George Invitational Returns as Top International Team Racing Fixture

4th February 2026

Afloat.ie Team

Teams will compete in Firefly dinghies at the Grade 1 George Invitational in Dún Laoghaire, hosted by the Royal St. George Yacht Club Credit: Jamie Keegan

The Royal St.George Yacht Club has confirmed the return of the George Invitational Team Racing Championship, scheduled for 30–31 May 2026.

Now in its third year since revival, the event has rapidly gained status as a major fixture on the international team racing calendar. This year’s edition is set to welcome elite competitors and showcase top-tier racing in a fast-paced Swiss League format using Firefly dinghies.

Race Officer David Bolger will lead race management. Organisers say his experience will be “vital in delivering a smooth and fair competition”.

World Sailing has confirmed the event’s elevation to Grade 1 status, placing it among the highest-ranked team racing events globally.

Racing will take place in Dún Laoghaire Harbour, the historic home of team racing in Ireland. Knockout rounds will follow the league stages, with a new champion crowned.

There is growing anticipation for an Irish team to finally claim the title. The event also features a formal Saturday night BBQ at the Royal St. George Yacht Club, offering a chance for teams and guests to socialise off the water.

The club said the Invitational “celebrates a proud tradition dating back nearly 80 years” and continues its legacy as a hub of innovation in team racing.

Published in Team Racing, RStGYC, Youth Sailing

Published in Team Racing

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About Team Racing

Team racing in sailing is an exciting, strategy-focused format where two teams, usually with three boats each, compete to achieve the best combined score by the end of the race. Unlike fleet racing, where individual performance matters most, team racing emphasises teamwork, tactics, and boat positioning to outmanoeuvre the opposing team.

Each team typically has three boats, often two-person dinghies like the Firefly class. The boats from each team are distinguished by their unique sail colours or numbers.

Points are assigned to finishing positions, with 1 point for 1st place, 2 points for 2nd place, and so on. The team with the lowest combined score wins. The target is to achieve a "winning combination" of points. In a six-boat race (three per team), winning combinations include scores like 10 points or less for a 1-2-6 or a 2-3-5 finish.

Teams can slow down or block opposing boats, especially in an advantageous position. A boat ahead can "cover" an opponent, manoeuvring to block the wind and slow them down.

Teams often employ manoeuvres to help slower boats catch up or pass opponents, switching positions if needed. This keeps the team in a winning configuration.

At key turning points, boats can execute mark traps, where they intentionally slow down or position themselves to block opponents, forcing them into bad turns or causing them to lose speed.

Team racing follows standard sailing rules but with some additions tailored to team tactics. For example, a "fouling" boat (one that breaks a rule) must complete a penalty turn or even multiple turns, depending on the rule violation. Penalty management is crucial as it can make or break a team's success in the race.

Constant communication is key as team members coordinate strategies, adjust for wind shifts, and adapt to changes in the race. They signal intentions, warn of opponents' moves, and ensure every team member’s position is optimized.

In short, team racing combines fast-paced sailing with strategic teamwork. While speed is essential, winning often depends more on positioning, communication, and the ability to execute effective tactics as a team.