Uniformed and Frontline Services Gather at Royal Cork Yacht Club for Volvo Cork Week Beaufort Cup 2024

6th March 2024

Calling All Uniformed and Frontline Services - 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

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

Published in Cork Week

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