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 Along the Atlantic seaboard and up in the hills, they call them high stool days. Such days are with us when the weather is so thrawn that a particularly harsh period is best spent in agreeable indoor surroundings, with good company if you so wish. Yet although the early part of the current season has at times had more than its fair share of less-than-perfect sailing conditions, every so often there have been days - usually one but sometimes two – when everything has been in alignment, providing blissful sailing and the vivid memories that will dominate the recollections of this developing summer.

For the word from some Met sources is that we may be about to experience the reverse of last year’s conditions. In 2023, late May and the first three weeks of June were good weatherwise, but as June drew to a close, the shutters came down and there were only the briefest spells of decent weather until something more normal returned in September.

GOOD WEATHER CAN BE MIXED BLESSING

Now, however, we hear that some meteorological models are indicating that it will continue unsettled for another couple of weeks, but then it will start to get better. Which may seem fine and dandy, but it can mean that evening racing in particular often peters out in a warm calm. And with the time-honoured evening racing programmes a backbone of our club sailing world, good weather can become a mixed blessing.

BUSY NEWS FROM CROSSHAVEN

Nevertheless at the moment the news is good and there’s an upbeat attitude, with the Royal Cork YC notably reporting a surge in their Thursday evening cruiser-racer fleets at Crosshaven, while they’ve a high quality and varied entry in place for Volvo Cork Week in five weeks’ time.

Making the best of one of 2024’s good weekend evenings – Sally O’Keeffe being a West Cork towel sail yawl in North Harbour, Cape Clear. Photo: James DevaneMaking the best of one of 2024’s good weekend evenings – Sally O’Keeffe being a West Cork towel sail yawl in North Harbour, Cape Clear. Photo: James Devane

Meanwhile as Spring unevenly becomes early Summer, while difficult weather meant we had the shortening of Kinsale YC’s Inistearaght Race to take the turn at the dentally-challenged Bull Rock instead, and an ISORA Race was blown out altogether, nevertheless the points are a-building for those local classes enthusiastic enough to get their sailing going when late Spring had seemed determined to stay in mid-winter.

Among such challenging gaps, there were some wonderfully clear periods, and there was one of them for the delivery cruise of the little 25ft Shannon Hooker Sally O’Keeffe from Kilrush to Baltimore on May 18th, well in time for the Wooden Boat Festival there in the last weekend of May.

Sally O’Keeffe voyages from the Shannon to Baltimore

BALTIMORE WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL

One of the highlights of that gathering was the talk by Cormac Levis of Ballydehob about The Richard. Cormac Levis is a one-man knowledge repository and ideas machine for the benefit of traditional and classic boats in West Cork, and he gave an excellent outline of why The Richard was so important.

The Richard in her prime, on Regatta Day at SherkinThe Richard in her prime, on Regatta Day at Sherkin

When she was built in 1948 by Paddy Hegarty at Oldcourt on the Ilen River, her construction brought a new direction and location for a craft industry which continues today with Paddy’s grandson Liam. The recent output includes the Conor O'Brien phase ignited by Gary MacMahon with the restoration of the 56ft trading ketch Ilen of 1926 vintage, and the building for Fred Kinmonth of the new Saoirse, replicating the 42ft ketch which was in process of circling the world south of the great Capes exactly a century ago.

DERMOT KENNEDY’S ASGARD II VISION

The Richard was a working ketch whose best-known period was under the ownership of Dermot Kennedy of Baltimore, whose visions for Irish sailing were such that the ideas he enunciated for the new Irish sail training ship Asgard II way back in 1972 were seen to have been almost exactly implemented when she was finally sailing in 1981.

This powerful vision was clarified in various discussions during a cruise-in-company around Carbery’s islands for a lengthy visit to Cape Clear and then a wedding on Sherkin, with Dermot and the usual eclectic selection of friends and shipmates on The Richard showing what could be done with a squaresail in confined harbour manoeuvring, while we were on a spot of family cruising with the Galion 22 Ringhaddy, one of the cleverest and most gallant little boats of her day, and still a good ’un.

THE RICHARD DISAPPEARS TO THE AZORES

In Dermot’s ownership, The Richard was cruised extensively, and then he sold her in the late 1980s to a man who got as far as the Azores, but then seems to have run out of energy and resources. Thus when Liam Hegarty went to the islands in 1994 on family duty in search of this pioneering vessel which had started the contemporary Oldcourt story, it emerged that the island authorities had lost patience with an abandoned ship encumbered with unpaid bills, and all traces of The Richard had disappeared.

