Large fleet gathering ahead of Wicklow start to Round Ireland Race

More than 60 Irish and international entries have been received by organisers ahead of this Summer’s Round Ireland Race that gets underway from Wicklow in eight day’s time (Saturday 20 June).
 
The non-stop race is a biennial attraction to Wicklow Harbour for thousands of spectators for the colourful start at 2pm as the competitors head southwards towards Wicklow Head lighthouse.
 
The fastest boats can expect to complete the 704 nautical-mile course in about three to four days depending on wind.  While first boat home wins “line honours”, the overall trophy is decided on ‘corrected time’ meaning small or less sophisticated boats that are well sailed by the crew can win overall.
 
But before victory can be considered, the main challenge is to complete the gruelling course.
 
The first night at sea usually sees most boats pass the Tuskar Rock lighthouse and set their sights on the famous Fastnet Rock, also known as An Carriag Aonair (The lonely rock) or the Teardrop of Ireland as the last sign of Ireland for the immigrants of times past.
 
The Round Ireland Race is often decided by what happens along the Western seaboard and whether the wind delivers a classic ‘sleigh-ride’ northwards along the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way.
 
At Malin Head, navigators have to take care to sail outside Innistrahull as the classic course is to “leave Ireland and its island to starboard” and it would be an easy mistake to miss the most northerly part of Ireland.
 
Before the closing stage can begin and thoughts of fresh food at Wicklow Sailing Club’s famous non-stop breakfast, the leading boats must negotiate Rathlin Island, the notorious tidal gate that can make or break a winning time.
 
Once through, a long stage down the Irish Sea follows back to the finishing line at Wicklow; boats that have made it this far rarely have to pull out though only in 1996 did all 55 starters actually complete the race.
 
So far for 2026, a fleet of 63 boats have entered but already several have had to withdraw, most due to equipment problems.  Safety inspection is also a critical factor and every boat must meet compliance standards before starting the race.
 
“Everything is coming together nicely for a terrific start that will be a spectacle,” commented Race Director Kyran O’Grady of Wicklow Sailing Club.  “It’s still a little early to be certain but there are positive signs of fine conditions for start day at least.”
 
Several notable sailors and boats will be competing in various categories including the largest entry Spirit of Shackleton, the sail-training vessel named by President Catherine Connolly and entered by Enda O’Coineen and Bobby Beggs.
 
Wicklow sailor Pamela Lee has entered her 40-footer Empowher but has attracted eight of her international colleagues to join this year.  Hiroshi Nakajima on Hiro Maru has returned once again as one of two American entries.
 
In terms of an overall winner, there is a deep field to choose from, perhaps as many as 12 boats.  If any is a favourite it would be Tom Kneen from the UK on Sunrise VI, a past winner of the Rolex Fastnet who sailed for Ireland in last Summer’s Admiral’s Cup.
 
Many local boats could be in the mix including John Trainer’s Dun Laoghaire entry Cristina and Mike Evans’ on The Big Picture from Howth Yacht Club.  And, as always the venerable Cavatina entered by Ian Hickey from the Royal Cork Yacht Club is certain to set a fast time but could keep the shoreside pundits guessing well after the first finishers are asleep.