The picturesque village of Crosshaven in Cork Harbour is gearing up once again for one of the most anticipated events on the sailing calendar - Volvo Cork Week. This biennial regatta promises an amazing week of competition, camaraderie, events, and coastal charm. With over 200 boats expected from 15th-19th July, Cork Week 2024 is set to be bigger and better than ever before.

Hosted by the Royal Cork Yacht Club, the oldest yacht club in the world, this festival of maritime culture is not just about the competition; it's about sailors and spectators coming together to share their passion for the sea. Alongside the racing action, attendees can look forward to a packed schedule of onshore events, including live music, delicious local cuisine, a Family Fun Day, and Ladies Day.

This year's event was officially launched by the first female Admiral of the 304-year-old club, Annamarie Fegan, club member and former Minister Deputy Simon Coveney TD, Ross Deasy, Event Chair, Gavin Deane, GM of the Royal Cork Yacht Club, and Alan Cowley, Managing Director of title sponsor Volvo Car Ireland.

Also in attendance were event supporters Mark Whitaker, Chairman of Johnson & Perrott Group, and Cllr. Audrey Buckley, deputising for the Cork County Mayor Frank O'Flynn.

Volvo Cork Week 2024 - Mark Whitaker, Chairman Johnson and Perrott Motor Group, Admiral Annamarie Fegan, Royal Cork Yacht Club, Alan Cowley, Managing Director Volvo Car Ireland, Ross Deasy, Event Chair of Volvo Cork Week 2024, Maria McInerney, Volvo Car Ireland and Gavin Deane GM of the Royal Cork Yacht Club and pictured at the launch of Volvo Cork Week 2024. Photo:  Chani Anderson

Commenting on the event, Admiral Annamarie Fegan said, "My ambition is to get more people on the water and Volvo Cork Week is an incredible showcase for the incredible sport of sailing. We have pathways for all ages into sailing from young kids to teens and adults. Every boat needs a crew, and we always welcome new people looking to get involved."

Deputy Simon Coveney added, "At the heart of Volvo Cork Week lies a tradition of excellence, with participants from across the globe vying for top honours in a series of exhilarating races. But it's more than that. It's about a community coming together to celebrate a passion for sailing and our greatest natural asset, our harbour."

As Afloat reported previously, each fleet will rotate through various race courses over the five days of racing. Every day will bring new challenges and opportunities for competitors, from longer coastal courses raced offshore to 'Round-the-Cans' racing inside the harbour and multiple short races and Olympic courses laid in the open waters. The event will host the 1720 European Championships, which will include over 30 1720 Sports boats designed in Cork, and there is a great charter opportunity this year with a fleet of RS21s participating.

This year's Beaufort Cup will be the biggest one yet, with entries from around the world, including the USA and Uruguay, according to the organisers. The renowned race for international uniformed service personnel encompasses a race around Fastnet Rock and back to Cork.

In addition to top-quality racing, the organisers are focused on making the event accessible to all with an exciting lineup of off-the-water activities. Volvo Cork Week will kick off with fun and adventure for families at the Family Day on Sunday, July 14th, from 12-5 pm. The whole village of Crosshaven will be bursting with fun and adventure for families with a coastal market in the Royal Cork Yacht Club marquee, trails to Camden Fort Meagher, coastal walks, themed competitions and games, the famous Pipers Fun Fair and boat trips from Hugh Coveney Pier on the Cailin Or.

As the sailing draws to a close each afternoon, the fun will spill over to the Royal Cork Yacht Club and there is something for all ages! There will be musical entertainment all week in the large marquee, a 'Pure Cork' Crew night on Thursday 18th, fun on-shore sailing activities, and an expanded family-friendly area which includes a Play Zone for children's games, a picnic area, and multiple casual dining options, alongside retail outlets, spares, sail-repair and other facilities.

This year's event is also focused on sustainability, with a focus on conservation, reuse, and recycling, and environmental impacts. Sponsor Volvo Car Ireland will be on hand to showcase their range of fully electric & plug-in hybrid cars. By 2030, Volvo Cars plans to sell only fully electric cars, and by 2040, it aims to be a climate-neutral company. This clear roadmap towards all-out electrification represents one of the most ambitious transformation plans of any legacy car maker. To underline this commitment Volvo has already electrified its entire XC range of SUVs.

Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a shoreside spectator, Volvo Cork Week promises to be an unforgettable week of sailing competition and festivities. Don't miss out on this unparalleled blend of competition, camaraderie, events, and coastal charm.

Competition in Volvo Cork Week 2024's IRC classes are shaping up with some interesting battles developing, particularly in the vintage quarter tonner and half tonner classes.