The Galion 22 Ringhaddy and the ketch Richard “slightly dried out” at North Harbour, Cape Clear, July 1972. Photo: W M NixonThe Galion 22 Ringhaddy and the ketch Richard “slightly dried out” at North Harbour, Cape Clear, July 1972. Photo: W M Nixon

Doing it in style – Dermot Kennedy brings The Richard into North Harbour under the square topsail. Photo: W M NixonDoing it in style – Dermot Kennedy brings The Richard into North Harbour under the square topsail. Photo: W M Nixon

Knowing just when to strike the topsail is crucial when running under sail only into a confined space like North Harbour. Photo: W M NixonKnowing just when to strike the topsail is crucial when running under sail only into a confined space like North Harbour. Photo: W M Nixon

Work time. Dermot Kennedy using the island phone on Cape Clear to keep tabs on his West Cork business empire while cruising the islands in The Richard. Photo: W M NixonWork time. Dermot Kennedy using the island phone on Cape Clear to keep tabs on his West Cork business empire while cruising the islands in The Richard. Photo: W M Nixon

Off to the island wedding – Dermot Kennedy (second right) setting the pace on Sherkin, with the Richard anchored in the cove. Photo: W M NixonOff to the island wedding – Dermot Kennedy (second right) setting the pace on Sherkin, with the Richard anchored in the cove. Photo: W M Nixon

An island wedding on Sherkin can attract a global attendance. Photo: W M NixonAn island wedding on Sherkin can attract a global attendance. Photo: W M Nixon

The happy bride on SherkinThe happy bride on Sherkin

Back in July 1972, the island wedding on Sherkin was recorded on film by the late Eamonn de Buitlear from atop a farm cart, with an assistant to hold the camera tripod in place. Photo: W M NixonBack in July 1972, the island wedding on Sherkin was recorded on film by the late Eamonn de Buitlear from atop a farm cart, with an assistant to hold the camera tripod in place. Photo: W M Nixon

Close quarter sailing with The Richard through the sounds of Carberry’s Hundred Isles, Dermot Kennedy in profile just forward of the mizzen mast. Photo: W M NixonClose quarter sailing with The Richard through the sounds of Carberry’s Hundred Isles, Dermot Kennedy in profile just forward of the mizzen mast. Photo: W M Nixon

Aboard The Richard in a breeze, with Georgina Campbell on the helm. The lacing on the mizzen luff was always Work in Progress. Photo: W M NixonAboard The Richard in a breeze, with Georgina Campbell on the helm. The lacing on the mizzen luff was always Work in Progress. Photo: W M Nixon

The Richard coming through the northwest entrance to Baltimore Harbour in July 1972. Once upon a time. we’d have said this was a sight we’ll never see again. But after the re-creation of Conor O Brien’s Saoirse, surely all things are possible?The Richard coming through the northwest entrance to Baltimore Harbour in July 1972. Once upon a time. we’d have said this was a sight we’ll never see again. But after the re-creation of Conor O'Brien’s Saoirse, surely all things are possible?

FASTNET ROCK AND NORTH HARBOUR CAPE CLEAR

But the effects of her building lives on in other boats, and while Sally O’Keeffe’s design is developed from Shannon traditions, she shows the same robust transom-stern hull concept. Then when she used last weekend’s superb weather (particularly on Saturday) to circle the Fastnet (getting our magic header pic) and have an overnight at North Harbour on Cape Clear, the Seol Sionna crew set up a tent arrangement over her open cockpit to emulate the local tradition of mackerel-fishing towel-sail yawls, where “towel” is an adaptation of the Irish word for shelter, and not an eccentric use of bathroom fabrics.

Intense summer for GP14 Leinsters at Howth, with serial championship winner Sean Craig (Royal St George YC) adding another notch to his belt. Photo: HYCIntense summer for GP14 Leinsters at Howth, with serial championship winner Sean Craig (Royal St George YC) adding another notch to his belt. Photo: HYC

NEW MELGES 15 FLEET AT HOWTH

Meanwhile on the other side of Ireland, last weekend’s marvellous weather provided ideal condition for an historic time at Howth. There, having only just recovered from staging the three-day Wave Regatta, they hosted the GP 14 Leinsters with serial boat championship winner Sean Craig of Dun Laoghaire taking the honours (it’s easier now to list the classes in which he hasn’t won), while at the same time as Howth Yacht Club’s new fleet of fifteen Melges 15s arrived ready to be unwrapped in a successful initiative steered by Cormac Farrelly.

OFFSHORE ACTION

With ISORA, this weekend sees a classic – the Holyhead-Rockabill-Dun Laoghaire. However, last season’s champion, Paul O’Higgins JPK 10.80 Rockabill VI (RIYC), had been sitting it out in much of the offshore stuff this year (though she’s now entry Number 53 in the Round Ireland in two weeks time) but powerfully demonstrated his commitment to the inshore scene with a win in DBSC on Thursday, and doubtless after the Round Ireland she’ll catch breath and then spread her wings with Volvo Cork Week in July and Calves Week at Schull in August.

Paul O’Higgins’ JPK 10.80 ROckabill VI is Entry 53 in the SSE Renewables Round Ireland race 2024 in a fortnight’s time. Photo: Afloat.ie/David O’BrienPaul O’Higgins’ JPK 10.80 ROckabill VI is Entry 53 in the SSE Renewables Round Ireland race 2024 in a fortnight’s time. Photo: Afloat.ie/David O’Brien

GETTING THE FLEET TO CORK

To get the fleets south and west, ISORA are committed to full support of the Kingstown to Queenstown Race on July 12th, which is anachronistically named in this style as that’s the way it was first sailed way back in 1860.Thus it’s one of the oldest passage races in the world, and was sailed from Dublin Bay to Cork Harbour three times in the 1860s.

