entry is priced at €100 for all four events. This offer is available via the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club website until Thursday, April 23.

Single-day entry is also available at €30. Registration and Notice of Race details are available through host club websites.

Published in Laser, DMYC, RStGYC, Royal Irish Yacht Club

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About the ILCA/Laser Dinghy

The ILCA, formerly known as the Laser, is the most produced boat in the world, with 220,000 units built since 1971.

It's easy to see why the single-handed dinghy has won the title of the most widely distributed boat of all time.

The Laser is a one-design dinghy, the hulls being identical but three rigs that can be used according to the size and weight of the sailor.

The class is international, with sailors from 120 countries. The boat has also been an Olympic class since 1996, being both the men's and women's singlehanded dinghy.

Three rigs are recognised by the International Laser Class Association (ILCA):

ILCA 4: sail of 4.70m2
ILCA 6: sail of 5.76 m2
ILCA 7: sail of 7.06 m2

ILCA 2026 Calendar

Apr 04–05 — Munster Championships — Baltimore SC
Apr 09–12 — Irish Sailing Youth Nationals — Ballyholme YC
May 09–10 — Ulster Championships — East Antrim BC
May 23–24 — Masters National Championships — Howth YC
Jun 27–28 — Leinster Championships — Skerries SC
Jul 24–26 — National Championships — Royal St. George YC
Sep 11–12 — End of Season Championships — Waterford Hrbr. YC

2026 ILCA World Championships

Men ILCA 7: Aug 23 – Aug 30
Women ILCA 6: Sep 04 – Sep 12
Royal St. George Yacht Club & National Yacht Club (Dublin Bay)

At A Glance – Laser Dinghy Specifications

Designer Bruce Kirby & Ian Bruce

Year 1969

Crew 1
Draft 0.787 m (2 ft 7.0 in)
Hull weight 58.97 kg (130.0 lb)
LOA 4.2 m (13 ft 9 in)
LWL 3.81 m (12 ft 6 in)
Beam 1.39 m (4 ft 7 in)
Mainsail area 7.06 m2 (76.0 sq ft)

Racing D-PN 91.1 RYA PN 1088 PHRF 217