The 2024 regatta intends to embrace its traditional format, with each fleet rotating through various race courses over the five days of racing. Every day will bring new challenges and opportunities for competitors, from longer coastal courses raced offshore to round-the-cans racing inside the harbour. Some race days will feature multiple short races on Windward/Leeward and Olympic courses in the open waters off Roches Point lighthouse.

Some Volvo Cork Week classes may have slightly less variety in their racing format, but they are no less challenging. For instance, the 1720 European Championships and the RS21 UK&I Cup event will run on their own dedicated course, while the Volvo Cork Week Coastal fleet will have one longer race each day along the beautiful southern coastline.

Local yacht Alpaca off Roches Point in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob Bateman

The racing will be presided over by a recently appointed team of experienced race officers. They will meet each morning to review weather conditions and ensure the best racing possible for all fleets. This might mean taking advantage of an afternoon sea-breeze on calmer days or utilising the deep sheltered waters of the harbour to race in more inclement weather. 

Quarter Ton

In the Quarter-Tonners, entries have been lodged from Anchor Challenge, Panic, and Diamond, with more set to join from around Ireland and the UK, according to organisers.

Quarter Ton action off Cork Harbour Photo: Bob Bateman

Half Ton

The reigning ICRA Boat Of The Year ‘Swuzzlebubble’ is an early entrant in the big-brother Half-Tonners class, where she will be joined by recently refurbished and optimised 2 Farr. This pairing is set for a closely watched battle in July.

‘Swuzzlebubble’ is an early entrant in the big-brother Half-Tonners class at Volvo Cork Week 2024 Photo: Afloat

In the IRC & ECHO handicap classes, local entries such as Luas, Bateleur88, and Prince of Tides are joined by travelling boats such as Aris, Valfreya, and Extreme Reality and the new J122 Mojito as previously reported by Afloat.

The Scottish 'El Gran Senor' competing at Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta 2023, the J122 will compete as the Welsh 'Mojito' in Volvo Cork Week 2024 Photo: Afloat

Non-Spinnaker

The level of interest in Non-Spinnaker/White Sail classes is high, with entries received from several ‘first-time’ skippers and crew, keen to experience racing at Volvo Cork Week.

1720 Euros

Several notable entries are already confirmed for the 1720 European Championships, including travelling boats Mo, After Midnight and Elder Lemon. With some UK 1720s already on the Royal Cork Yacht Club grounds waiting for the event, this is sure to be a championship to remember.

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

The 1720s will be launched by crane in Crosshaven, with secure storage available for their trailers locally. These services are likely to be of interest to any travelling Quarter Tonners and Half Tonners.

Cape 31s

The high-performance Cape31 class previously attended Volvo Cork Week as a relatively new keelboat in 2022 but is now firmly established as the most exciting one-design class on the water.

Local Cork Harbour Cape 31, Antix Photo: Michael Chester

Entries received already include team Shotgunn from the Isle of Mann and top local boat Antix.

RS21s

The RS21s will be keen to make a mark at Volvo Cork Week 2024, as this is the first time the class will participate in the event.

RS21s will make their Volvo Cork Week debut in July 2024 Photo:Afloat

A unique element of this fleet is the availability of charter boats, provided in ready-to-race condition for the week by Kenny Rumball of INSS. Making this a very attractive package for those that can’t bring their own boats to Cork. Contact [email protected] for more details and keep an eye on the “Racing” section of the www.corkweek.ie website for updates.

Beaufort Cup

The Beaufort Cup is a unique inter-services regatta, hosted by the Irish Defence Forces in conjunction with the Royal Cork Yacht Club. The format for this year is unchanged, with the Beaufort Cup teams first taking on an offshore race around the iconic Fastnet lighthouse, before joining the Volvo Cork Week fleet for 3 days of inshore competition.

A number of veteran teams from the USA have expressed interest in competing, along with uniformed service teams from across Ireland and the UK.

Some of these crews are still looking for suitable boats for the event – any boat owner interested chartering their boat is encouraged to contact [email protected].

Note that, as the event rules require only 50% of a boat’s crew to be active members of the relevant service, interesting opportunities exist to charter your boat, join forces with a Service crew, and still sail aboard yourself with some of your own crew.

The Notice of Race for the Beaufort Cup is published on the event website.

Accommodation

The event organisers recognise the challenges of finding suitable accommodation for competitors and have sourced additional accommodation at great value for those seeking self-catering in Crosshaven. Check out the ‘Accommodation’ section of the event website and contact the club’s accommodation liaison directly for more information.

