Six Months Before Racing Begins at Poole Regatta 2026
by Poole Regatta 24 Nov 2025 13:16 UTC
23-25 May 2026
International Paint Poole Regatta © Ian Roman / International Paint Poole Regatta
There are now only six months remaining until the starting gun fires at the International Paint Poole Regatta and the IRC European Championship 2026. Running from the 23rd to 25th May with an extra day of racing on the 22nd for sailors competing in the IRC European Championship, it is one of the first major UK regattas of 2026 and promises to provide a spectacular start to the sailing season.
The regatta, organized by a highly respected and experienced race committee from the combined yacht clubs of Poole goes from strength to strength and at the time of writing over 100 yacht owners, from a wide variety of classes, have already submitted expressions of interest to be alerted as soon as entries open at the end of the year. Having run biannually since the millennium, Poole's great balance of competitive racing over five courses and enjoyable post racing socials has led to ever increasing entry numbers and is a firm favourite amongst sailors.
The classes of yacht expressing interest for 2026 already include IRC, TP52, Performance40, Cape31, Performance30, VPRS, J70, J24, Impala, Sonata, Contessa32, HP30, Quarter Ton Class, Mini Ton, Sports boats, RS21, Classics, Folkboat Class, Sigma 33 & 38's, Beneteau 40.7, Flying Fifteens, 2.4mR, Shrimpers, XOD and non spinnaker Gentlemen's Class. There truly is a start for everyone.
Alongside the prestigious IRC European Championship, the event will also host the IRC Southern Area Championship, J80 National Championship, J24 Southern Championship, Sonata Southern Championship, Impala Southern Championship, 2.4m Tidal National Championship, Mini Ton Cup.
Five racecourses will be laid across Poole Bay and inside the harbour, against the stunning backdrop of the Purbeck Hills and sandy beaches of Sandbanks and Bournemouth to optimize competitive starts across the various fleets and ensure exciting, closely fought races. If you haven't already expressed interest in taking part, or added it to your diary for 2026, visit pooleregatta.co.uk to find out more.
The regatta couldn't take place without sponsors International Paint, Haven Knox-Johnston, Charles Stanley, Poole Harbour Commissioners, Stoneways Marine, Salcombe Distilling Co., Rooster and The Knot Agency.
To register your interest or find out more, visit pooleregatta.co.uk
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