THE BIG ONE ON JUNE 22nd

Before the K2Q, there is the big one, the SSE Renewables Round Ireland Race (now with 58 entries) from Wicklow on June 22nd. Our focus will be almost totally zooming in on that through the next two weeks, but its start just happens to be plumb in the middle of the weekend when some weather gurus say the real summer is going to arrive. This will be viewed with mixed feelings by the old hands, as they know only too well that good weather and light winds along the Atlantic coasts make for excruciatingly slow progress.

THE WORD ON THE WATERFRONT

The word on the waterfront among the old salts who have raced the ocean coasts in winds strong and light is that even in strong winds with the boat zipping along, the coastal scenery (if you can see it) is on such a majestic scale that you scarcely seem to be moving. So in light airs you have to be instrument-glued to believe you’re moving at all.

BERMUDA RACE GETS WARMER ALL THE TIME

This is one of the challenges of racing around a land-mass, whereas a true ocean race puts the focus on the boat without such distractions. Ironically the day, before the Round Ireland, across the pond the 636 mile CCA/RBYC Newport-Bermuda Race gets going on Friday June 21st, and it very quickly puts the fleet out of sight of land as they set off across the Gulf Stream in search of the elusive Onion Patch.

A gas man - Kenny read getting in the sprit of things at the Volvo World Race stopover in Galway in 2012. On Friday June 21st he’ll be leading the commentary team for the new spectator-friendly start of the biennial Newport-Bermuda Race. Photo: VWRA gas man - Kenny read getting in the sprit of things at the Volvo World Race stopover in Galway in 2012. On Friday June 21st he’ll be leading the commentary team for the new spectator-friendly start of the biennial Newport-Bermuda Race. Photo: VWR

Those who have thought the biennial Bermuda Race was always 635 miles are quite right, but this year – partly inspired by the in-harbour start of the Sydney-Hobart - they’ve added an extra mile to start in Newport Harbor at Fort Adams for spectator interest, and with Kenny Read on the commentary team, there’ll be meaningful general spectator interest for the first time.

For decades, the start of the Newport-Bermuda Race was immediately seaward of Newport, Rhode Island’s natural harbour, and every mile sailed took the fleet south towards warmer waters Photo: CCA/Daniel ForsterFor decades, the start of the Newport-Bermuda Race was immediately seaward of Newport, Rhode Island’s natural harbour, and every mile sailed took the fleet south towards warmer waters Photo: CCA/Daniel Forster

The Royal Bermuda YC marina with the Newport-Bermuda fleet in port, basking in sub-tropical conditions. Photo: CCAThe Royal Bermuda YC marina with the Newport-Bermuda fleet in port, basking in sub-tropical conditions. Photo: CCA

But the USP of the Bermuda Race continues to be the fact that it gets into warmer climes every mile of the way. The Fastnet Race and the Round Ireland both involve significant distances sailing in higher latitudes than their starting line. And the Sydney-Hobart is pure murder, as you’re bashing along towards Antarctica every inch of the way. But the Bermuda Race starts in the agreeable summer weather of New England at Rhode Island, and concludes in the sub-tropical climate of Bermuda.

Thus one of the challenges – every bit as demanding as your racing sails selection – is hitting on the right cut and length for your essential-for-cooling Bermuda shorts. An experience - now some years ago admittedly – of staying in the New York Yacht Club discovered that they expect you to wear a necktie for breakfast, (plus of course jacket, shirt, trousers and shoes, though one member assured us socks were optional).

It takes confidence to wear Breton red Bermuda shorts with style, but after winning the top trophies in the Newport-Bermuda Race 2022 with the Pac 52 Warrior Won, owner Chris Sheehan (centre) is on target. Photo: CCAIt takes confidence to wear Breton red Bermuda shorts with style, but after winning the top trophies in the Newport-Bermuda Race 2022 with the Pac 52 Warrior Won, owner Chris Sheehan (centre) is on target. Photo: CCA

The Irish response, when eligible, is to wear the Royal Cork YC tie, as the Royal Cork’s ancestral Water Club was founded 124 years before the NYYC came into being in 1844. But any links to the Royal Cork are of little use in hitting the right note with your Bermuda shorts in the Royal Bermuda YC, so naturally we got to thinking: What would Captain Thomas Fleming Day have done?

Thomas Fleming Day’s 38ft Tamerlane, winner of the first Bermuda Race in 1906, when the general opinion in the sailing establishment was that you need a boat at least 80ft long to race confidently to Bermuda from the New England coast.Thomas Fleming Day’s 38ft Tamerlane, winner of the first Bermuda Race in 1906, when the general opinion in the sailing establishment was that you need a boat at least 80ft long to race confidently to Bermuda from the New England coast.

But any formal photos of the Editor of The Rudder magazine, who was the key figure in staging the first Bermuda Race from the US in 1906 (with the gallant support of the Royal Bermuda YC), tend to show a serious person for whom such trivia as the details of menswear would have been of little interest.

