Campaign Overview

Totalling around 22 days the RB&IR is so much more than the Race itself, to get there you will spend around half of the campaign training, qualifying and honing your skills ready for the challenge at the end. The RB&IR makes its way onto the RORC calendar every 4 years which means the opportunity to take on this beast doesn't come around to often so it is well worth seizing this opportunity, as who genuinely knows what we will be doing in 4 years time after all. First Class Sailing have years of experience providing offshore Racing products to non-professional crews and those who do not own their own racing yacht. Safe, fast and fun is the mantra four our Racing events!

The Yacht: Espresso Martini Too

Espresso Martini Too, Espresso for short, is a pedigree racing yacht designed by renowned designer Bruce Farr. She provides the perfect combination of a deep, stable L-shaped bulb keel in a lightweight package with large sail plans. She is equipped with a carbon fibre mast and full suit of racing sails. Meticulously maintained by her owner who is also the campaign skipper.

Both the Skipper & 1st Mate are highly experienced and hold commercially endorsed qualifications. The yacht is coded to MCA standards and will comply with all RORC offshore safety prescriptions. Espresso was First Class Sailing's entry into the 2025 Fastnet Race competing in Class IRC 1. There is a 'meet the yacht & skipper' function planned that will take place in person or online toward the end of 2025 or early 2026.

Training

When undertaking something like the RB&IR getting the training right is imperative. There are three elements to this in the campaign, shoreside training, on the water training and 'on course' training via the qualifying races. Its also important that you put in the effort away from the formal training to turn up fit and well versed on elements such as sail trim.

Shoreside training is included in the campaign package via the RYA Sea Survival & Offshore Personal Survival courses which are pre-requisites of this Race (you will not need to attend this courses again if you already hold these qualification in date although you may wish to). These courses will run in London on the 7 & 8 February (alternatives may be available).

The afloat training will take place over a weekend in March/April 2026. This is a chance to get out sailing on Espresso, get used to her, practice maneuverers and importantly start to gel as a team. This weekend is not incorporated into any formal racing so that things can be built up sensibly for the following stages.

Next up is the three qualifying Races. These are prestigious events in and of themselves and will involve tight and competitive Racing. The three Races in question are designed to offer up a mix of conditions and will fulfil the milage requirements for the RB&IR. The key here is to see progression from race to race so that you are coming into the RB&I hot.

The Qualifiers

RORC Cervantes Trophy | Cowes - Le Harve | 110nm | 2-3 May 2026

The UK season opener for the RORC season is always well attended my teams looking to get their season off to a good start. The Race is run over the first May bank holiday and starts on the Saturday morning off the Royal Yacht Squadron Line. It is one of the more direct routes on the racing calendar however marks may be added to ensure the race duration is between 18 and 30 hours generally.

RORC Myth of Malham Race | Cowes - Eddystone Lighthouse - Hurst | 235nm | 23-25 May 2026

The Myth of Malham is the longest UK weekend Race in the RORC calendar before the RB&IR. It is also a great opportunity to practice the first 120nm of the RB&IR! The Race again starts on the RYS line and is traditionally a long beat to Eddystone lighthouse off Plymouth. The return leg is then 120nm of downwind work with spinnakers. Wherever the wind ends up coming from for this Race there is so much opportunity for refining skills.

RORC Cowes - St Malo Race | 151nm | 3-5 July 2026

Usually a international affair this Race see many French competitors make their way across the channel either specifically for this Race or as a continuance of the famous La Trinite-Cowes Race. The Race starts on the Friday afternoon/evening leaving the channel segment of the Race to be completed overnight, there is then much tidal strategy at play through the channel islands to the finish amongst the rocks at St Malo.

Competing in these Races is an achievement in itself however knowing its all in preparation for the big one leaves even more incentive to learn as much from each as possible.

The Round Britain & Ireland Race

The Royal Ocean Racing Club's Round Britain & Ireland Race (RB&IR) is 50 years old in 2026 and it is likely to be the biggest one yet! The Race itself is will start in Cowes on the 9 August 2026 to much fanfare before the sailors get there heads down into what is one of the toughest offshore Races in the world. At three times the length of many of the great offshore courses (Fastnet, Sydney-Hobart, Caribbean 600, Middle Sea Race) to be in the club that can attest to conquering the RB&IR is a true statement of sailing ability, durability and achievement.

The Race begins off Cowes, heading clockwise out of the English channel and into the Celtic Sea. Next up is entry into the Atlantic ocean as you race up the west coasts of Ireland and Scotland. Between the black rock off the NW coast of Ireland and Muckle Flugga ocean conditions will be experienced as the rounding of St Kilda to starboard keeps yachts well offshore. Rounding Muckle Flugga, the most northerly point of the course, marks the approximate half way point and is where yachts enter the North Sea and begin to tackle all it has to offer. New challenges arise such as shallows and increased traffic and, of course, the continuance of the all important tides which play such a large part in this Race. The final, traditionally upwind, stint from Dover back to the Solent is long enough to reward those who keep their heads in the game and punish those who switch off early. 2022's race winner was decided my a few minutes.

Campaign Dates

• Winter 25/26: Meet the yacht & Skipper

• 7-8 February: Sea Survival and Offshore Personal Survival Courses

• 28-29 March: Solent Training Weekend

• 2-3 May: Cervantes Trophy Race

• 23-25 May: Myth of Malham Race

• 3-5 July: Cowes Dinard St Malo Race

• 8-23 August: Round Britain & Ireland Race

Required Experience

To compete in this incredible challenge you will need the ability to be versatile, dedicated, committed and a team player. You will also be enthusiastic about sailing and yacht racing. The RB&IR is an advanced level, challenging race of extended duration. You can expect to be offshore for 10-14 days. Prior experience of offshore Racing or extended passages is required. The campaign would ideally suit those who have completed a Fastnet, overnight races with duration over 24 hours or similar types of passage in the past. A good level of fitness is required. All applications will be fully considered and please reach out to us to discuss in full detail.

Price & What's Included

The price is £6250

This can be paid in full or in three instalments. To discuss payment plans please contact the office

• Deposit of 25% at time of booking
• Interim payment of 40%
• Balance: 35%

Included within the price...

• All race entry fees
• All food on board
• Team kit
• Mooring fees
• Fuel & Gas
• Foul weather gear

Not included

• Insurance
• Travel to and from the yacht