The Yachting Monthly Celtic Triangle Race: A Thrilling Start
The excitement of the Yachting Monthly Celtic Triangle Race is palpable as the fleet embarks on its adventure from Falmouth to Kinsale, completing the first leg of the race under challenging yet exhilarating conditions. With boats crossing the finish line just hours after departure, the event showcases both speed and endurance in offshore racing.
Setting Sail from Falmouth
On the morning of Sunday, May 31, 2026, 33 boats took to the waters, their crews comprising both double-handed and single-handed sailors. The race commenced between 10:10 and 10:30 AM, under less-than-ideal weather. A light, building south-westerly breeze coupled with a thick, overcast sky marked the start of this highly anticipated event.
The boats were meticulously prepped at Falmouth Haven and Port Pendennis, where the royal blue waters overlooked a vibrant array of sails. The event, known for its sociable atmosphere, included a race briefing and a delightful curry night hosted by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club. There, crews shared anecdotes, excitement, and some last-minute repairs—frantic searches for engine parts and dainty pasties interspersed with laughter and camaraderie.
The Race Begins
As the starting gun fired, anticipation morphed into action. The fleet was cautious, mindful of the 15-minute disqualification penalty for being over the starting line early, yet eager to maintain their positioning. Some boats unfurled Code Zeros, zipping toward the horizon with agility. Boats that opted to stay farther east quickly benefitted from the tide and breeze, securing an early lead.
Among the notable boats was Rockit, helmed by Chris Hanson and Sam Strover. The duo seized an impressive start, but their journey was only just beginning. The earlier boats, including Rockit, rounded the iconic Lizard Point, facing a challenging beat towards Land’s End before opening up on a port tack course to southern Ireland.
Achievements at Kinsale
As night fell, the final push towards Kinsale began. Rockit proved to be formidable, crossing the finish line at 08:50 AM with a corrected time of 23 hours 19 minutes and 59 seconds. Chris Hanson celebrated their victory, highlighting the exhilarating night filled with wind gusts that boosted their speed, at one point reaching over 17 knots.
“We were fortunate to have nearly perfect conditions, especially after rounding the TSS corner,” said Hanson. The joy of racing was matched by the satisfaction of a warm welcome waiting in Kinsale.
Close Competition
In the corrected time rankings, Jan Collins on Sun of a Gun 3 and Mik Underdown on Kaya II rounded out the podium positions. Remarkably, the twelve boats in Class One finished within a five-hour window, highlighting the intense competition on the water.
Kuba Szymanski, who finished with Polished Manx, commented on the fierce nature of the race, “This year we sailed our fastest, two hours better than last year, but still ended up last in our group. The competition is tough, but we’re out here doing what we love with friends.”
Class-by-Class Highlights
The results from Class Two were equally thrilling, with Nigel Davies leading the pack aboard Delay No More. This single-handed sailor managed a corrected time of 1 day, 1 hour, 20 minutes, and 57 seconds, showcasing the tight competition within his class, where boats finished within an hour of one another.
In Class Three, solo sailor Madelon Kuiper aboard Bliss clinched the first position, demonstrating the prowess of solo racing in this challenging environment. The last boat to cross the finish was Moonshadow, keeping spirits high despite the late hour of her arrival.
Preparing for the Next Leg
After the thrilling conclusion of the first leg, crews took some time to recharge and attend to their boats. Repairs were made on everything from alternator belts to corroded connections, ensuring that all participants would be race-ready for the upcoming leg. Scheduled to commence at 10:00 AM on Thursday, June 4, the next leg promises to be just as thrilling, taking the fleet over 300 miles around the Fastnet Rock and onwards to Treguier in Brittany.
However, all eyes are on the weather, as a forecast tropical storm could disrupt the race plans. Race Officer Chris Davies remains vigilant, considering the implications of the evolving weather patterns on the fleet’s trajectory.
In Summary
The Yachting Monthly Celtic Triangle Race is not just a test of skill and speed; it offers a community experience, blending competition with friendship among passionate sailors. As the fleet prepares for the next leg, the spirit of adventure and the ambition to conquer challenges remain at the forefront of this iconic sailing event.