But Thomas Fleming Day merits more study. The name seems pure American WASP (though “Day” might have Irish origins way back), yet he was born in the rather non-nautical shire of Somerset in England in 1861, but his formative years were spent on the shores of Long Island Sound as his parents emigrated to America whole he was a young boy.

So he became ultra-American - and boat-bonkers with it - throughout his 66 years which ended when he died in Harlem in New York in 1927. He was opinionated and drew the attention of supporters and opponents with equal zeal, but the usual formal photos of the era make it difficult to imagine an easy-going interest in male attire.

ONE COOL DUDE

But then we stumbled on this unusually informal pic of Tom Fleming Day in relaxed mode on a beach. It’s astonishing for the time. This is one cool dude. He could wear anything with style. But his Breton-red Bermuda shorts would inevitably be well weathered to a very pale pink shade. And they would be strangers to a Corby hosenbugler.

One cool dude. Thomas Fleming Day defied the expectations of his time afloat and ashoreOne cool dude. Thomas Fleming Day defied the expectations of his time afloat and ashore

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The start of Volvo Cork Week 2024 is now less than six weeks away, with five days of racing in Cork Harbour and beyond set for 15-19 July.

Organisers at the Royal Cork Yacht Club say entry numbers have been steadily climbing, with entries and expressions of interest from as far afield as Turkey, Hong Kong and the USA.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, an unforgettable week of sailing competition and festivities is promised.

The battles on the water will be fierce, with a contingent of Welsh J109s coming to take on their Irish counterparts and reigning ICRA Boat Of The Year Swuzzlebubble in the Half Tonners mix with the recently refurbished 2 Farr.

And that’s not to mention the 1720 European Championships and the renowned Beaufort Cup.

The Notice of Race can be found on the Cork Week website, which also has details of accommodation for anyone who has not yet made arrangements — time is of the essence!

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Overseas service teams have contacted the Royal Cork Yacht Club in search of suitable charter boats to compete in the Beaufort Cup at Volvo Cork Week.

“As only 50% of a team is required to represent the relevant service, this provides an opportunity for interested owners of suitable boats to participate in the event alongside a partly uniformed service crew,” says the Royal Cork's Admiral, Annamarie Fegan, in a message to clubs which says that entries are “continuing to flow in for the event from Monday to Friday, July 15-19.

“Cork Week entries are ramping up with diverse and notable yachts of all sizes across the fleet, including everything from Quarter-tonners to J122s, from RS21s to 1720s, and from ‘white-sail’ cruisers to Cape 31 racing machines.

“Many of the larger keelboats from the East Coast, as well as Wales and Scotland, are expected to arrive in good time for the start of the event, completing the “Kingstown to Queenstown” ISORA race from Dun Laoghaire to Cobh.

“Several notable UK keelboats are expected to arrive around the same time, some participating race from Falmouth to Cork (also starting on 12th July from the RCYC in Falmouth).

A light air start to the 2022 Beaufort Cup in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob BatemanA light air start to the 2022 Beaufort Cup in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob Bateman

Some notable visiting entries, no doubt hoping to challenge our local heroes at their home regatta, include ValenTina (a J-Cup champion J112 from the National Yacht Club), Impetuous (a successful Corby 37 from South Caenarvonshire), Prime Suspect (a Custom Mills 36), Cougar of Cowes (a Reflex 38 representing RORC / JOG / LSCS) and Blitz (a Mills 40, sailing under the flag of the RHKYC).”

The Welsh Corby 37 Impetuous from South Caenarvonshire will compete at Volvo Cork Week 2024 Photo: AfloatThe Welsh Corby 37 Impetuous from South Caenarvonshire will compete at Volvo Cork Week 2024 Photo: Afloat

“Several teams from Ireland and abroad are assembling crews for the Beaufort Cup, the International Interservices Regatta, which will see service teams pitch their abilities against each other. The event features a long offshore race around the iconic Fastnet Lighthouse before teams enjoy shorter course racing with the Cork Week fleets. The Beaufort Cup is hosted by the Irish Defence Forces in conjunction with the Royal Cork Yacht Club.

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Royal Cork Yacht Club (RCYC) has partnered with the Irish RS agent, the Irish National Sailing School (INSS) and RS Sailing to provide a special opportunity for those challenged by time or crew availability or find themselves otherwise unable to enter Cork Week in their own boat.

Volvo Cork Week will host a round of the RS21 UK & Ireland Cup in 2024 for the first time. This event is fully supported by the RS21 class, and race-prepared boats are available for charter.

Volvo Cork Week begins on Sunday, 14th, July, 2024, with racing beginning on Monday, 15th July.

The boats will be delivered to the RCYC and fully prepared for racing, launched and ready to race - so there is no need for time-consuming delivery trips. You just need to turn up with your crew, hoist the sails, and be prepared to have fun!

RS21 Charter schedule

The handover of charter boats will be on Saturday, July 13th, giving the crew two days to familiarise themselves with the boat before racing.

Representatives from INSS and RS Sailing will be on hand to offer advice on boat rigging, tuning, and handling on those training days and as required throughout the whole event. All charter boats will be handed back after sailing on Friday, July 19th.

