The ‘Celtic Challenge’ will be raced in Glandore, West Cork this weekend, June 17/18. It is held annually, alternating between the Glandore Harbour Yacht Club and the Royal Anglesey Yacht Club of Wales.
The format is Admiral’s Cup style team racing under regular racing rules of sailing in International Dragons provided by GHYC in Glandore and in Fife Menai Straits One Designs when in Anglesey provided by RAYC. Two club teams sail four boats each, drawn by lot and exchanged on the second day. Each is crewed by a minimum of three, one of which is an owner’s caretaker.
The regatta dates back to 2005 when RAYC members trailed their Straits One Designs to Glandore for the GHYC Classic Regatta and came again in subsequent years. From that, the Celtic Challenge developed. A perpetual trophy was presented by Eamon Timoney of Fehily Timoney and Company, a Glandore Dragon sailor. It was won last year by the Welsh club. This year’s event is sponsored by Heineken, with Glandore YC determined to wrest the trophy back in home waters.
