Sailors in the UK are enjoying spring racing and looking forward to the summer season, including the varied selection of International Rating Certificate (IRC) Championships that includes sailing events in the Irish Sea that attract interest from the Irish Cruiser Racer fleet.
Regional IRC Championships are held all around the British coast from Scotland to the Channel Islands, as well as a specific event for double handed crews, providing a large variety of venues, racing conditions and social events to be enjoyed both on and off the water.
Last August, Waterford Harbour yacht Fools Gold skippered by Rob McConnell were Welsh IRC Championships winners and earlier that season, at another event on the British IRC calendar, the Howth J109 Storm (Pat Kelly) were winners at the Scottish Series.
Waterford Harbour yacht Fools Gold skippered by Rob McConnell were Welsh IRC Championships winners
Some events will incorporate other classes racing in IRC, for instance the HP30 class will hold its National Championship at Poole Regatta; Scottish Series is a major event in the RC35 annual class championship, and along with the Welsh National IRC Championship is also part of the Celtic Cup incorporating events in Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
The 2018 GBR IRC Championships programme
· Solent – 4 events (May-Sept)
· Scottish – Scottish Series (May)
· Southern – Poole Regatta (May)
· Sussex – Sussex Regatta (June)
· South West – Falmouth Race Week (June)
· East Coast – Ramsgate Week (July)
· Welsh National – Cardigan Bay (August)
· Double Handed - Cowes (September)
· Channel Islands - Jersey (September)
· Autumn - Hamble (October)
· Inland – Windermere (November-March)