Organised by Wicklow Sailing Club in association with the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), the SSE Renewables Round Ireland Race is Ireland’s premier offshore yacht race, and one of the longest in the RORC calendar. The first race took place in 1980 with only sixteen boats and since then, held biennially, the race fleet has steadily grown attracting a variety of racing yachts from around the world.

This will be the first time that Clipper Events has entered boats into this iconic race, but with success of our past two Rolex Fastnet Race campaigns in 2023 and 2025, the demand for offshore racing experiences means that the Round Ireland Race is a great option for those seeking the thrill of big boat sailing, along with the camaraderie and enjoyment that comes with it! Sailing aboard a  Clipper 68 race yacht , with up to twelve spaces are available, for individuals or groups, where you will come together as a race crew, forming new friendships, sharing knowledge and building on your sailing experience.

CREW QUALIFICATIONS & ELIGIBLITY

This is not a race for novices and as a result all competitors must have recent evidence of prior offshore racing experience and a percentage of race crew must also hold certain RYA qualifications. Please see the ‘Who can enter’ section below for more information.

When booking online, you will be able to advise if you have any of the required qualifications. If you do not these qualifications, you are still eligible to take part as we will make every effort to arrange the crew allocation accordingly in order to meet the requirements. However, if we do not meet the minimum crew qualification requirements, crew may be asked to take part in these courses at your own expense.

Finally, there is also an eligibility requirement for the boat and race crew which means that the boat and a minimum of 50% of its crew must complete a non-stop passage of at least 300 nautical miles prior to the race. To meet this requirement, your booking with Clipper Events includes a pre-race passage from Gosport to Dublin (approx. 400 miles), providing a fantastic opportunity to get familiar with the Clipper 68, whilst gaining some valuable offshore sailing experience with your fellow crew mates prior to the 700 nautical mile SSE Renewables Round Ireland Race 2026.

RETURN PASSAGE FROM IRELAND – Friday 26th June to 2nd July 2026 

Return passage from Ireland to Gosport is included in this package if you have been part of the Race Crew for Around Ireland – please be sure to inform us whether you will be departing after the race or joining the return passage.

We would welcome anyone who would like to join us purely for the return passage from Ireland to Gosport, use the opportunity to build miles and experience an offshore passage aboard a Clipper 68! So long as you are Clipper Level 1/RYA Day Skipper qualified, you can do so for £450pp – please contact us on +44 (0)2393 382848 or email [email protected]. ** Please note the inclusions will differ to those outlined on this page if only the Return Passage is booked.

More information regarding the inclusions, itinerary, requirements can be found further down this page and you can also view/download the event information pack by clicking the Brochure button. For any other questions, please contact us on +44 (0)2393 382848 or email [email protected].