ISORA Launches Under 25 Sailor Prize to Drive Youth Participation in Irish Sea Offshore Racing

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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