News 2026
News Items for the 2026 ISORA Season.
Race 12 CW4 (CW = Coastal Wales)
Saturday 27th June 2026
This race is the 12th Race in the Musto ISORA 2026 series and the 4th race of the ISORA “Plas Heli Coastal Series” So many races within the same race!
This is a 10 hour race - in Tremadog bay with a fixed course and scoring decided on the greatest distance sailed in that time corrected with IRC.
The Notice of Race is available here
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 2026
ISORA Launches Under 25 Sailor Prize to Drive Youth Participation in Irish Sea Offshore Racing
The Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association introduces a new season-long points prize open to all sailors aged 25 and under competing across the full ISORA Calendar — both offshore and coastal races — from the 2026 season onwards.
DUN LAOGHAIRE, April 2026 — The Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association (ISORA) has today announced the launch of the ISORA Under 25 Sailor Prize, a new initiative designed to reward and encourage young sailors competing in Irish Sea offshore and coastal racing. The prize takes effect from the 2026 ISORA season and is open to eligible sailors on both Irish and Welsh/UK registered boats.
Offshore racing has long been one of sailing's most demanding and rewarding disciplines, yet attracting younger sailors into the sport — and keeping them there — remains one of the most pressing challenges facing the racing community. The ISORA Committee has developed this prize as a direct response to that challenge, creating a structured, season-long incentive that places young sailors at the heart of the competition.
"We want young sailors to see ISORA as a home for their racing ambitions," said a spokesperson for the ISORA Committee. "This prize gives them a real reason to get out on the water, race hard across the season, and be recognised for what they achieve. It also gives boat owners a clear incentive to bring younger crew into their programmes — which is good for the fleet, good for the sport, and good for the Irish Sea sailing community as a whole."
How the Prize Works
The prize is awarded to the individual Under 25 sailor who accumulates the most points across the ISORA Calendar over the course of the season. Points are earned based on the finishing position of the sailor's boat in its class: 10 points for a class win, down to 1 point for 10th place and below. Critically, every qualifying Under 25 sailor on board receives points — not just the skipper.
To qualify, a boat must carry a minimum of two Under 25 crew for full crew entries, or one Under 25 sailor for two-handed entries. To be eligible for the season prize, a sailor must compete on qualifying boats in a minimum of three ISORA Calendar races — ensuring the prize rewards sustained commitment across the season rather than a single outstanding result.
Eligibility is determined by age on the date of the first race of the ISORA season. Sailors who are 25 or under on that date are eligible for the full season, regardless of any birthday during the campaign.
Both offshore races and coastal races count equally toward the prize, giving young sailors on boats with mixed programmes maximum opportunity to participate and score points throughout the season.
Open to the Whole Irish Sea Fleet
The prize is open to both Irish and Welsh registered boats competing on the ISORA Calendar, reflecting the cross-Irish Sea character of the association and its commitment to serving the entire racing community. Whether racing out of Dún Laoghaire, Pwllheli, Howth, or any other port in the fleet, Under 25 sailors on qualifying boats are eligible to compete for the prize.
Looking Ahead
ISORA is in discussions with potential sponsors to establish a named trophy for the prize, which would further raise its profile and provide lasting recognition for the young sailors who compete for it. Further announcements will be made in due course.
The full rules and eligibility criteria for the ISORA Under 25 Sailor Prize are available from the ISORA Committee and will be published on the association's website at www.isora.org.
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Notes to Editors About ISORA The Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association (ISORA) is a not-for-profit members' organisation responsible for offshore racing in the Irish Sea. Founded in 1972, ISORA promotes the sport of offshore racing and runs a programme of offshore and coastal races across the Irish Sea, open to boats from Ireland and Wales/UK. The association is run entirely by volunteers in partnership with boat owners, crew, yacht clubs, and the governing bodies for sailing in Ireland and the UK. About the ISORA Under 25 Sailor Prize The prize is a season-long points competition open to sailors aged 25 or under competing on qualifying boats in ISORA Calendar races. A minimum of three qualifying races must be completed to be eligible for the season prize. Full eligibility criteria and rules are available from ISORA. Media Enquiries ISORA Committee | www.isora.org |
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.
