2026 ILCA 7 Men's World Championship Officially Opens in Dublin Bay
by Agustín Argüelles 24 Aug 14:55 PDT
23-30 August 2026
2026 ILCA 7 Men's World Championship Practice Race © Jordan Roberts / Down Under Sail
The 2026 ILCA 7 Men's World Championship was officially opened today, with everything now in place for racing to begin tomorrow in Dublin Bay.
Dun Laoghaire enjoyed a bright, sunny day that began at 14:00 with the practice race, during which the Race Committee tested the new Vakaros starting system to confirm it is fully operational for the Championship.
In the afternoon, the official Opening Ceremony was led by Event Chairman Con Murphy, with the honourable presence of the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD; the Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Barry Saul; the Commodores of the National Yacht Club and Royal St George Yacht Club, Rosemary Cadogan and Paul Molloy; and the President of the ILCA Class Association, Mark Lyttle.
Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill welcomed the Championship to the community:
"We want to tell everyone in Dún Laoghaire that this is the first time Dún Laoghaire has had the opportunity to host this magnificent championship. And so, to Mark and everybody in ILCA, you're so, so very welcome to Dún Laoghaire. Really, thank you for coming.
"We so hope that the sailors will enjoy it. We hope that the coaches will enjoy it.
"We're so thrilled to welcome 141 sailors from 45 countries to Dún Laoghaire to celebrate a magnificent, magnificent championship."
Barry Saul, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, spoke of the county's maritime tradition:
"Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown has a proud maritime heritage and a long tradition of welcoming sailors from across the globe. We are delighted to have you here, and I hope that during your stay you will not only enjoy the racing in Dublin Bay, but also the hospitality, culture and beauty of our county. To all the competitors, I wish you fair winds, competitive racing and an enjoyable championship."
Rosemary Cadogan, Commodore of the Royal St George Yacht Club, reflected on the clubs' sailing heritage and extended a welcome to competitors:
"Since Ireland's first ILCA fleet was established here in 1973, not long after the class arrived in Europe, ILCA sailing has become one of the most vibrant and successful classes here in our club, and indeed across Ireland, producing sailors who have excelled nationally, internationally and at Olympic level.
"Dublin Bay is one of the world's great sailing venues, its beauty, variety and challenge making it a fitting stage for our championship racing. We hope that it provides fair competition and memorable sailing for every competitor."
"While we're here to crown World Champions, this week is about so much more. It's about friendships, old and new, shared experiences, and the unique camaraderie that sailing creates across nations and generations.
"On behalf of the National Yacht Club and the Royal St George Yacht Club, I invite you to make yourselves at home, enjoy our clubs, our hospitality and, above all, enjoy sailing in the magnificent waters of Dublin Bay. To every competitor, I wish fair winds, close racing and unforgettable memories."
Mark Lyttle, President of the ILCA Class Association, closed the ceremony's speeches:
"First of all, on behalf of ILCA, I'd like to thank you all for coming. I'd like to welcome all the sailors, coaches, supporters and volunteers who are here at this event".
"The sailors here are the best sailors in the world, in the biggest class, and perhaps the most competitive class. And what we want to do is ensure that we put on an event that meets the aspirations of all those sailors, and I have no doubt that we will do that.
"These sailors are also role models — role models for young men and women, girls and boys in these clubs, but also in clubs around the world, who aspire to the same level as these sailors. We want to make sure that all the sailors can put their best foot forward and be an inspiration for those generations coming forward."
Racing starts tomorrow, with the first warning signal at 12:00. The Race Committee intends to run three races.
For further information about the 2026 ILCA 7 Men's World Championship, visit the event website.
The event is organised by the National Yacht Club and Royal St George Yacht Club, in conjunction with ILCA. It is supported by premium sponsors Sport Ireland and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, and associate sponsors Rooster, The Royal Marine Hotel, XOCEAN, and KPMG.
Find out more on the event website, 2026ilca7men.ilca-worlds.org