The RS21 Class has, from the outset, enforced a strict One Design ethos, ensuring that all boats across the fleet are equal and compliant with class rules to ensure good racing. The charter boats and sails provided by the class have been lightly used and professionally maintained, offering good value for money and competition on a level playing field.

Charter bookings are live on the RS Club website here: RS21—Cork Week Charter Details. The cost is €2,500 per boat for a no-hassle, seven-day, ready-to-sail competitive package. Cork Week event entry is separate and includes five days of racing, crew entertainment, boat launch and recovery, marina berthage, and trailer storage.

Check out the latest articles on http://www.corkweek.ie for the newest information about accommodation, entertainment, and racing at Volvo Cork Week 2024.

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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 AndersonVolvo 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.

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Competition in Volvo Cork Week 2024's IRC classes are shaping up with some interesting battles developing, particularly in the vintage quarter tonner and half tonner classes.

The 2024 regatta intends to embrace its traditional format, with each fleet rotating 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. Some race days will feature multiple short races on Windward/Leeward and Olympic courses in the open waters off Roches Point lighthouse.

Some Volvo Cork Week classes may have slightly less variety in their racing format, but they are no less challenging. For instance, the 1720 European Championships and the RS21 UK&I Cup event will run on their own dedicated course, while the Volvo Cork Week Coastal fleet will have one longer race each day along the beautiful southern coastline.

Local yacht Alpaca off Roches Point in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob BatemanLocal yacht Alpaca off Roches Point in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob Bateman

The racing will be presided over by a recently appointed team of experienced race officers. They will meet each morning to review weather conditions and ensure the best racing possible for all fleets. This might mean taking advantage of an afternoon sea-breeze on calmer days or utilising the deep sheltered waters of the harbour to race in more inclement weather. 

Quarter Ton

In the Quarter-Tonners, entries have been lodged from Anchor Challenge, Panic, and Diamond, with more set to join from around Ireland and the UK, according to organisers.

Quarter Ton action off Cork Harbour Photo: Bob BatemanQuarter Ton action off Cork Harbour Photo: Bob Bateman

Half Ton

The reigning ICRA Boat Of The Year ‘Swuzzlebubble’ is an early entrant in the big-brother Half-Tonners class, where she will be joined by recently refurbished and optimised 2 Farr. This pairing is set for a closely watched battle in July.

 ‘Swuzzlebubble’ is an early entrant in the big-brother Half-Tonners class at Volvo Cork Week 2024 Photo: Afloat ‘Swuzzlebubble’ is an early entrant in the big-brother Half-Tonners class at Volvo Cork Week 2024 Photo: Afloat

In the IRC & ECHO handicap classes, local entries such as Luas, Bateleur88, and Prince of Tides are joined by travelling boats such as Aris, Valfreya, and Extreme Reality and the new J122 Mojito as previously reported by Afloat.

The Scottish 'El Gran Senor' competing at Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta 2023, the J122 will compete as the Welsh 'Mojito' in Volvo Cork Week 2024 Photo: AfloatThe Scottish 'El Gran Senor' competing at Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta 2023, the J122 will compete as the Welsh 'Mojito' in Volvo Cork Week 2024 Photo: Afloat

Non-Spinnaker

The level of interest in Non-Spinnaker/White Sail classes is high, with entries received from several ‘first-time’ skippers and crew, keen to experience racing at Volvo Cork Week.

1720 Euros

Several notable entries are already confirmed for the 1720 European Championships, including travelling boats Mo, After Midnight and Elder Lemon. With some UK 1720s already on the Royal Cork Yacht Club grounds waiting for the event, this is sure to be a championship to remember.

1720 sportsboats competing at the 2022 European Championships held as part of Cork Week 2022. The class returns this July for the 2024 title fight Photo Bob Bateman1720 sportsboats competing at the 2022 European Championships held as part of Cork Week 2022. The class returns this July for the 2024 title fight Photo Bob Bateman

The 1720s will be launched by crane in Crosshaven, with secure storage available for their trailers locally. These services are likely to be of interest to any travelling Quarter Tonners and Half Tonners.

Cape 31s

The high-performance Cape31 class previously attended Volvo Cork Week as a relatively new keelboat in 2022 but is now firmly established as the most exciting one-design class on the water.

Local Cork Harbour Cape 31, Antix Photo: Michael ChesterLocal Cork Harbour Cape 31, Antix Photo: Michael Chester

Entries received already include team Shotgunn from the Isle of Mann and top local boat Antix.

RS21s

The RS21s will be keen to make a mark at Volvo Cork Week 2024, as this is the first time the class will participate in the event.

RS21s will make their Volvo Cork Week debut in July 2024 Photo:AfloatRS21s will make their Volvo Cork Week debut in July 2024 Photo:Afloat

A unique element of this fleet is the availability of charter boats, provided in ready-to-race condition for the week by Kenny Rumball of INSS. Making this a very attractive package for those that can’t bring their own boats to Cork. Contact [email protected] for more details and keep an eye on the “Racing” section of the www.corkweek.ie website for updates.

