As the Fleadh Continues, Belfast Lough Prepares to Welcome the World

Royal North of Ireland YC © RNIYC

While tens of thousands continue to enjoy the atmosphere of the Fleadh in Belfast, another major international event is about to make waves in Northern Ireland as over 200 sailors from across the world arrive in for the 2026 GP14 World Championships.

Hosted by the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club from Saturday 8th to Friday 14 August, the prestigious regatta will see more than 100 boats take to Belfast Lough.

Competitors will travel from Ireland, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan and France, bringing with them families, support crews and officials for a week-long championship that is expected to deliver a welcome economic boost to the local area.

Hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, cafés, pubs and shops across Holywood, Bangor and Belfast are expected to benefit as hundreds of visitors base themselves in the region, while many competitors are extending their stay to explore Northern Ireland's world-renowned attractions.

The event further strengthens Northern Ireland's reputation as a destination capable of hosting major international events, with the GP14 World Championships following closely behind the excitement and visitor numbers being generated by the Fleadh.

Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club has spent months preparing to host the championship, with volunteers transforming the venue to welcome the international fleet. Extensive work has included expanding boat parks, upgrading facilities and preparing the infrastructure needed for a world-class event.

Gerry Reid, Event Director said: "We're delighted to welcome competitors from around the world to Belfast Lough. The GP14 World Championships are always fiercely competitive, and Belfast Lough offers a fantastic race course with challenging tidal conditions and varied winds that reward skill and tactical sailing. It's a brilliant opportunity to showcase both our club and Northern Ireland on the international stage."

This year's championship will also feature several innovations, including GPS tracking on every competing boat and robotic marks, allowing racing to be followed live online, while footage from the race course will be streamed back to spectators at the yacht club throughout the week.

Lindsay McCarty Nolan, Commodore of Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club said: "While Belfast continues to welcome thousands of visitors for the Fleadh, we're delighted to play our part in showcasing Northern Ireland on the international stage.

"The GP14 World Championships will bring hundreds of visitors into the local area, providing a welcome boost for hotels, restaurants, cafés and businesses across Holywood, Bangor and Belfast. It's a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate that Northern Ireland is a world-class destination for major international sporting events, and we couldn't be prouder to welcome the GP14 community to the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club."

Supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council, the event highlights the growing role of international sporting events in boosting tourism, supporting local businesses and showcasing the region to a worldwide audience.

As music fills the streets of Belfast during the Fleadh, the focus on Belfast Lough is turning to sails, strategy and world-class competition, with one of the most anticipated GP14 World Championships in recent years about to get under way.

Event website: rniyc.org/gpworlds-2026-1-1

Countdown Begins as Belfast Lough Prepares to Welcome the World for GP14 Championships - photo © RNIYC