Seven Lighthouses, 240 Nautical Miles: The Inishtearaght Skelligs Race 2026 Lights Up Kinsale

The 2026 Inishtearaght Skelligs Race was a great success for Kinsale Yacht Club, with 19 boats crossing the start line on Friday 29th May. This year we are thrilled that Cantor Fitzgerald came aboard as sponsor. Thanks to their support we were able to commission a stunning set of trophies from West Cork sculptor Paddy McCormack.

Racing around Inishtearaght is a real test of seamanship. It is a genuine achievement for everyone who takes part. At 240 nautical miles, the course runs along some of the most spectacular coastline in the country. It’s unique in passing seven lighthouses along the way, a detail Paddy McCormack captured beautifully in the trophies. It’s a proper offshore race, though competitors are never far from a safe harbour if they need to retire for any reason.

“SCORA and ISORA both gave us tremendous support. A special word of gratitude goes to SCORA Commodore Daragh Connolly, who slept in his car through Sunday morning so he could welcome every boat home”, said Race Director David Cullinane.

Many of the entrants are now heading for the Round Ireland Race June 20th, using the Inishtearaght Skelligs as a proving ground. Skipper Johnny Treanor mentioned that he was delighted to put his new boat, Cristina, through conditions like these, a chance to test the boat and the crew before the bigger challenge ahead.

The buzz around the club for the prize giving was electric. Visiting crews are going home spreading the word that Kinsale Yacht Club is a welcoming club that runs a great event! A number have already said they will be back again in 2028.

“This is Kinsale Yacht Club at its best. The welcome, the work our volunteers and staff put in, the atmosphere at the prize giving, that’s what people remember and talk about when they get home. We very much want to build on it. There’s no reason the Inishtearaght Skelligs Race can’t become one of Ireland’s premier offshore races”, said Race Director David Cullinane.

Bravo to all our home boats and crews! A heartfelt thank you for your support:

Valfreya (David Riome, Tom O’Connor) – 1st IRC Double Handed
Shindig (Alice and Tony Kingston) – 2nd IRC Double Handed
Cinnamon Girl (Cian McCarthy, Sam Hunt) – retired

Reavra Too (Stephen Lysaght) – 2nd IRC & Echo
Artful DodJer (Finbarr O’Regan) – 3rd IRC & Echo
White Tiger (Tony O’Brien)
Meridian (Tom Roche)

Congratulations to owners John Malone, Emmet Sheridan and the crew of Loinnir winners of IRC and Echo who were nominated “Sailors of the Month (Offshore)” for May by Afloat Magazine. Loinnir sure did sparkle.