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.
- Midnight Race Liverpool to Isle of Man,
19 Races - something for everyone
The entry form is now available see enrty form
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
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:
- Coastal Races remain Category 4 with associated safety conditions.
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
Jackknife has completed the RORC Transatlantic Race in 11 days, 13hrs, 6 mins, 22 sec having raced for 3,022 miles.
🏆1st in Class
🏆 3rd Overall
Congratulatoions to the team:
Andrew and Sam Hall, Thomas Tudor, Nick Butterworth, and Chris Jones from Pwllheli Sailing Club joined by Mark Bolger (Cork) and Fabio Galea (Malta).
ISORA is saddened to learn of the passing of David Pearson. We extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.
David presented the Wolf’s Head Trophy to ISORA, a prize that has been awarded every year to our overall champion. His contribution has become a defining part of offshore racing in the Irish Sea.
Information about the trophy, including the full list of winners from 1977 to 2025, is available on the ISORA website under Wolf’s Head Trophy.
David’s legacy lives on through this prestigious award, which remains one of the most sought‑after achievements for offshore sailors in the Irish Sea.
David was 94 when he died, and his funeral will take place at Landican, Wirral, on Friday 6 February at noon.
ISORA boat from Pwllheli, Jackknife will start the 3,000 miles RORC Transatlantic race on Sunday 11th January at 12.30hrs.
Andrew and Sam Hall, Thomas Tudor, Nick Butterworth, and Chris Jones from Pwllheli Sailing Club are joined by Mark Bolger (Cork) and Fabio Galea (Malta). We wish them fair winds and a safe, fast race.
The race can be followed on the YB Tracker - use this link -
The race starts from Lanzarote's capital Arrecife. All boats must round a turning mark off Puerto Calero before heading into the Atlantic Ocean and westwards then to Antigua.
The fleet is composed of cutting-edge monohulls, high-performance multihulls, performance cruisers and smaller offshore racers. Crew representing 19 nations from around the world will be racing with a wide range of goals, targets and ambitions.
I am sure that many of us will be following their every move with great interest.
The Jackknife team relaxing at the GalaDinner before the big adventure.
ISORA 2026 RACE CALENDAR
Installation Instructions
The ISORA_2026_Race_Schedule_V07.ics file can be imported into any calendar application. Follow the instructions below for your device or calendar system.
📅 Download Calendar (ICS)
Choose your device by type:
APPLE DEVICES (iPhone/iPad)
Method 1 - Direct Import:
Download the .ics file to your device
Tap on the downloaded file
Tap "Add All" when prompted
The events will be added to your default calendar
You can choose which calendar to add them to if you have multiple calendars
Method 2 - Via Files App:
Save the .ics file to your Files app
Tap the file in Files
Select "Open in Calendar"
Tap "Add All"
APPLE COMPUTER (Mac)
Download the .ics file to your Mac
Double-click the file
Calendar app will open automatically
A dialog will appear asking which calendar to add the events to
Select your preferred calendar (or create a new "ISORA 2026" calendar)
Click "OK" or "Add"
All 20 events will be imported
Tip: Create a new calendar called "ISORA 2026" first for easier management:
Open Calendar app
File > New Calendar
Name it "ISORA 2026"
Then import the .ics file into this new calendar
GOOGLE CALENDAR (Web Browser)
Download the .ics file to your computer
Go to calendar.google.com
On the left side, find "Other calendars" and click the "+" button
Select "Import"
Click "Select file from your computer"
Choose the ISORA_2026_Race_Schedule_V07.ics file
Select which calendar to add the events to (or create a new one)
Click "Import"
You'll see a confirmation showing how many events were imported
Note: The events will automatically sync to your phone if you use Google Calendar on mobile.
