Cowes, UK – 9 August 2026 confirmed for the start of the iconic 1,805nm offshore classic
Image: Overall/Outright Record Holder: Oman Sail - Musandam, the MOD70 skippered by Sidney Gavignet in the 2014 edition of the RORC Round Britain & Ireland Race - 3 days, 3 hours, 32 minutes, 36 seconds © Paul Wyeth/pwpictures.com
The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) is delighted to announce that the Notice of Race for the 2026 Round Britain & Ireland Race has been published and online entry is open from 3 November 2025. Invited entries include monohulls racing under IRC for the overall win, multihulls, IMOCA and one design classes such as Class40.
The race will start from Cowes, Isle of Wight on Sunday 9 August 2026, marking the return of one of the world’s most challenging and prestigious offshore events.
An Epic Course Around the British Isles & Ireland
First run in 1976, the Round Britain & Ireland Race takes competitors on an 1,805-nautical mile circumnavigation of the British Isles, leaving all islands and rocks, including Muckle Flugga at the northern tip of Shetland, to starboard. Starting and finishing in Cowes, the course demands relentless endurance, navigating notorious headlands such as Land’s End, St Kilda, and Fair Isle, with tidal gates, shifting weather systems, manmade obstructions and exposed offshore stretches testing crews to the limit.
Fifty Years of Offshore Legend
2026 marks the 50th anniversary edition of the race, a true modern classic that has seen some of sailing’s most celebrated campaigns. From record-breaking trimarans to corinthian double-handers, past editions have showcased determination, seamanship and the spirit of adventure that defines offshore racing.
Since 2006, the race has benefitted from the title sponsorship of Sevenstar Yacht Transport, whose invaluable support has been fundamental to the event’s success. The longstanding partnership has run its course. The RORC thank Sevenstar for their longstanding support and would be delighted to hear from new sponsors and partners for the Round Britain & Ireland Race.
Voices from the Race
In 2014, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing’s VO65 Azzam, skippered by Ian Walker, set the monohull race record for the Round Britain & Ireland Race - 4 days, 13 hours, 10 minutes and 28 seconds. Walker went on to lead Azzam to victory in the 2014–15 Volvo Ocean Race, cementing his reputation as one of Britain’s most accomplished offshore sailors.
After four days of relentless, high-speed racing that pushed every crew to their limits. Walker commented after the 2014 Round Britain & Ireland Race: “The opening 48 hours were brutal; it was hard on the body and there wasn’t much left of our hands. Mentally, nothing was tougher than the final 12 hours as the wind died away and we fought a light-air duel with Team Campos to the finish.
“The race crew picked up a few bumps and bruises, but the sail changes were flawless and navigator Simon Fisher didn’t put a foot wrong all race,” recalled Walker. “Looking back now, the most amazing thing about that edition is that we didn’t tack once until we were back at the forts - and because of an Atlantic storm, the course had been reversed and we raced it anti-clockwise. It was an extraordinary experience from start to finish.”
2022 Overall winner under IRC was Richard Palmer’s JPK 1010 Jangada racing two-handed with Rupert Holmes: “Just a full-on race with absolutely no let-up and the pressure was always on. Mentally it was totally exhausting, but great fun with really close competition,” commented Palmer. “This race really is the pinnacle of offshore racing because it offers absolutely everything; close racing on the IRC ratings and the race track has plenty of headlands, tidal gates, all with weather systems that are constantly changing. This race just throws everything at you; it tests you to the limits.”
RORC Racing Manager, Steve Cole, commented: “The Round Britain & Ireland Race is one of the ultimate tests in offshore sailing. Its mix of coastal challenges and exposed ocean passages makes it both unpredictable and unforgettable. With the Notice of Race now published, we’re looking forward to welcoming an exceptional fleet in 2026.”
How to Enter and Follow the Race:
Online entry opens on 3 November via the official website: www.roundbritainandireland.rorc.org. The race is part of the RORC Season’s Points Championship, attracting a truly international fleet.
Stay Connected:
Spectators will be able to follow the fleet via live race tracking, with prime viewing of the start from Cowes and other headlands around the British Isles.