Ino Veritas, skippered by James Neville, has successfully clinched line honours at the 2026 RORC Channel Race, securing both the Hugh Astor Trophy and the overall title under IRC, thus lifting the Channel Challenge Cup. The race commenced on Saturday, 25 July, navigating a challenging course of approximately 150 nautical miles from the Royal Yacht Squadron line, around various marks, and finishing in the Solent.
The event witnessed fierce competition, with Ino Veritas demonstrating exceptional speed and tactical prowess, regularly hitting speeds of 17 to 20 knots, and peaking at 24 knots. Neville remarked that the race was particularly strenuous, characterized by initial light and shifty winds, requiring constant vigilance and adaptability.
In the early stages, Ino Veritas encountered stiff competition from Khumbu, which managed to overtake briefly. However, during a long VMG leg, the team on Ino Veritas executed strategic maneuvers that allowed them to regain their position, especially after Khumbu suffered a gear failure.
The final stretch of the race tested the crew with challenging wind and tide conditions. Despite this, Ino Veritas finished just in time before the tide turned, achieving their objective of line honours and overall victory in the IRC classification. Neville expressed satisfaction with the result, noting that the race served as an important test for their preparations leading up to the Admiral’s Cup.
The race results saw Ker 46 ROST – Van Uden, skippered by Laura Louise van Veen, finishing second after IRC time correction, followed by Jean-Eudes Renier’s Pogo IRC in third place. The competition was tight, with only a few minutes separating the leading boats, emphasizing the intensity of the event.
James Neville highlighted the importance of teamwork and communication throughout the race, particularly during maneuvers that required precise coordination among crew members. He acknowledged the significant efforts of the crew, who maintained focus and executed their roles effectively under pressure.
In IRC categories, notable performances included Jacques Pelletier’s L’Ange de Milon winning the Stetson Plate in IRC One, while Jean-Eudes Renier’s Midnight Blues dominated IRC Two, securing victories and close finishes across the fleet.
As the RORC Season’s Points Championship continues, upcoming events include the RORC Baltic Sea Race starting from Helsinki on 08 August and the RORC Round Britain and Ireland Race commencing from Cowes on 09 August.
For more information about the Royal Ocean Racing Club : www.rorc.org
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