The picturesque village of Crosshaven in Cork Harbour is gearing up once again for one of the most anticipated events on the sailing calendar - Volvo Cork Week. This biennial regatta promises an amazing week of competition, camaraderie, events, and coastal charm. With over 200 boats expected from 15th-19th July, Cork Week 2024 is set to be bigger and better than ever before.

Hosted by the Royal Cork Yacht Club, the oldest yacht club in the world, this festival of maritime culture is not just about the competition; it's about sailors and spectators coming together to share their passion for the sea. Alongside the racing action, attendees can look forward to a packed schedule of onshore events, including live music, delicious local cuisine, a Family Fun Day, and Ladies Day.

This year's event was officially launched by the first female Admiral of the 304-year-old club, Annamarie Fegan, club member and former Minister Deputy Simon Coveney TD, Ross Deasy, Event Chair, Gavin Deane, GM of the Royal Cork Yacht Club, and Alan Cowley, Managing Director of title sponsor Volvo Car Ireland.

Also in attendance were event supporters Mark Whitaker, Chairman of Johnson & Perrott Group, and Cllr. Audrey Buckley, deputising for the Cork County Mayor Frank O'Flynn.

Volvo Cork Week 2024 - Mark Whitaker, Chairman Johnson and Perrott Motor Group, Admiral Annamarie Fegan, Royal Cork Yacht Club, Alan Cowley, Managing Director Volvo Car Ireland, Ross Deasy, Event Chair of Volvo Cork Week 2024, Maria McInerney, Volvo Car Ireland and Gavin Deane GM of the Royal Cork Yacht Club and pictured at the launch of Volvo Cork Week 2024. Photo:  Chani Anderson

Commenting on the event, Admiral Annamarie Fegan said, "My ambition is to get more people on the water and Volvo Cork Week is an incredible showcase for the incredible sport of sailing. We have pathways for all ages into sailing from young kids to teens and adults. Every boat needs a crew, and we always welcome new people looking to get involved."

Deputy Simon Coveney added, "At the heart of Volvo Cork Week lies a tradition of excellence, with participants from across the globe vying for top honours in a series of exhilarating races. But it's more than that. It's about a community coming together to celebrate a passion for sailing and our greatest natural asset, our harbour."

As Afloat reported previously, each fleet will rotate through various race courses over the five days of racing. Every day will bring new challenges and opportunities for competitors, from longer coastal courses raced offshore to 'Round-the-Cans' racing inside the harbour and multiple short races and Olympic courses laid in the open waters. The event will host the 1720 European Championships, which will include over 30 1720 Sports boats designed in Cork, and there is a great charter opportunity this year with a fleet of RS21s participating.

This year's Beaufort Cup will be the biggest one yet, with entries from around the world, including the USA and Uruguay, according to the organisers. The renowned race for international uniformed service personnel encompasses a race around Fastnet Rock and back to Cork.

In addition to top-quality racing, the organisers are focused on making the event accessible to all with an exciting lineup of off-the-water activities. Volvo Cork Week will kick off with fun and adventure for families at the Family Day on Sunday, July 14th, from 12-5 pm. The whole village of Crosshaven will be bursting with fun and adventure for families with a coastal market in the Royal Cork Yacht Club marquee, trails to Camden Fort Meagher, coastal walks, themed competitions and games, the famous Pipers Fun Fair and boat trips from Hugh Coveney Pier on the Cailin Or.

As the sailing draws to a close each afternoon, the fun will spill over to the Royal Cork Yacht Club and there is something for all ages! There will be musical entertainment all week in the large marquee, a 'Pure Cork' Crew night on Thursday 18th, fun on-shore sailing activities, and an expanded family-friendly area which includes a Play Zone for children's games, a picnic area, and multiple casual dining options, alongside retail outlets, spares, sail-repair and other facilities.

This year's event is also focused on sustainability, with a focus on conservation, reuse, and recycling, and environmental impacts. Sponsor Volvo Car Ireland will be on hand to showcase their range of fully electric & plug-in hybrid cars. By 2030, Volvo Cars plans to sell only fully electric cars, and by 2040, it aims to be a climate-neutral company. This clear roadmap towards all-out electrification represents one of the most ambitious transformation plans of any legacy car maker. To underline this commitment Volvo has already electrified its entire XC range of SUVs.

Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a shoreside spectator, Volvo Cork Week promises to be an unforgettable week of sailing competition and festivities. Don't miss out on this unparalleled blend of competition, camaraderie, events, and coastal charm.