RORC Round Britain and Ireland Race 2026 begins in Cowes

The 2026 RORC Round Britain and Ireland Race has officially commenced, marking the 50th anniversary of the offshore sailing event. The race began at the Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes with 32 competing boats and 182 sailors representing 22 countries.

The 1,805-nautical-mile course is designed to test the endurance and skill of crews as they navigate through the English Channel, the west coast of Ireland, St Kilda, the Shetland Islands, and the North Sea. Early race reports indicate that Johnny Vincent’s Volvo 70 Pace led the pack shortly after the start, followed by Jens Kellinghusen’s Ker 56 Varuna 6.

RORC Commodore Deb Fish, a veteran of the race, is participating on the boat Bellino alongside crew members Nicole Hemeryck and Joe Griffiths. Fish highlighted the race's importance in demonstrating the physical and mental rigors of offshore racing and its role in developing young sailors.