Offshore Races

Round Ireland Race

Round Ireland in 704 miles, starting and finishing in Wicklow.

Created in 1980 by Wicklow Sailing Club, the race goes round Ireland leaving the island to starboard: south to the Tuskar Rock, along the south coast, up the Atlantic west coast, then across the north past Tory Island and Rathlin Island before heading back down the Irish Sea to Wicklow. It is sailed in June every two years, crewed or double-handed. Guy Gillon's Khumbu won in 2026, after Éric de Turckheim's NMYD 54 Teasing Machine in 2024.

Start
Wicklow
Finish
Wicklow
Theoretical distance
704 nm
Frequency
Every 2 years (even years)
Classes
IRC, Class40
Next start
(to be confirmed)
Official website
wicklowsailingclub.ie

Recent winners

At a glance: frequently asked questions

Round Ireland Race: when is the next start?

The next start is scheduled for June 2028 in Wicklow. The date is still to be confirmed by the organiser.

Round Ireland Race: how long is the course?

The theoretical course is 704 nautical miles, starting and finishing in Wicklow.

Round Ireland Race: who won the last edition?

Guy Gillon on Khumbu, in 2026.

Round Ireland Race: which boats take the start?

Classes on the start line: IRC, Class40.

Round Ireland Race: how often is the race held?

Every 2 years (even years).

Indicative course: the actual route depends on the weather. Figures taken from the sources below.

Sources

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