IRC Northern Ireland Championship to Debut in 2025

The RORC Rating Office and the GBR IRC Committee are delighted to have approved an exciting new championship for the 2025 GBR IRC racing calendar, underscoring their commitment to expanding competitive sailing opportunities and fostering regional participation in premier racing events.

Royal Ulster Yacht Club (RUYC) is proud to announce that it will host the inaugural IRC Northern Ireland Championship on July 19–20, 2025. This exciting new addition to the GBR IRC Championships will take place in the stunning surroundings of Belfast Lough, a venue long celebrated for its exceptional sailing conditions and rich maritime heritage.

RUYC is renowned for organizing Bangor Weeks, which have evolved into the Bangor Regatta, a popular biennial event run under IRC and YTC handicaps. The addition of the IRC Northern Ireland Championship solidifies Belfast Lough as a premier destination for competitive sailing.

A Prime Location for IRC Racing

Located within easy reach of the West Coast of Scotland, Isle of Man, Strangford Lough, North Wales, and Dublin, Belfast Lough offers ideal conditions for high-calibre yacht racing. The main racing area, situated in the sheltered yet open waters off Bangor, benefits from light commercial traffic, manageable tidal flows, and a variety of course options starting from either a Committee Boat or the Club’s Starting Battery. For coastal races, the stronger tides at the Lough’s entrance provide additional navigational challenges, adding variety to the competition.

Exceptional Facilities and Hospitality

Competitors will enjoy the convenience and quality of Bangor Marina, an award-winning facility in the heart of Bangor City, offering ample berthing space with all-tide access, nearby boatyard and chandlery services, and a vibrant array of hospitality venues. RUYC’s historic clubhouse, a mere five-minute walk from the marina, is famed for its warm welcome to visiting sailors and boasts unparalleled views over Belfast Lough, extending to the Mull of Kintyre and the approaches to the Clyde.

The Royal Ulster Yacht Club is delighted to invite sailors from across the region and beyond to join this inaugural championship. With a mix of challenging courses, world-class facilities, and renowned hospitality, the IRC Northern Ireland Championship promises to be a highlight of the 2025 sailing season.

To find out more, visit the RUYC website.