Competitors with their own campervans can be accommodated at Crosshaven Rugby Club, with appropriate facilities on-site only 1km from the Royal Cork Yacht Club. See www.crosshavenrugbyfc.com for contact details.

Note that a regular bus service to/from Carrigaline and Cork city provides access to accommodation options in these locations and stops directly outside the gates of the Royal Cork Yacht Club..

Social Diary

Entertainment will be provided each day after sailing, in a large marquee at the heart of the event site at the Royal Cork Yacht Club, with live music by Phil Holbird.

The Family Fun Day, including Cork Week's famous Coastal Market with family entertainment, will be on Sunday 14th July

The traditional ladies' gala lunch, in aid of the RNLI, will be held on Wednesday, 17th July.

A Battle of the DJs is planned for Thursday 18th July.

The week will be interspersed with several promotional events during the week and a number of sponsor activities.

Daytime fun will be available to all at the Royal Cork, with the club’s playground remaining available for use within an expanded family-friendly area, which will include a Play Zone for children’s games, a picnic area, coffee, ice cream, sweets, etc.

Multiple casual dining options will be available on-site, alongside retail outlets, spares, sail-repair and other facilities.

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

There is a very strong interest from the owners of Whitetail yachts for this year’s Volvo Cork Week, according to the Royal Cork YC organisers.

Keelboats Rear Admiral Rob Foster says the “level of interest in Non-Spinnaker/White Sail classes is high.”

He attributes this to “Many skippers keen to experience racing at Volvo Cork Week for the first time.”

They will battle local boats entered, including Sweet Dreams, Indulgence, Loch Greine, Morning After and Rosmarina, for the silverware. Visiting boats will include Dreamcatcher, Apache, Hansemer and Calero.

The level of interest in Non-Spinnaker/White Sail classes is high, with many skippers keen to experience racing at Volvo Cork Week for the first time. Photo: Bob Bateman

Overall entries for the Volvo-sponsored July event ( Monday 15 – Friday 19) are high, with another aspect of note being “particular interest” from Wales.

K2Q

Some of the Welsh fleet will compete in the Kingstown (Dun Laoghaire) to Queenstown (Cobh) race, part of the ISORA series and a prelude ‘feeder’ to Crosshaven for Cork Week; Entries include Impetuous, Faenol and Mojito.

Competitors depart Dun Laoghaire in the 2022 edition of the K2Q 260-mile offshore race around the famous Fastnet Rock and finish in Cork Harbour at Cobh Photo: Afloat

This is two races in the one start. The primary race, the “K2Q 260” 260-mile offshore race that will start in Dun Laoghaire (formerly Kingstown), around the famous Fastnet Rock and finish in Cork Harbour at Cobh (formerly Queenstown). The second race, “K2Q 160” mirrors the first with a finish however fleets split at Cork Bouy, with the K2Q 160 heading for the finish in Cobh. In 1860 the first-ever ocean yacht race on Irish Waters was held from Kingstown (now Dun Laoghaire) to Queenstown (Now Cobh). It is reported that the winner of the race was paid a prize of £15 at the time and all competing boat got a bursary of 10/6 each. The winner of the first race was a Schooner Kingfisher owned by Cooper Penrose Esq. The race was held on July 14. 1860 and had sixteen boats racing.

This year, the race, in which SCORA is also an organiser, will start on July 12, and the winning boat will be awarded a first prize of a cheque for €15 mounted and framed, with an RCYC trophy.

Half Tonners and Quarter Tonners

Championship fleets, a big feature of the event, have several well-known boats already entered. Quarter Tonners Anchor Challenge, Panic and Diamond.

The championship fleets are always a big feature of Volvo Cork Week 2024, with several well-known names and boats already entered. Quarter Tonners already entered include Anchor Challenge, Panic and Diamond. Half Tonners already entered include 2 Farr, with reigning ICRA Boat Of The Year Swuzzlebubble planning to enter soon. Visiting boats such as Raptor, Flyover, Meridian, Allig8r and Valentina will have to get the better of local boats such as Ellida, Magnet and North Star, if they are to lift the trophies

1720 Euros

Entries for the 1720 sportsboat Europeans, include local boats Zing, Dark Side and Mini Apple, as well as visitors Mo and After Midnight.

1720 European action from the 2022 Volvo Cork Week Regatta Photo: Bob Bateman

Cape 31s

The Cape31 class previously attended Volvo Cork Week as a relatively new keelboat but is now firmly established as the most exciting one-design class in these waters. With growing interest and some entries already received, we look forward to plenty more Cape31 action in July.

Beaufort Cup

The Notice of Race for the Beaufort Cup has recently been published on the Volvo Cork Week website.

