Poole Regatta to Host IRC European Championship 2026
by Chris Jones 1 Apr 20:54 UTC
22-25 May 2026
2024 International Paint Poole Regatta © Ian Roman / International Paint Poole Regatta
The next International Paint Poole Regatta will take place over the late May bank holiday 2026. The enviable track record Poole has built for hosting unmissable regattas continues in 2026 with the inclusion of the prestigious IRC European Championship as an integral element of racing, alongside multiple class starts across many of the most popular yacht racing classes.
The dates to save in your calendar are as follows:
IRC European Championship - 4 days - Friday 22nd to Monday 25th May
All other classes - 3 days - Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th May
Poole Regatta has become a key biennial feature of the yacht racing calendar drawing sailors from all over the UK, Europe and beyond to race in one of the fastest growing and most popular yachting events in the UK. Highly competitive racing combined with a great atmosphere and buzzing social gatherings has proven to be a great combination.
Following the huge success in 2024 of Poole hosting the first GBR IRC Nationals to be held outside of the Solent, RORC has entrusted the combined yacht clubs of Poole to organise and run the 2026 IRC European Championship. Sailors from around the UK, across the Channel and over the Irish Sea will join together for four days of competitive racing in a spectacular environment, framed by the Purbeck Hills and Jurassic Coast.
Commenting on the agreement for Poole Regatta to host the IRC European Championship, Jeremy Wilton, Chief Executive of RORC remarked, "The 2024 GBR IRC National Championship in Poole was an exceptionally well-organised and successful event. For the 2026 IRC European Championship, we anticipate strong participation from UK and international boats. Poole and the surrounding bay is a fantastic venue, supported by International Paint Poole Regatta's excellent organisation and Poole's vibrant sailing community".
Andrew Pearce, President of The International Paint Poole Regatta said, "I am delighted that the Royal Ocean Racing Club has invited us to host the IRC European Championship alongside our International Paint Poole Regatta 2026. We look forward to record numbers of yachts competing, including TP52s, Cape31s, all IRC Classes, VPRS and those sailing under the YTC rating system."
The prize-giving for all competitors will be held at The Royal Motor Yacht Club following the completion of racing on Monday 25th May.
The weekend of racing will once again be organised by the Combined Yacht Clubs of Poole, who have gained a strong reputation for the professional organisation of Poole Regatta since 2000. The long-term sponsorship of International Paint and the overwhelmingly positive competitor feedback since the first event, inaugurated to celebrate the millennium, is testament to this.
To find out more about Poole Regatta 2026 and all our other sponsors visit Pooleregatta.co.uk and follow the event on Facebook and Instagram to be informed about all the latest developments.