31 Yachts on the Start Line of the Yachting Monthly Celtic Triangle Race in Falmouth for the 190-Mile Leg to Kinsale
The Yachting Monthly Celtic Triangle Race kicked off from Falmouth on June 8, 2025, featuring an exciting fleet of 31 yachts. With both seasoned sailors and enthusiastic Corinthian racers on board, the adventure promised a blend of competition and camaraderie. This first leg, involving a challenging 190-mile route to Kinsale, was not just a test of speed but a celebration of sailing spirit and community.
As the fleet embarked from the scenic Pendennis line, hosted by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, the initial conditions were deceptively calm. However, the Celtic Sea is notorious for its rapidly changing weather, and as the yachts ventured farther out, they faced increasingly difficult conditions. Jayne Toyne of Yachting Monthly recounted encountering short, unexpected waves that tested the crew’s resolve: “One green wave came aboard, depositing a very startled fish on our decks before it swam aft and was flicked overboard.”
Mary Sturgess and Jayne Toyne sail J105 Jaldi out of Falmouth at the start of leg one of the YM Celtic Triangle race. Photo Jayne Toyne
Once the boats dashed out to sea, the weather began to shift drastically. Reports emerged of the later boats battling through daunting headwinds and turbulent seas, with gusts reaching up to 25 knots. The fastest yacht crossed the finish line in Kinsale after just one day, three hours, and 24 minutes, while the slowest finished at one day, 21 hours, and 9 minutes. This varied performance showcased the wide array of skills and strategies employed by the different crews.
Boats line up ahead of the start of Leg 1 of the Yachting Monthly Celtic Triangle Race at Pendennis Point, Cornwall on 8th June 2025. Photo: Luke Williams
The standout performer in Class 1 was the Dutch boat, JPK 1030 Il Corvo, which initially faced challenges but later surged ahead to claim victory. The crew experienced fog upon arrival—a typical sight as boats navigated toward the cardinal mark finish line. Jayne Toyne recounted the experience vividly, saying, “There were a lot of tired faces on arrival in Kinsale. Those that arrived earlier did so in thick fog and had to have faith in their electronics.” In contrast, later arrivals enjoyed clearing skies and a beautifully lit moonlit sea.
“The start from Falmouth was lovely, and we were with the leading bunch coming around Lizard,” shared Roeland Franssens, the skipper of Il Corvo. “The welcome in Ireland was grand and fully to expectations. The first pints are in, while the fleet quickly arrived behind.”
Entering Kinsale at night after crossing the finish line of leg one in the YM Celtic Triangle race. Photo: Jayne Toyne
In Division 2, the duo of David Butters and Ian Braham aboard their JPK 10.10 Joy, claimed the top spot with a commendable finish time of one day, three hours, and 49 minutes. Among the competitors was Irish sailor Donal O’Halloran, racing his home turf in a Sunfast 3200R2 named Sunfire, who secured second place in Class 2. His recount of the race was filled with familial pride as he shared a memorable moment with his daughter: “As a Dad to experience your daughter calmly take over and reassuringly navigate our way around it—without bailing out—was an experience I’ll never forget.”
Division 3 celebrated the victory of Gary Heward and Russell Hawkins on their Maxi 1100 AmyLou, finishing at 22:30. They were closely followed by James Hardiman, who singlehandedly maneuvered his Dehler 38 Elsa to a solid performance minutes later.
Night watch on board J105 Jaldi.
The race, while competitive, also fostered a spirit of community among the sailors. During the harbor days in Kinsale, crews engaged in a variety of social events, including brewery tours and opportunities for gear repair. The local marine electrician’s expertise quickly became a sought-after service, and sailors eagerly shared tools and supplies to prepare for their next leg.
The Yachting Monthly Celtic Triangle race revives a classic event that first began in 1984, a culmination of enthusiasm from the Solo Offshore Racing Club and several veteran ‘Triangleurs’. This race, blending serious offshore competition with a welcoming atmosphere, invites a variety of sailors—experienced racers and novices alike—to embrace the challenges of offshore sailing and eagerly anticipate the next leg of their journey.
The course comprises three legs across varying distances: from Falmouth to Kinsale (approximately 190 nautical miles), Kinsale to Tréguier (300 nautical miles), and finishing back to Falmouth (110 nautical miles). Notably, this second leg serves as a qualifier for the upcoming Azores and Back Race in 2027, adding an exciting dimension to this esteemed event.