Get building! Date announced for Portrush Raft Race 2026

It’s all systems go for Raft Race 2026 – the madcap event will take place on May 23, incorporating a full day of fun activities.

The event, as always, is in aid of RNLI Portrush, and lots of work has been going on behind the scenes to get ready for the big event.

Portrush Yacht Club have launched an Eventbrite link for all rafters to apply and have held the entry fee this year to £150.

Karl Simmonds, General Manager at Portrush Yacht Club, said: “We have worked hard with RNLI representatives and our own team and we now have a great format that works for all of us to create a unique event for all the rafters, families, and friends of Portrush RNLI.

Raft Race 2026 is all systems go! The madcap event loved by so many is being held on May 22, incorporating a full day of fun activities. CREDIT PORTRUSH RAFT RACEplaceholder image
Raft Race 2026 is all systems go! The madcap event loved by so many is being held on May 22, incorporating a full day of fun activities. CREDIT PORTRUSH RAFT RACE

"Once again, we are looking forward to seeing all the great rafts and enjoying the usual craic that Raft Race brings to the town.”

Karl added: “We have a lot of local sponsors who have agreed to sponsor us again and we are excited to work with our local community to make Raft Race 2026 a locally run event and we thank them all for their support.”

Beni McAllister, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Portrush RNLI and Commodore of Portrush Yacht Club, added: “We are ready to go for the end of May and we are very excited about continuing this tradition that our crew and our families love.

"Watch this space for our full programme to be announced soon – some old favourites and some changes on the way. And our link for entries is now LIVE!”

To enter the race, go to EventBrite

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