The 2026 RORC Round Britain and Ireland Race commenced from the Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes on Sunday, 9 August. A total of 32 boats, manned by 182 sailors from 22 countries, set sail on this challenging 1,805-nautical-mile course.
Under bright conditions, the fleet made a clean start, heading east through the Solent. Crews faced an immediate upwind passage as winds picked up to 10-15 knots. The race promises to test the limits of both boats and sailors, navigating through the complex waters of the North Sea, English Channel, and around various headlands and islands.
RORC Commodore Deb Fish, a veteran of the race, is back on Bellino, this time racing four-handed with new crew members. Fish emphasised the race’s significance in showcasing the essence of offshore racing, which involves overcoming various challenges as a cohesive team.
As the fleet left Cowes, the first evening may present rough conditions as crews contend with opposing winds and currents. The opening night is expected to provide a stark introduction to the trials that lie ahead.
Two hours post-start, Johnny Vincent’s Volvo 70 Pace led the pack, closely followed by Jens Kellinghusen’s Ker 56 Varuna 6. The Class40 fleet saw a tight competition at the front, particularly between Pierre LeBoucher’s Penfret and Greg Leonard’s Swift.
For live updates and tracking of the race, the public can follow RORC’s media channels. With this being the 50th anniversary of the race, it remains a prominent event in the sailing calendar.
Louay Habib/RORC
For more details, visit the official website at www.roundbritainandireland.rorc.org.
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