The 50th anniversary of the RORC Round Britain and Ireland Race promises to be a spectacular event, with a diverse fleet of 33 boats set to embark from Cowes on Sunday, 9 August 2026. The first warning signal will be at 1320 BST. Organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club in association with the Royal Yacht Squadron, this race is renowned for its challenging course and competitive spirit.
The race will feature powerful monohulls competing for Line Honours and IRC corrected time victory. The Class40 division will see boats racing to be the first to finish. Leading Line Honours contenders include Johnny Vincent’s Volvo 70 Pace, Jens Kellinghusen’s Ker 56 Varuna VI, and Antoine Magre’s Mach 50 Palanad 4, all set to showcase their capabilities in the demanding 1,805-nautical-mile course.
The race record, held by Ian Walker’s VO65 Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing – Azzam, stands at 4 days, 13 hours, 10 minutes and 28 seconds, achieved during the storm-lashed 2014 race. Teams will need not only speed but also the right conditions to break this formidable benchmark.
In IRC Zero, Pace leads on rating, followed closely by Varuna VI and Palanad 4, each representing different approaches to speed and strategy. Graeme Lewis’s maxi Venomous also joins the fray, bringing a wealth of experience to the competition. The collective expertise of the crews will be essential as the race unfolds across varying sea conditions.
The Class40 division is expected to be fiercely contested, with the record currently held by Phil Sharp’s Imerys Clean Energy. With recent advancements in scow-bow designs, this record could be challenged, provided weather conditions permit a sustained high-speed performance.
Jon Tyrrel will helm the Pogo S4 Gambit, racing with a skilled British crew, while American Greg Leonard’s Mach 40.6 Swift features Vendée Globe veteran Miranda Merron. The Dutch entry Tjoba, a more traditional Class40, adds an element of resilience, helmed by Minus Tjeenk Willink and Erik van Vuuren.
As the countdown to the race begins, all eyes will be on the competitors as they prepare for one of the most exhilarating challenges in offshore sailing. The journey promises to test both the boats and their crews, ensuring a thrilling spectacle for sailors and fans alike.
Follow the drama as the race unfolds at the official RORC Round Britain and Ireland Race website: www.roundbritainandireland.rorc.org.
Louay Habib/RORC
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