Round Ireland Yacht Race 2012

2012 will mark the 32nd anniversary of Ireland’s premier off-shore sailing event, organised by Wicklow Sailing Club in association with RORC.

The  Round Ireland Yacht Race departs from Wicklow Bay at 12 noon on Sunday 24th June 2012, leaving Ireland and all its islands to starboard.

2012 Race Documentation now available here.

The Round Ireland Yacht Race is the longest race in the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) calendar, comparable to similar Offshore Races such as the Fastnet, Malta Middle Sea, Sydney-Hobart and China Sea races. The first race took place in 1980 with only thirteen boats. Since then, held biannually, the fleet has grown steadily, and in the order of 60 yachts are expected to participate next year.

Sailing around Ireland poses many challenges for boats and crew, with open ocean on the south and west coasts, tidal challenges on north and east coasts apart from all the off lying rocks and sanbanks to keep navigators on their toes and not forgetting the vagaries of the Atlantic weather systems. This is very much a sailors race but armchair spectators can follow the race on their computers, thanks to our modern race tracker technology.

 A Round Ireland Sail Fest (Thur 21 - Sun 24 June) will complement the race preparations and add a welcome level of fun and entertainment for all coming down to Wicklow for the Race start.

Race Photos Courtesy of David Branigan

"Round Ireland" and "Round Ireland Yacht Race" are registered Trademarks owned by Wicklow Sailing Club.