Beaufort Cup is a unique inter-services regatta is hosted jointly by the Irish Defence Forces in conjunction with the Royal Cork Yacht Club Photo: Rick Tomlinson

The Beaufort Cup is a unique inter-services regatta, hosted by the Irish Defence Forces in conjunction with the Royal Cork Yacht Club.

A number of veteran teams from the USA have expressed interest in joining the competition, along with uniformed service teams from across Ireland and the UK.

Any boat owner interested in chartering a suitable boat to one of the teams is encouraged to make contact by sending an email to [email protected]

RS21

The RS21 class will be keen to make a mark, as this is the first time the class will be part of the event. 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 that can’t bring their own boats to Cork.

RS21s make their debut at Volvo Cork Week 2024

Contact [email protected] for more details and keep an eye on the “Racing” section of the www.corkweek.ie website for updates

Additional Cork week reporting by Afloat.ie

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

It’s all systems go in Crosshaven as the start of Volvo Cork Week 2024 is less than six months away.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, ICRA Boat of the Year Swuzzlebubble and other early sign-ups have already begun their preparations for the biennial regatta which runs from 15-19 July.

For those crews and others who plan to make the trip to Cork Harbour this summer, regatta organisers have put together a rundown of what both competitors and spectators can expect from the week.

That includes events happening pre-regatta, such as the Kingstown to Queenstown and a keelboat race from Falmouth to Cork, both starting Friday 12 July.

There are also details about additional classes taking part in the event such as RS21s, which can be chartered locally for crews who prefer not to deliver their own boats, as well as links for local accommodation.

For more, see the Volvo Cork Week website HERE.

The recently crowned ICRA Boat of the Year, the Half-Tonner Swuzzlebubble, is confirmed among the early entries for Volvo Cork Week 2024,  just one of a number of key campaigns aiming for the biennial race week at Royal Cork Yacht Club next July.

Skipper Dave Dwyer told Afloat that Ireland's top yacht in 2023 will race on her home waters of Cork Harbour in what will be an action-packed IRC season in Ireland.

The dates for Volvo Cork Week 2024 are Monday, 15th July to Friday, 19th July, facilitating boat movements at the weekends before and after.

For those crews looking for even more competition, a number of offshore races are set to arrive in Cork at the ideal time for the event.

'RCYC ^2'

An offshore race from Royal Cornwall Yacht Club (Falmouth) to the Royal Cork Yacht Club will start at 1300hrs on Friday, 12th July 2024, providing an ideal way for UK boats to make the crossing in good company while competing for the Cork 300 Trophy, presented to the Royal Cork Yacht Club by HRH Prince Charles in 2020. This fleet is expected to reach Cork Harbour on Saturday afternoon, just as preparations for Cork Week go into overdrive.

Kingstown to Queenstown Race

Aimed at the Irish Sea fleet, this challenging race is also set to finish beneath picturesque Queenstown (now Cobh) on Saturday 13th July, with competitors racing overnight from a start off the mighty piers of Kingstown (now Dun Laoghaire). Forming part of the ISORA race series, some of Ireland’s top offshore yachts are sure to participate.

Top Class Racing at Cork Week

The RS21 class are a new addition to the Volvo Cork Week fleet in 2024, where a fully class-supported charter fleet will provide uniquely accessible and exciting one-design racing. This is hoped to provide an attractive option for international skippers wishing to participate in Cork Week, without the logistical challenge of bringing their own boat. No doubt some more local sailors also will see the attractions of this option. Those wishing to find out more are invited to reach out to Kenny Rumball at the INSS. Email [email protected]

1720 Euros

The 1720 sportsboats docked at Royal Cork Marina for the 2022 Volvo Cork Week Regatta Photo: Bob Bateman

The 1720 class will return to Cork Week for their European Championships in 2024. A central part of the regatta, the competition in this class is as hot as it gets. In 2022, Atara swept all before her, taking home both the 1720 European Championship trophy and the Kinsale Kettle for Volvo Cork Week ‘Boat of the Week’ – will she be back to defend her double title in 2024?

Find out more about the history of this extraordinary trophy below.

Expect plenty of excitement in the keelboat classes too, where Volvo Cork Week brings together a wide variety of racing yachts to compete across multiple classes and racecourses.

Cape 31

Anthony O’Leary's Cape 31 Antix Photo: Bob Bateman

The Cape31 is a no-holds-barred modern race boat and is now the pre-eminent racing class in the Solent. At Volvo Cork Week 2022, Antix, sailed by the RCYC’s Anthony O’Leary, saw off the challenge of visiting Dublin and UK teams to win the inaugural Cape31 Irish Nationals. Will we see a rematch in at Volvo Cork Week 2024?

