The Round Britain & Ireland Race is one of the most demanding and iconic offshore yacht races in the world. Organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) and held every four years, the 2026 race marks the 50th anniversay edition. The 1,805-nautical mile race takes competitors on a relentless circumnavigation of the British Isles, including all of Ireland but excluding the Channel Islands. The course is sailed clockwise around the UK and Ireland, presenting a true test of endurance, seamanship, and tactical skill.
First established in 1976, the race is open to both monohulls and multihulls under IRC, MOCRA, and Class40 rules, attracting a wide mix of professional campaigns, seasoned offshore racers, and Corinthian crews. The event is known for its unpredictability—sailors must navigate through some of the most challenging waters in Europe, including the English Channel, Celtic Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Irish Sea, and the North Sea. The sheer variety of conditions—shifting wind patterns, strong tides, and rapidly changing weather—demands a high level of preparation and adaptability from every team.
Starting and finishing in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, the race course takes yachts past iconic points such as Land's End, St. Kilda, Muckle Flugga in the Shetland Islands (the most northerly point of the race), and down the North Sea past Lowestoft. These waypoints are more than navigational markers—they're milestones in a journey that tests both physical endurance and mental resilience.
The Round Britain & Ireland Race is not just a marathon of miles; it's a showcase of offshore racing at its most raw and real. Teams must be fully self-sufficient for up to two weeks at sea, depending on boat speed and weather. The race record is a target for many, but simply finishing is an achievement in itself. Conditions can vary from light airs and sunshine to full-on storms and freezing temperatures in northern latitudes.
In recent editions, the race has seen record-breaking performances as well as dramatic retirements due to gear failure or injury. The human stories are as compelling as the technical ones: youth teams gaining their first major offshore experience, seasoned pros chasing records, and international teams drawn by the allure of circumnavigating a complex and storied island group.
With its reputation for toughness and its breathtakingly varied course, the Round Britain & Ireland Race is one of the world's premier offshore challenges.
Whether you're watching from shore, following via tracker, or daring to take it on yourself, this race offers a deep connection to the traditions and future of offshore sailing—a true modern classic.