Beaufort Cup

The Beaufort Cup is a unique inter-services regatta, hosted by the Irish Defence Forces in conjunction with the Royal Cork Yacht Club. The format for this year is unchanged, with the Beaufort Cup teams first taking on an offshore race around the iconic Fastnet lighthouse, before joining the Volvo Cork Week fleet for 3 days of inshore competition.

A number of veteran teams from the USA have expressed interest in competing, along with uniformed service teams from across Ireland and the UK.

Some of these crews are still looking for suitable boats for the event – any boat owner interested chartering their boat is encouraged to contact [email protected].

Note that, as the event rules require only 50% of a boat’s crew to be active members of the relevant service, interesting opportunities exist to charter your boat, join forces with a Service crew, and still sail aboard yourself with some of your own crew.

The Notice of Race for the Beaufort Cup is published on the event website.

Accommodation

The event organisers recognise the challenges of finding suitable accommodation for competitors and have sourced additional accommodation at great value for those seeking self-catering in Crosshaven. Check out the ‘Accommodation’ section of the event website and contact the club’s accommodation liaison directly for more information.

Competitors with their own campervans can be accommodated at Crosshaven Rugby Club, with appropriate facilities on-site only 1km from the Royal Cork Yacht Club. See www.crosshavenrugbyfc.com for contact details.

Note that a regular bus service to/from Carrigaline and Cork city provides access to accommodation options in these locations and stops directly outside the gates of the Royal Cork Yacht Club..

Social Diary

Entertainment will be provided each day after sailing, in a large marquee at the heart of the event site at the Royal Cork Yacht Club, with live music by Phil Holbird.

The Family Fun Day, including Cork Week's famous Coastal Market with family entertainment, will be on Sunday 14th July

The traditional ladies' gala lunch, in aid of the RNLI, will be held on Wednesday, 17th July.

A Battle of the DJs is planned for Thursday 18th July.

The week will be interspersed with several promotional events during the week and a number of sponsor activities.

Daytime fun will be available to all at the Royal Cork, with the club’s playground remaining available for use within an expanded family-friendly area, which will include a Play Zone for children’s games, a picnic area, coffee, ice cream, sweets, etc.

Multiple casual dining options will be available on-site, alongside retail outlets, spares, sail-repair and other facilities.

Published in Cork Week
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Representatives of the Defence Forces, the Fire Service, An Garda Siochana and the RNLI joined the Admiral of the Royal Cork Yacht Club, Annamarie Fegan, and Volvo Cork Week Chairman Ross Deasy for the launch of Beaufort Cup 2024 this week in Crosshaven in Cork Harbour.

This international Inter-Service regatta, hosted by the Royal Cork Yacht Club and supported by the Irish Defence Forces, will be raced in Cork Harbour and all along the south coast of Ireland as part of Volvo Cork Week 2024 from the 15th to 19th of July 2024. A perpetual trophy in honour of Sir Francis Beaufort, creator of the Beaufort Scale, will be presented to the winning team and a substantial donation to the winner’s chosen charity. A highlight of this regatta is the offshore Fastnet Race, starting at the historic Haulbowline Naval Base, racing to the legendary Fastnet Rock, and finishing at Roches Point – this challenging race offers its own trophy as well as contributing double points towards the overall regatta standings.

This regatta combines competitive racing on the water with fantastic entertainment and social events ashore – a recipe for building lasting friendships amongst all competitors.

The Beaufort Cup is open to all suitably prepared yachts with an Endorsed IRC certificate having a TCC between 0.990 and 1.075 and where at least 50% of the crew are active members of the Service being represented. The regatta is open to all international uniformed and relevant frontline services. If you have a team but are seeking to pair with a yacht (or vice versa), we can help make the connection and support your entry!

Peter Quinn, Director of US Patriots Sailing and a seasoned campaigner for the Beaufort Cup, perhaps best describes the event: “Campaigning for the Beaufort Cup is an experience in world-class Corinthian offshore sailing, international camaraderie & diplomacy, and the brilliant warmth of the Irish welcome! The Irish Defence Forces and the Royal Cork Yacht Club have created a premier charity sporting event deserving of international recognition and participation. In 2022, it was a big organisational step for US Patriot Sailing to compete in this regatta – our experience in Cork was so great that we committed on the spot to return in 2024 with 3 crews! We have a keen eye on winning the Cup, yet equally focused on reconnecting with friends made during the last Beaufort Cup campaign and on establishing new friendships across each of the international crews. When you come to Cork, bring your best – both on and off the water- the event will be a highlight in your life of memories!”

Further information on the Beaufort Cup is available online at www.corkweek.ie or by clicking the Beaufort Cup Notice of Race link

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There is a very strong interest from the owners of Whitetail yachts for this year’s Volvo Cork Week, according to the Royal Cork YC organisers.

Keelboats Rear Admiral Rob Foster says the “level of interest in Non-Spinnaker/White Sail classes is high.”

He attributes this to “Many skippers keen to experience racing at Volvo Cork Week for the first time.”

They will battle local boats entered, including Sweet Dreams, Indulgence, Loch Greine, Morning After and Rosmarina, for the silverware. Visiting boats will include Dreamcatcher, Apache, Hansemer and Calero.

