Royal Cork to Host the Revived Rankin Dinghy ‘Worlds’ This June

14th May 2024

Restorative work on the Rankin dinghy R£ ahead of the 'Worlds' at Royal Cork this June Credit: Rankins/Facebook

For the first time in five years the Rankin dinghy ‘Worlds’ will be held again this season.

The Rankins are a revered Cork Harbour class that was revived, beginning in 2016, by dedicated enthusiasts in Cobh and is now thriving again as part of Cove Sailing Club.

The ’Worlds were last held in 2019 and will be race again on June 29 and 30. hosted by the Royal Cork YC at Crosshaven.

The title ‘holders’ from then are Conor and Robbie English. Conor was one of the two leaders who led the revival of the Rankins.

Rankin R4 and Helga of the fleet on the Cork Harbour dinghy class's first sail of 2024 Photo: Rankins/Facebook

The other, Maurice Kidney, told me: “We are eagerly looking forward to the revival event.

“As of now, we've 23 confirmed boats and anticipate another five, which gives us upwards of 28 boats on the water. Peter Crowley of the RCYC, himself a long-time Rankin enthusiast, has kindly agreed to be the Sailing Coordinator for the weekend.

“While the emphasis will be on participation, it can be expected to be fairly hot at the top of the fleet.

“Alex Barry will be sailing his brother Colin’s boat, Tommy Dwyer, in scintillating form at Rankin events last year are ones to note. There are many others. The ‘Worlds’ will be a great event.”

Published in Rankin Dinghy, Royal Cork YC

Published in Rankin Dinghy

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About The Author

Tom MacSweeney

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Tom MacSweeney writes a column for Afloat.ie. He is former RTE Marine Correspondent/Presenter of Seascapes and now has a monthly Podcast on the Community Radio Network and Podcast services

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The Rankin Dinghy of Cobh, Cork Harbour

A Rankin is a traditional wooden dinghy which was built in Cobh, of which it’s believed there were 80 and of which The Rankin Dinghy Group has traced nearly half.

The name of the Rankin dinghies is revered in Cork Harbour and particularly in the harbourside town of Cobh.

And the name of one of those boats is linked to the gunboat which fought against the Irish Volunteers during the 1916 Easter Rising and later for the emergent Irish Free State Government against anti-Treaty Forces during the Irish Civil War.

It also links the renowned boat-building Rankin family in Cobh, one of whose members crewed on the gunboat.

Maurice Kidney and Conor English are driving the restoration of the Rankin dinghies in Cork Harbour. They have discovered that Rankins were bought and sailed in several parts of the country.