ISORA Competitors Can Now Use Their Own Fitted YB Trackers

ISORA is pleased to announce that YB tracker units supplied by RORC can be used in the MUSTO ISORA 2026 Series of Races.

The fitted tracker units are mandatory for all RORC races. ISORA boats that participate in RORC races will need to purchase a tracker unit via RORC.

ISORA will, however, continue to issues our own tracker units to those boats that do not have a fitted tracker unit, as we have done since 2015!

For the fitted (RORC) YB Tracker, ISORA will be responsible for the cost of the race line rental, and for the data used during the race. The skipper must, however, provide the tracker serial number to ISORA at least 7 days before the race.  The Notice of Race will be amended accordingly. The skipper will be responsible for ensuring that the unit is on and transmitting for the duration of the race.

ISORA Chair, Peter Ryan,  said 'ISORA introduced the YB Tracking for all Offshore Races in 2015 with the sponsorship provided by Avery Crest Ski.   The use of trackers has automated many of our Race Management functions, especially the un-manned finish line. It has provided a visual entertainment level to races, and provided an additional safety tool for the whole fleet.'

'One of the advantages  for ISORA in allowing the use of the RORC fitted tracker units is that it reduces the work for volunteers in distributing and collecting the tracker units after each race.  This is also an advantage for Skippers not having to remember to collect and then return the units!'

This agreement with YB  also allows the use of owner fitted trackers for ISORA Races.

ISORA all set-up and ready for the MUSTO 2026 Series.

We are all set-up and ready for our most extensive series of races - ever!

There is something for everybody.

• Coastal on starter Silver YTC class - see information on the Silver Class here
• Our Classic cross Channel races
• Then add in The Classics
  •  Midnight Race Liverpool to Isle of Man,
    * K2Q, and
  • Round Ireland.

19 Races - something for everyone

The entry form is now available see enrty form

ISORA To Introduce YTC Class in 2026

With  the introduction of YTC in Ireland for 2026, the ISORA Technical committee has agreed to  apply the YTC rating in both Coastal Series in Ireland and Wales for a separate 'Silver YTC Class'. See article about YTC in ireland on Afloat.ie - here

ISORA Hon. Sec., Sephen Tudore, said .. 'this Silver YTC Class is an ideal starter class for previously non-racing boats and as an introduction to the fun of Coastal Races'.

This will be on the following criteria:

• For boats without IRC Cert.
• In Costal Races only.
• Coastal Races remain Category 4 with associated safety conditions.

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 YTC is a modern, low‑cost rating system developed by the RYA and powered by the RORC Rating Office to make yacht racing more accessible and enjoyable for cruising and cruiser‑racer sailors.

It offers a simple, transparent handicap that works across a wide range of boats, encouraging participation in club racing, regattas, and one‑off events without the complexity of traditional measurement rules.

Using straightforward boat data and an easy online application process, YTC helps skippers of all experience levels compete fairly and confidently.

You can find more detail on YTC at https://rorcrating.com/ryaytc

 

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Afloat: Sam & Andrew Hall of Pwllheli are “Sailors of the Month (Ocean Racing)” for January

Son Sam and father Andrew Hall of Pwllheli won the ISORA 2025 Championship at the final hurdle in September with their Lombard 46 Pata Negra. But for the RORC East-West Transatlantic Race 2026, they put their hopes on their attractive vintage J/125 down-wind sled Jackknife, perhaps reckoning it was a case of horses for courses in hopefully brisk Trade Winds from aft of the beam. Whatever the reason, it paid off, as Jackknife in Antigua was twice on the podium, as Class Winner and Third Overall.

Read the article in Afloat.ie here

Notice of Race 2026

The 2026 Notice of Race is now published :

ISORA (Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association) is a not-for-profit members organisation responsible for offshore racing in the Irish Sea.

The Association is run by volunteers for the benefit of competitors by working in partnership with boat owners, crew, clubs, associations, and the governing bodies for boating in Ireland, Wales, and the UK.

Our mission is to promote the sport of offshore racing in the Irish Sea.

The MUSTO ISORA 2026 Series of races comprises the traditional Offshore Series of seven offshore races, an additional two long distance races, a Coastal Series in Ireland, and a Coastal Series in Wales.

The Races are subject to change, and all competitors should check the latest published schedule of races on the ISORA.org website.

This Notice of Race (NoR) applies to all ISORA organised races and includes Rules that affect every race unless modified by the Race Specific Sailing Instruction (SSIs).

When a Rule is modified in the SSIs, it takes precedence over the Rule in this Notice of Race and General Sailing Instructions.

Notice of Race for 2026 available here