ANDROID DEVICES
Method 1 - Via Google Calendar:
Import the file using Google Calendar on a computer (see instructions above)
The events will automatically sync to your Android device
Method 2 - Direct Import:
Download the .ics file to your device
Tap the downloaded file
Select "Calendar" or your calendar app when prompted
The events will be imported
Method 3 - Via Gmail:
Email the .ics file to yourself
Open the email on your Android device
Tap the .ics attachment
Select "Import" or "Add to Calendar"
MICROSOFT OUTLOOK (Desktop)
Download the .ics file to your computer
Open Outlook
Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export
Select "Import an iCalendar (.ics) or vCalendar file (.vcs)"
Click "Next"
Browse to select the ISORA_2026_Race_Schedule_V07.ics file
Click "OK"
Choose "Import" (recommended) rather than "Open as New"
The events will be added to your calendar
OUTLOOK.COM (Web Browser)
Download the .ics file to your computer
Go to outlook.com and sign in
Click the calendar icon
Click "Add calendar" in the left sidebar
Select "Upload from file"
Click "Browse" and select the .ics file
Choose which calendar to import into
Click "Import"
MICROSOFT 365 / OUTLOOK (Mac)
Download the .ics file
Open Outlook for Mac
Go to File > Import
Select "Calendar from file (.ics)"
Navigate to the downloaded file
Click "Import"
Choose which calendar to add events to
OTHER CALENDAR APPLICATIONS
Most calendar applications support .ics files. The general process is:
1. Download the .ics file
2. Open your calendar application
3. Look for "Import", "Add Calendar", or "Open File" in the File or Settings menu
4. Select the .ics file
5. Choose which calendar to add the events to
6. Confirm the import
Common menu locations:
- File > Import
- Settings > Import Calendar
- Add Calendar > From File
- File > Open
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem: Events appear in the wrong time zone
Solution: Check your calendar's time zone settings. The .ics file uses Europe/Dublin time zone.
Problem: Events don't appear after importing
Solution:
- Make sure you selected the correct calendar to import into
- Try refreshing or syncing your calendar
- Check if the events were added to a different calendar than expected
Problem: File won't open
Solution:
- Make sure the file has the .ics extension
- Try opening it directly with your calendar app instead of double-clicking
- On mobile, try emailing it to yourself and opening from email
Problem: Only some events imported
Solution: The file contains 20 events (19 races + 1 season information event). Check your calendar carefully - offshore races may be on different dates than you expect.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
The calendar file includes:
✓ All 5 Irish Coastal Series races (including the night race)
✓ All 5 Welsh Coastal Series races
✓ All 9 Offshore races including Round Ireland and James Eadie
✓ Start times where specified
✓ Race distances and categories
✓ Entry fee information
✓ Reminder alerts (1-3 days before each race)
✓ One season information event with championship and fee details
MANAGING YOUR CALENDAR
Tips for best use:
* Create a dedicated "ISORA 2026" calendar so you can show/hide races easily
* The calendar includes reminder alerts - adjust these in your calendar settings if needed
* Update the TBD race (14O7 - July 25th) once details are confirmed
* You can edit individual events if plans change
* Share the calendar with your crew by exporting and sending them the .ics file
NEED HELP?
If you have trouble importing the calendar, you can also:
- Manually add events by referring to the original PDF schedule
- Ask your sailing club's IT-savvy members for assistance
- Contact your device manufacturer's support for calendar import help
See you on the water!
Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association
www.isora.org
Anticipated 2026 Class bands are anticipated as follows:
Class 0 = 1.070 or greater
Class 1 = 1.010 to 1.069
Class 2 = 1.009 or less
2026 bands will be published before the first Race.
More DetailsPlease Get in Touch to Know More About ISORA
The Association is run by volunteers for the benefit of competitors by working in partnership with boat owners, crew, yacht and sailing clubs, other associations and the governing bodies for boating in Ireland, Wales and the UK.| Home | About | Contact | Declaration | Disclaimer | Results |
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