The 2026 RORC Round Britain and Ireland Race officially came to a close with a Prize-Giving at the RORC Cowes Clubhouse on Saturday 3 October, bringing together more than 60 of the sailors who had taken on the 1,805-nautical-mile challenge.
2026 Round Britain and Ireland Race © Louay Habib/RORC
After welcome drinks and plenty of conversation between crews, RORC Commodore Deb Fish welcomed the sailors. Fish had first-hand experience of the 50th anniversary race, having competed on Bellino with Rob Craigie. This was Fish’s third Round Britain and Ireland Race
“You’ve got to sail 1,800 miles—probably 2,000 by the time you’ve gone around everything. You’ve got to avoid wind farms, sandbanks, rocks—you name it. It’s a properly tough race,” said Fish.
Recalling her own first Round Britain and Ireland Race in 2000, Fish spoke about memories that had remained vivid more than a quarter of a century later—from high-speed sailing across the Celctic Sea to rough conditions and some very close calls.
“Remember this race. It’s a special race,” she told the assembled sailors. “A massive well done to every single one of you.”
2026 Round Britain and Ireland Race © Louay Habib/RORC
RORC General Manager Paul Arkwright met many of the crews during the evening before RORC Racing Manager Chris Jackson called every team forward to receive their prizes and awards, recognising achievements right across the fleet.
2026 Round Britain and Ireland Race © Louay Habib/RORC
The Prize-Giving was followed by a well-attended crew supper at the Clubhouse. Inevitably, the conversation soon moved from memories of the 2026 race to what comes next, with plenty of discussion about plans for RORC racing in 2027.
2026 Round Britain and Ireland Race © Louay Habib/RORC
There was also one final example of the camaraderie that had characterised the race itself. A special mention goes to Tigris sailor Gavin Howe, who provided transport to the prize-giving and back to the mainland for many of his fellow competitors.
2026 Round Britain and Ireland Race © Louay Habib/RORC
After 1,805 nautical miles around Britain and Ireland, it was fitting that the 50th anniversary race should finish where so many offshore racing stories begin and end—with sailors together at the RORC Cowes Clubhouse, swapping stories and already talking about the next race.
RORC Griffin with the Gay Gannet Cup*
Full Gallery—2026 Round Britain and Ireland Race
John Illingworth Trophy – IRC Overall: Johnny Vincent’s Volvo 70 Pace
Windward Sailing Trophy – IRC Zero: Johnny Vincent’s Volvo 70 Pace
Kenneth Mason Trophy – IRC One: Sam and Andrew Hall’s Lombard 46 Pata Negra
Robert Morris Memorial Trophy – IRC Two: Ian Hoddle’s Sky Business – Game On
Teddy Hicks Memorial Trophy – IRC Three: Mark Brown’s JPK 1010 Jetpack
Rebel Maid Trophy – Two-Handed Class: Ian Hoddle and Willow Bland Sun Fast 3300 Sky Business – Game On
Lekeitio Cup – First Class40 Home: Greg Leonard’s Swift
Gay Gannet Cup – Youth Trophy: RORC Griffin*
*The Gay Gannet Cup carried particular significance in the 50th anniversary race. Originally presented after the first Round Britain and Ireland Race in 1976, the historic trophy was revived for 2026 to recognise youth sailing and was awarded to the best-performing IRC boat with at least 50% of its crew under the age of 25 on the race start date. Its return provided a strong link between the origins of the race and the next generation of offshore sailors, with RORC Griffin becoming the first winner of the trophy in its new role as the Youth Trophy.