Cape 31 UK Series Round 2 – IRC Europeans Poole

Cape 31 – UK Series Round 2 – IRC Europeans Poole, 22 – 24 May 2026, Poole, Great Britain  |  No sooner has the opening round of the Cape 31 UK Series in Cowes concluded than the next event is already on the horizon for the Black Star Sailing Cape 31 team. The IRC Europeans in Poole mark the second stop of this year’s Cape 31 UK Series.

The opening weeks of the UK campaign are unfolding at a very compact pace: Cowes, Poole and shortly afterwards Hamble follow virtually back-to-back. This tight schedule brings several advantages. Short distances between venues, a centralised setup and reduced logistical demands create new opportunities – particularly for Black Star Sailing, which continues to campaign in the RC44 class in parallel.

The opening event in Cowes proved highly encouraging for Black Star Sailing. The first regatta on the Solent not only confirmed the direction the team has taken, but also showed how quickly the newly formed crew is coming together. The demanding conditions around Cowes required precise timing, clear communication and rapid adaptation throughout the races.

Poole now presents the next challenge. The harbour town on England’s south coast is likewise regarded as one of Great Britain’s important sailing centres and, with Poole Harbour, offers one of the largest natural harbours in Europe. The race area combines open coastal sections with tide-influenced waters and constantly changing conditions that demand tactically disciplined sailing. At the same time, the IRC Europeans provide additional exposure and a strong international environment.

For Christian Zuerrer and the Black Star Sailing team, this style of racing campaign represents a new experience. Instead of isolated standalone events, the programme now creates an almost continuous racing rhythm over several weeks. Training, racing, analysis and adjustments therefore feed directly into one another. Naturally, there is considerable curiosity within the team as to how this more compact format may influence overall performance on the water over time. And there is little room to pause: in just under three weeks, the third round of the Cape 31 UK Series will already follow in Hamble.

Black Star Sailing appreciates all support on site as well as everyone following the regattas through the official Cape 31 channels and the team’s Instagram platform.