The level of interest in Non-Spinnaker/White Sail classes is high, with many skippers keen to experience racing at Volvo Cork Week for the first time. Photo: Bob BatemanThe level of interest in Non-Spinnaker/White Sail classes is high, with many skippers keen to experience racing at Volvo Cork Week for the first time. Photo: Bob Bateman

Overall entries for the Volvo-sponsored July event ( Monday 15 – Friday 19) are high, with another aspect of note being “particular interest” from Wales.

K2Q

Some of the Welsh fleet will compete in the Kingstown (Dun Laoghaire) to Queenstown (Cobh) race, part of the ISORA series and a prelude ‘feeder’ to Crosshaven for Cork Week; Entries include Impetuous, Faenol and Mojito.

Competitors depart Dun Laoghaire in the 2022 edition of the K2Q 260-mile offshore race around the famous Fastnet Rock and finish in Cork Harbour at Cobh Photo: AfloatCompetitors depart Dun Laoghaire in the 2022 edition of the K2Q 260-mile offshore race around the famous Fastnet Rock and finish in Cork Harbour at Cobh Photo: Afloat

This is two races in the one start. The primary race, the “K2Q 260” 260-mile offshore race that will start in Dun Laoghaire (formerly Kingstown), around the famous Fastnet Rock and finish in Cork Harbour at Cobh (formerly Queenstown). The second race, “K2Q 160” mirrors the first with a finish however fleets split at Cork Bouy, with the K2Q 160 heading for the finish in Cobh. In 1860 the first-ever ocean yacht race on Irish Waters was held from Kingstown (now Dun Laoghaire) to Queenstown (Now Cobh). It is reported that the winner of the race was paid a prize of £15 at the time and all competing boat got a bursary of 10/6 each. The winner of the first race was a Schooner Kingfisher owned by Cooper Penrose Esq. The race was held on July 14. 1860 and had sixteen boats racing.

This year, the race, in which SCORA is also an organiser, will start on July 12, and the winning boat will be awarded a first prize of a cheque for €15 mounted and framed, with an RCYC trophy.

Half Tonners and Quarter Tonners

Championship fleets, a big feature of the event, have several well-known boats already entered. Quarter Tonners Anchor Challenge, Panic and Diamond.

The championship fleets are always a big feature of Volvo Cork Week 2024, with several well-known names and boats already entered. Quarter Tonners already entered include Anchor Challenge, Panic and Diamond. Half Tonners already entered include 2 Farr, with reigning ICRA Boat Of The Year Swuzzlebubble planning to enter soon. Visiting boats such as Raptor, Flyover, Meridian, Allig8r and Valentina will have to get the better of local boats such as Ellida, Magnet and North Star, if they are to lift the trophiesThe championship fleets are always a big feature of Volvo Cork Week 2024, with several well-known names and boats already entered. Quarter Tonners already entered include Anchor Challenge, Panic and Diamond. Half Tonners already entered include 2 Farr, with reigning ICRA Boat Of The Year Swuzzlebubble planning to enter soon. Visiting boats such as Raptor, Flyover, Meridian, Allig8r and Valentina will have to get the better of local boats such as Ellida, Magnet and North Star, if they are to lift the trophies

1720 Euros

Entries for the 1720 sportsboat Europeans, include local boats Zing, Dark Side and Mini Apple, as well as visitors Mo and After Midnight.

 1720 European action from the 2022 Volvo Cork Week Regatta Photo: Bob Bateman 1720 European action from the 2022 Volvo Cork Week Regatta Photo: Bob Bateman

Cape 31s

The Cape31 class previously attended Volvo Cork Week as a relatively new keelboat but is now firmly established as the most exciting one-design class in these waters. With growing interest and some entries already received, we look forward to plenty more Cape31 action in July.

Beaufort Cup

The Notice of Race for the Beaufort Cup has recently been published on the Volvo Cork Week website.

Beaufort Cup is a unique inter-services regatta is hosted jointly by the Irish Defence Forces in conjunction with the Royal Cork Yacht Club Photo: Rick TomlinsonBeaufort Cup is a unique inter-services regatta is hosted jointly by the Irish Defence Forces in conjunction with the Royal Cork Yacht Club Photo: Rick Tomlinson

The Beaufort Cup is a unique inter-services regatta, hosted by the Irish Defence Forces in conjunction with the Royal Cork Yacht Club.

A number of veteran teams from the USA have expressed interest in joining the competition, along with uniformed service teams from across Ireland and the UK.

Any boat owner interested in chartering a suitable boat to one of the teams is encouraged to make contact by sending an email to [email protected]

RS21

The RS21 class will be keen to make a mark, as this is the first time the class will be part of the event. A unique element of this fleet is the availability of charter boats in ready-to-race condition for the week. These boats will be supplied by the class and managed at the event by Kenny Rumball of INSS, making this a very attractive package for those that can’t bring their own boats to Cork.

