#teamracing – A two boat team representing the Royal Cork, and skippered by Frederick Cudmore & George Kingston, finished a credible 4th at last weekend's prestigious Monaco 2K Team Racing Invitational.
The Royal Cork were joined by 7 other 2-boat teams representing their clubs in this new discipline of team racing. '2K' (2 Keelboats) racing is a form of team racing where two boats sail against an opposing set, around a short and exciting course. The event was sailed in J24s and the competition featured America's Cup sailors, as well as experienced match racing teams.
A high pressure system over Monte Carlo ensured blue skies, but not much wind for Day 1. The majority of the action took place on the Sunday with 10-15kts and lots of very close racing.
The sailors completed one full round robin and saw the team from Costa Smeralda Yacht Club (ITA) setting the pace. The Royal Cork got off to a slow start with a narrow loss to the GBR 'Spinnaker Team'. RCYC then managed to defeat the Bavarian Yacht Club, The Yacht Club de Monaco team, and took a great win against Team GBR Serpentine/Royal Thames Yacht Club after an intense 4 boat jibing duel on the final downwind. Royal Cork then had an unfortunate gear breakage while in a race winning combination against the Dutch Match Racing Association entry that cost them a race, and ultimately, a podium position. Team Smeralda were the worthy winners and their experience as a team really paid off.
The event was a great success both on and off the water with Yacht Club de Monaco providing fantastic hospitality. There was champagne sailing, and the stunning backdrop of such an iconic and beautiful part of the world was unforgettable.
Plans are in place to keep in touch with our various club contacts at Y.C de Monaco, and proudly represent the Royal Cork at the 2015 event.
The next stop for the 2K Circuit is Rome, in late May, with the Royal Cork team gunning for a podium position.
The 2014 Royal Cork Team:
Frederick Cudmore (Skipper)
George Kingston (Skipper)
Ian Mcnamee
Sarah O'Leary
Emma Geary
Eimear O'Leary
Seán Cotter
Philip O'Leary
2014 Teams:
Spinnaker Auspicious (GBR)
Costa Smeralda Yacht Club (ITA)
Royal Cork Yacht Club (IRL)
Serpentine Sailing Royal Thames Yacht Club (GBR)
Bavarian Yacht Club (GER/AUS)
Dutch Match Racing Association (DUT)
Yacht Club de Monaco (MON)
Rome Racing Team (ITA