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 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 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 Bateman