Events & Racing

Racing is at the heart of the IDRA 14 class. From regular fleet sailing to national championships and away events, the class offers a full and varied programme that rewards commitment while remaining friendly and accessible.

Whether you want to race every week or dip in and out during the season, there is always something happening within the IDRA 14 fleet.

Celebrating 80 Years of Irish Dinghy Sailing

The IDRA 14 celebrates 80 years as Ireland’s first national dinghy class. Since its design in 1938 and introduction in 1946, the class has been raced, developed, rebuilt, and sailed by generations of sailors across the country.

This milestone marks not just the age of the design, but the strength of the community that has kept the IDRA 14 active, relevant, and competitive for eight decades.

We are currently confirming all events, you can keep up to date with confirmed dates here.

Racing Calendar

More events to be confirmed so check back as this page will be updated once the information has been received.

If you have an event to add please contact us.

Round the Island Race

7th of March '26

Howth Yacht Club

Northern Championship

30 - 31st May '26

Carlingford Lough Yacht Club

DMYC Regatta ***

Provisional

6th - 7th June '26 (TBC)

Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club

Women at the Helm

13 - 14th June '26

National Yacht Club

Classic Regatta

20 - 21st June '26

Royal Irish Yacht Club

RstGYC Regatta ***

4th July '26

Royal St George Yacht Club

CYBC 'At Home' Regatta ***

* 4th counts toward regatta trophy

Provisional

4th-5th July '26

Clontarf Yacht & Boat Club

IDRA 14 National Championships 2026

12 - 15th August '26

Lough Erne Yacht Club

HYC Dinghy Regatta ***

23rd August '26

Howth Yacht Club

SDC Regatta ***

TBC

Sutton Dinghy Club

Cong to Galway

TBC

Galway Bay Sailing Club

Events starred (***) have been nominated as part of the regatta series

What an IDRA 14 Season Looks Like

An IDRA 14 season typically includes:

Weekly fleet racing at local clubs
Open meetings hosted by different fleets
The annual National Championships
Training and coaching days
Informal away events and shared travel

Sailors often compete regularly at their home fleet while also travelling to selected regattas and events throughout the year.

Fleet Racing

Most IDRA 14 fleets race weekly as part of their club’s dinghy programme. Racing formats vary by club but usually include multiple series throughout the season.

Fleet racing is close and competitive, with sailors of different experience levels racing together. Newcomers are encouraged to join in, and fleet members are always willing to offer advice, tuning help, or a spare crewing opportunity.

Fleet racing provides the backbone of the class and is where most sailors build consistency, skills, and confidence.

Open Meetings & Away Events

In addition to local fleet racing, the class supports open meetings hosted by different clubs. These events bring fleets together, offer varied sailing conditions, experienecs, and form an important part of the class calendar.

Away events are a key part of the IDRA 14 experience. Sailors regularly travel together, share transport and accommodation, and enjoy the social side that comes with racing in new venues.

Trophies & Records

National Championships

The IDRA 14 National Championships are the highlight of the racing calendar. Hosted by a different club each year, the championships attract boats from across the country and provide several days of close, high-quality racing.

The event is competitive but welcoming, with sailors of all levels taking part. For many, the championships are as much about the shared experience ashore as the racing on the water.

National Championship Winners

Training & Coaching

Training and development are actively encouraged within the class. Initiatives vary by fleet and season but may include:

Two-boat and buddy sailing
On-water coaching sessions with video review
Boat handling and tuning workshops
Pre-event training days

These sessions support sailors at all stages, from those new to the class to experienced racers looking to refine their performance.

Travelling & the Social Side

One of the strengths of the IDRA 14 class is its social culture. Racing is competitive, but the atmosphere ashore is friendly and inclusive.

Sailors often:

Travel together to events
Share accommodation
Debrief and socialise after racing
Support each other on and off the water

This sense of community is a defining feature of the class and a major reason many sailors stay involved long-term.

Getting Involved in Racing

You do not need to be an experienced racer or own a boat to take part in IDRA 14 events.

Many sailors begin by crewing, joining fleet racing at their local club, or attending training days before travelling to away events. The class association and local fleets are happy to help sailors find suitable opportunities.

Whether you want regular club racing, the challenge of championships, or simply good sailing with good people, there is a place for you on the IDRA 14 start line.