Irish Match Racing Association
What is Match Racing?
Match Racing is a fast-paced dynamic discipline of our sport. It is easy to follow and understand, but contains a lot of tactics and strategy, especially in the pre-start. Fundamentally a match race consists of two identical boats racing against each other. With effective boat handling and prudent use of wind and currents, a trailing boat can escape the grasp of the leader and pass. It is an extremely challenging duel that tests, tactics, strategy, rules knowledge and application, boat handling and teamwork. Want to find out more? Head to our Resources page for some more information.
Our Goal
Our goal is to promote, facilitate and develop the discipline of match racing in Ireland at every level within the Irish Sailing community. We do this by offering resources and guidence to clubs to start match racing. As well this we run our National Championship Qualifying Series which gives skippers an opportunity to experience the thrilling dicipline of match racing all while get a World Sailing Ranking and potentially qualifying for our National Championships.
Join us in advancing the excitement and competitiveness of match racing in Ireland!
2025 National Championship Qualifying Events
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Qualifier 1 - Royal Irish Yacht Club
15th - 17th March 2025
J80s
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Qualifier 2 - Howth Yacht Club
12th - 13th April 2025
J80s
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Qualifier 3 - Waterford Harbour Sailing club
18-20 July 2025 (TBC)
RS 21’s
Request for Invitation Available Soon
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Qualifier 4 - National Yacht Club
9th - 10th August
Elliott 6m
Request for Invitation Available soon
What do I need to start?
Two identical boats
Club racing experience (dinghies or keelboats)
Some basic rules knowledge
A team of like-minded sailors
Why start Match Racing?
Match Racing is one of the best disciplines in sailing for several reasons. The quick, two-lap race format emphasises the need for perfect boat handling and teamwork from the crew. Becoming a match race crew will improve all aspects of your sailing, specifically your time-on-distance skills, start-line positioning, understanding of the rules, short-course strategy and boat-on-boat tactics. Additionally, the tournament-style format maximises the number of races per day and puts extra pressure on each win.
