#corkharbour – Camden Fort Meagher, an historic fort in Cork Harbour will headquarter June's International Sailing event for women hosted by Royal Cork Yacht Club it was announced yesterday. An Irish team for the event has yet to be anounced due to late changes in the selection process.
Sixteen international teams are expected to travel and compete and will include some of the world's highest ranking sailors and potential Olympians. Entries to date have been received from New Zealand, United States, Denmark, France and the Netherlands. As Afloat reported earlier the event will also be the first stage of the Women's International match Racing Association tour.
Sponsored by Cork County Council and the Port of Cork, the World Match Racing Championship for Women is one of the world's highest calibre sporting events.
Cork Harbour renowned for its sailing throughout the world, is hosting this event directly under Camden Fort Meagher, which offers unrivalled viewing to competitors, their families, friends, supporters and general public.
Camden Fort Meagher will be the Event Head Quarters for this international sailing event. This will be a first for the fort. Paul Brierley, project coordinator for Camden Fort Meagher said "we are delighted to be part of this world event, which will allow competitors and spectators to enjoy the wonderful ambience of this historic fort and an ariel view of the racing from its spectacular deck". Royal Cork Yacht Club Admiral, Pat Lyons, explains that "Cork and the Royal Cork Yacht Club were chosen over other locations, such as Long Beach California". "This speaks volumes" he said, "of the commitment and expertise we have in the yacht club and in Crosshaven to be chosen to host such a prominent event here in Cork Harbour".
However not all the sailing will take place in the harbour from the 3rd to 8th of June. On 6th of June the River Lee will play host to a one day event, which will bring the international sailing competition into the heart of Cork City for everyone to enjoy.
Cork County Council and the Port of Cork have come together as Joint Title Sponsors to support this prestigious international sailing even. In recent times both Cork County Council and Port of Cork have invested heavily in the harbour area; promoting sailing and other water based activities to aid development of the harbour. Cork's natural harbour is not only a place to do business, but an attractive tourist destination which offers so much to visitors.
Event Chairman, Ronan Enright, comments "We are delighted with the support that has been shown by our sponsors Cork County Council and the Port of Cork. This sponsorship is not only promoting women's sailing, it is also providing a once in a life time experience within the unique setting of Camden Fort Meagher to both competitors and spectators"