A more varied test of pure seamanship than its transatlantic counterparts, the RB&I has drawn the top names in ocean sailing.
Traditionally, when the weather deteriorates, the sailor stands offshore in deeper water, but this is not possible when the course is around our islands.
With our changes of weather and large tidal ranges, the race is accepted as a unique 2000 mile challenge to the short-handed sailor.
Established in 1966 by Blondie Haslar, the event is held every four years starting and finishing in Plymouth.
There are four compulsory stops of forty-eight hours at Kinsale, Barra, Lerwick and Lowestoft which provide the opportunity for competitors to rest, make repairs and socialise.
The hospitality in these ports is legendary. Kinsale, in Ireland, is a new port for the first stopover, to be hosted by the Kinsale Yacht Club.
Classes are to be arranged by the IRC handicap system which is a departure from the old formula whereby yachts raced level within size bands.
The Race, which starts on 11th June 2006, is open to all yachts and multihulls between 30’ and 50’ in length, crewed by two people only. Started by the Royal Western in 1966, it is one of the International classics of short-handed sailing, and over the years has attracted the great names. The course is clockwise around all of Great Britain & Ireland, and there are compulsory stops of 48 hours at Kinsale, Barra, Lerwick and Lowestoft. It is always a terrific test of endurance and seamanship, and not for the faint hearted.
The race documents may be downloaded from:
Notice of Race
Entry Form
Qualification Form
Notice of Race - Amendment 1, 5 January 2005
Notice of Race - Amendment 2, 1 November 2005
Notice of Race - Amendment 3, 7 December 2005
Notice of Race - Amendment 4, 27 February 2006
Sailing Instructions - 29 May 2006
Follow the preparations for the race and the progress of the competitors at the Shetland RB&I site www.rwyc.org/oceanic/RBI06
