Cantor Fitzgerald to sponsor Kinsale Inishtearaght Skelligs Race

Financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland has officially become the sponsor of the 2026 Inishtearaght Skelligs Race, Kinsale Yacht Club’s biennial offshore sailing challenge off Ireland’s south-west coast.

The race features ten confirmed entries, including previous winners Aurelia and Cinnamon Girl.

KYC Rear Commodore, Dave Cullinane, told Afloat, “We are seeing strong interest in entering.” The event is expected to attract additional entries from competitors in the Round Ireland Race, who view the Skelligs Race as a preparatory challenge ahead of June’s classic.

The current fleet includes Aurelia, a J122 class boat racing under RStGYC/RORC, and Prime Suspect, a Mills 36 Custom representing KQBC. White Tiger, a Beneteau First 44.7, and Katanca, an Elan 31, are also competing, alongside Jalapeno and Artful DodJer, both J109 class boats from Kinsale YC. Additional entrants include Chancer, an Elan 41, Meridian, a Salona 45, Cinnamon Girl, a Sun Fast 3300, and Reavra Too, an Elan 333, all representing Kinsale YC.

Cantor Fitzgerald’s involvement underlines the increasing role of corporate sponsorship in supporting community-focused sporting events while boosting brand visibility in niche, high-engagement sectors. The firm’s sponsorship also ensures prominent pitch-side and media exposure throughout the race, connecting the brand with a dedicated sailing audience.

As the race grows in reputation and participation, the partnership positions Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland at the centre of an established offshore sailing tradition, demonstrating a strategy that aligns corporate branding with regional sports engagement.

The 2026 race is expected to strengthen Cantor Fitzgerald’s footprint in Irish sport and highlight the impact of sponsorship in fostering competitive and community-driven initiatives.

Discover how Cantor Fitzgerald is navigating offshore sponsorship and sailing engagement in the full article.

Photo credits to Kinsale Yacht Club’s official website