Can an Irish Team Sail to Glory at ODHWC 2025 in Cowes?

13th March 2025

Afloat.ie Team

The 2025 Offshore Double-Handed World Championship is scheduled to take place in Cowes, Isle of Wight.

The 2025 Offshore Double Handed World Championship is set for Cowes, Isle of Wight, from September 22 to October 1, 2025. The championship will feature mixed crews racing in the Sun Fast 30 One Design and here Championship Organiser, Foad Zahedi, argues why an entry among the 28 mixed teams in Cowes would offer Ireland the chance to bring home a world title

Why This Matters for Irish sailing

Ireland has long punched above its weight in offshore sailing. From Damian Foxall’s victories in the Volvo Ocean Race to Tom Dolan’s standout performances on the Figaro circuit, Irish sailors have consistently proven their ability to compete at the highest level. With events like the Round Ireland Race and a strong presence in the Fastnet Race, Ireland has a deep-rooted offshore sailing culture.

Yet, despite this history, Ireland has never had the opportunity to compete for an Offshore Double-Handed World Championship title—until now. The ODHWC 2025 provides a unique chance for Irish teams to step onto the world stage and challenge for a title that could cement Ireland’s reputation as a global offshore sailing powerhouse.

By fielding strong Irish teams at the ODHWC 2025, Ireland can:

Strengthen its international sailing reputation: Success in this championship would prove that Irish sailors can compete with the world’s best in equal conditions.

Inspire the next generation: Just as Tom Dolan’s journey to professional offshore racing has motivated many young Irish sailors, competing in this world championship could encourage more to pursue high-level offshore racing.

Develop Ireland’s offshore racing scene: A strong showing could attract more support, sponsorship, and investment into Irish offshore sailing, benefiting both current and future sailors.

What’s in It for the Sailors?

For Irish sailors, the ODHWC 2025 is more than just another event—it’s a career-defining opportunity:

Compete on equal footing with the best: With identical Sun Fast 30 One Design (SF30OD) boats, this event is purely about skill, strategy, and endurance—qualities that have defined Ireland’s top offshore sailors.

Gain international exposure: A strong performance in a world championship can open doors to sponsorship opportunities, professional teams, and major offshore campaigns.
Prepare for bigger offshore challenges: Whether aiming for the Figaro, Route du Rhum, Vendée Globe, or Ocean Race, this event provides invaluable experience in high-pressure, world-class competition.

Be part of history: The first Offshore Double-Handed World Championship will set the benchmark for future editions — Irish teams have the chance to be pioneers in this new global event.
With Ireland’s proven offshore talent, resilience in tough conditions, and strong sailing heritage, there’s every reason to believe an Irish team could challenge for the title.

Who will step up and fly the Irish flag at the ODHWC 2025? More details here.

Published in Mixed Offshore Keelboat

Tagged under

Offshore Double Handed World Championship

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Mixed Two Person Offshore Keelboat

For the first time in sailing's Olympic history, a Mixed Two Person Offshore Keelboat event will be on the slate at the Paris 2024 Olympic Sailing Competition.

The Mixed Two Person Offshore Keelboat will join kiteboarding, windsurfing, multihulls, singlehanded and doublehanded dinghies and skiffs, promoting the diversity of the sport. This, in turn, will support World Sailing's desire to promote and grow universality in all disciplines and increase female participation with gender-equal medals and athletes.

Offshore sailing is the ultimate test of endurance, skill, discipline, navigation and critical decision making.

Embracing a major part of sailing in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will enable new stars of the sport to come to the forefront.

Qualification

Offshore sailing is a universal discipline that every World Sailing Member National Authority (MNA) can participate in.

Up to 20 nations will be on the start line at Paris 2024 and sailors from every continent will be represented. To qualify for the Olympic Games, continental qualification events will be held and competition for a spot will be hotly contested.

Equipment

For qualification events, World Sailing will approve a list of one-design boats that are already regionally available and can be accessed as a charter boat. Boats will be equalised to ensure fair competition.

For Paris 2024, World Sailing's Council will select a list of different Equipment it considers to meet the key criteria by 31 December 2020 and then make a decision on the Equipment, selecting from the list, no later than 31 December 2023.

MNAs, Class Associations and Manufacturers have all been invited to propose Equipment for the list and a World Sailing Working Party will evaluate each proposal. A recommended list will be presented to Council for approval in November 2020.

This recommended Equipment list will ensure that event organisers, MNAs and the sailors have opportunities to train and compete in Equipment that is readily available and affordable within their continent and country. It will also ensure each MNA has a fair opportunity to prepare for qualification events and eventually, Paris 2024.

Format

Starting and finishing in Marseille, the Mixed Offshore event is expected to last for either three days and two nights or four days and three nights off the French coastline and whoever crosses the finish line first will be declared Olympic champion.

The race course and length will be announced in the lead up to the start so the competition can take advantage of the latest weather forecast. Current options proposed include long and short courses heading towards the West and East of France.

Safety and Security

The French Navy and Mediterranean forces have extensive experience of supporting major oceanic sailing races. They will provide safety and security at Paris 2024.