A full circumnavigation of Ireland: 704 nautical miles along rugged coastlines, past lighthouses and islands, in weather conditions that can change dramatically within just a few hours. This is the route of the Round Ireland Yacht Race, one of the great classics of European offshore sailing, which from 20 June will also see at the start Maccaferri Futura, the Class40 yacht of Officine Maccaferri.

The race, organised every two years by Wicklow Sailing Club in collaboration with the Royal Irish Yacht Club and the Royal Ocean Racing Club, is Ireland’s leading offshore competition and the second longest race on the RORC calendar. The 2026 edition will see more than 60 boats at the start, confirming the international appeal of a competition first held in 1980 and which has grown over time to attract crews from all over the world, with a diverse fleet ranging from the smallest yachts to the most structured offshore teams. The course still retains its original format: starting from Wicklow, on Ireland’s east coast, competitors must leave Ireland and all its islands to starboard, excluding Rockall, before returning to the port of departure.

For Maccaferri Futura, it will be an intense and spectacular test, at a particularly busy stage of the offshore sailing season. On board, alongside ocean skipper Luca Rosetti, will be Pierre Brasseur and boat captain Yaël Poupon: a solid and close-knit crew, ready to take on a race that demands speed, endurance and a strong ability to read conditions at sea. From the initial run along the Irish Sea to make the most of the tides, to the passage of Tuskar with the prevailing south-westerly winds, and then up the western coast amid long ocean swells, often challenging conditions and decisive tactical choices, the Round Ireland will require speed, endurance and a great ability to read the sea.

“Competing in races of this calibre means giving continuity to the spirit in which the Maccaferri Futura project was created: taking on complex challenges with preparation, determination and the ability to work as a team” – commented Sergio Iasi, Chairman of Officine Maccaferri. “The Round Ireland Yacht Race is a historic, technical and closely followed event in the European offshore sailing scene, and represents an important opportunity to confirm the team’s growth path.”

“The Round Ireland Yacht Race has a special appeal” – said Luca Rosetti. “The circumnavigation of Ireland tests crew and boat in every respect: speed, tactical choices, current management and the ability to adapt to changing weather conditions. For Maccaferri Futura, it will be a demanding challenge, but also an important opportunity to measure the work done so far.”