RS21s make their debut at Volvo Cork Week 2024RS21s make their debut at Volvo Cork Week 2024

Contact [email protected] for more details and keep an eye on the “Racing” section of the www.corkweek.ie website for updates

Additional Cork week reporting by Afloat.ie

Published in Cork Week
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The countdown to Royal Cork Yacht Club's Volvo Cork Week 2024 Regatta has officially begun.

The five-day sailing series is set to start on Monday, July 15th, and will continue until Friday, July 19th. As of now, the early entry discount is still available but will end on January 31st. 

Organisers have reported that event entry numbers have steadily climbed in recent weeks. Entries have been received from all over the country as well as from overseas. There has been a particular interest from the Welsh fleet, with some of its members also competing in the Kingstown to Queenstown Race as part of the ISORA series.  

White Sails

The Non-Spinnaker/White Sail classes have also been getting a lot of attention, with many skippers keen to experience racing at Volvo Cork Week for the first time.

1720 sportsboats competing at the 2022 European Championships held as part of Cork Week 2022. The class returns this July for the 2024 title fight Photo Bob Bateman1720 sportsboats competing at the 2022 European Championships held as part of Cork Week 2022. The class returns this July for the 2024 title fight Photo Bob Bateman

1720 Euros

The championship fleets are always a big feature of Volvo Cork Week, and some notable entries have already been received for the 1720 Europeans. 

RS21s

This year's event will also mark the first time the RS21 class will be part of the competition. A unique element of this fleet is the availability of charter boats in ready-to-race condition for the week. These boats will be supplied by the class and managed at the event by Kenny Rumball of INSS, making this a very attractive package for those who can't bring their own boats to Cork. 

IRC racing at Volvo Cork Week 2022 Regatta in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob BatemanIRC racing at Volvo Cork Week 2022 Regatta in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob Bateman

Beaufort Cup

The Beaufort Cup is another unique feature of Volvo Cork Week, as it is an inter-services regatta hosted by the Irish Defense Forces in conjunction with the Royal Cork Yacht Club. The Notice of Race will be available soon. 

Furthermore, veteran teams from the USA have expressed interest in joining the competition, along with uniformed service teams from across Ireland and the UK. 

Accommodation

Additional local accommodation has been secured, and more details are available on the event website. Competitors bringing campervans will be accommodated at the Crosshaven Rugby Club, which provides appropriate facilities and is located approximately 1km from the Royal Cork Yacht Club. 

For those staying in Carrigaline and Cork City, there is a regular bus service to and from the Royal Cork Yacht Club, with a bus stop located directly outside the gates. 

After racing, daily entertainment will be provided at the Royal Cork Yacht Club for all competitors, along with various promotional events and sponsor activities. The ladies' gala lunch, hosted in aid of the RNLI, is planned for Wednesday, July 17th. 

Don't miss out on the opportunity to be part of this exciting event. Sign up now and take advantage of the early entry discount before it's too late.

The early discount for Volvo Cork Week 2024 Regatta closes on January 31st Photo: Bob BatemanThe early discount for Volvo Cork Week 2024 Regatta closes on January 31st Photo: Bob Bateman

Published in Cork Week
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It’s all systems go in Crosshaven as the start of Volvo Cork Week 2024 is less than six months away.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, ICRA Boat of the Year Swuzzlebubble and other early sign-ups have already begun their preparations for the biennial regatta which runs from 15-19 July.

For those crews and others who plan to make the trip to Cork Harbour this summer, regatta organisers have put together a rundown of what both competitors and spectators can expect from the week.

That includes events happening pre-regatta, such as the Kingstown to Queenstown and a keelboat race from Falmouth to Cork, both starting Friday 12 July.

There are also details about additional classes taking part in the event such as RS21s, which can be chartered locally for crews who prefer not to deliver their own boats, as well as links for local accommodation.

For more, see the Volvo Cork Week website HERE.

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West Coast of Ireland Offshore Racing Association (WIORA)

The West Coast of Ireland Offshore Racing Association (WIORA) objective is to promote an annual programme of yacht racing for the West Coast of Ireland.

WIORA aims to encourage and promote participation in and knowledge of racing and seamanship. It does this by developing yacht racing between yacht clubs on the west coast and hosting an annual regatta known as the West Coast Championships. The championships are rotated between west coast clubs. 

WIORA was formed in 1976. WIORA is affiliated with the Irish Cruiser Racing Association.

The association burgee is a pennant with a background of St. Patrick's Blue and overlaid with an emblem of St. Brendan's Cross, which is of saffron colour. 

WIORA is open to members of yachts clubs located on the west coast of Ireland, from Mizen Head to Malin Head and the waters of Lough Derg and Lough Ree, and sailors outside thee areas who may wish to participate at the WIORA annual regatta.

The membership association has a Commodore and committee.

Annual membership is €10.

WIORA Championships

WIORA 2024 will be held at Foynes Yacht Club on the Shannon Estuary from June 12th-15th 2024

WIORA Championships

WIORA 2022 will run over three days, from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th June at the Royal Western Yacht Club of Ireland on the Shannon Estuary

WIORA 2023 will be held at Kilronan on the Aran Islands

WIORA 2024 will be held at Foynes Yacht Club on the Shannon Estuary

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