The ‘Kinsale Kettle’

While the origins of ‘Cork Week date back to 1978, the first big Cork Week was held in 1986 when local brewer Beamish and Crawford came aboard as sponsors, and the ‘Carling European Offshore Team Championship’ was introduced to the event.

The prize offered for the best team at that regatta was the renowned Royal Cork Cup (aka the ‘Kinsale Kettle’ Challenge Cup, previously awarded to the winner of the Kinsale Harbour Regatta).

This splendid trophy dates back to 1859 and has been won by many notable yachts throughout its long history. Indeed, according to RCYC records, the Cork One-Design ‘Sybil’ won it twice in a row.

The Cork Week Carling European Offshore Team Championship was won by a Royal Cork Yacht Club team in 1986. The victorious RCYC team was captained by Stafford Mansfield and comprised Luv Is… (DB1, Stafford Mansfield), Liberty (X-99, Walter Haenel) and Rumkinily (DB1, Stuart Brownlow).

The victorious 1986 Royal Cork team was captained by Stafford Mansfield and comprised Luv Is… (DB1, Stafford Mansfield), Liberty (X-99, Walter Haenel) and Rumkinily (DB1, Stuart Brownlow).

In more recent Cork Weeks, the Kinsale Kettle has been awarded to the best overall performing boat in the regatta.

The Kinsale Kettle

The Notice of Race for Volvo Cork Week 2024 is available to view here.

Enter now to avail of discounted early entry rate.

See the Volvo Cork Week website for a list of accommodation options and related contact details.

Volvo Cork Week 2024 is gearing up for a thrilling edition, with entries already in for the biennial event scheduled for 15th July to Friday, 19th July, allowing ample time for boat deliveries before and after the event.

Excitement is building up as the Notice of Race is now downloadable below. Interested participants can also avail of the early entry discount through the official website.

The Kingstown to Queenstown race is expected to see many larger keelboats from the east coast of Ireland arriving in good time for the start of the event. This historic race, which was first held in 1860, will commence on 12th July, as recently announced by ISORA.

Meanwhile, keelboats from England will also be arriving in Cork Harbour around the same time, having participated in the race from Falmouth to Cork Harbour. The race winner will be awarded the coveted Prince of Wales 300th anniversary perpetual trophy, commissioned and donated by His Royal Highness King Charles to mark the tricentenary of the Royal Cork Yacht Club in 2020.

The Crosshaven RNLI won the 2022 Beaufort Cup on Annemarie Fegan and Denis Murphy’s Grand Soleil 40 Nieulargo Photo: Rick Tomlinson

Participants from Ireland and abroad are eagerly preparing for the increasingly popular Beaufort Cup, hosted by the Irish Defence Forces in conjunction with the Royal Cork Yacht Club. The sailing (and socialising) skills of the service teams will be put to the test in this exciting event. The overall winner will be presented with a specially commissioned Perpetual Trophy in honour of Sir Francis Beaufort, the creator of the Beaufort Scale.

1720 European Champions and overall 2022 Cork Week winners Rope Dock Atara Photo Rick Tomlinson

The Cork 1720 class has also confirmed that their European Championships will be hosted during Volvo Cork Week 2024. Fans can expect to see high-octane racing from this fleet, with a Cork 1720 having won the prestigious overall winner award in Volvo Cork Week 2022.

The RS21 one design will make its Cork Week debut in the 2024 regatta taking place from 15-19 July.

Organisers say the inclusion of the relatively new keelboat class, which was introduced in 2019, “is a testament to the event’s commitment to providing diverse and challenging racing opportunities for all participants”.

The RS21 has rapidly gained popularity thanks to its emphasis on close, tactical racing and its accessibility for sailors of varying skill levels.

This year was a breakthrough season for the class, with 55 boats at the World Championships in Sardinia, a first visit to the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta and rapidly growing fleets around the world.

Cork Week organisers are excited at the keelboat’s potential to attract a new generation of sailors to the regatta, as well as provide seasoned competitors with a dynamic new racing experience.

RS Ireland and Volvo Cork Week will be providing RS21 charter boats for the event, offering international teams a hassle-free solution to their logistical challenges and an accessible avenue for participants from closer to home. For charter and RS21 information, contact Kenneth Rumball of RS Ireland at [email protected].

Entries for Cork Week 2024 opened earlier this month, as previously reported on Afloat.ie.

The Royal Cork Yacht Club has opened entries for its biennial Volvo Cork Week Regatta in Cork Harbour.

"It's the starting gun for the 2024 regatta," according to Cork Week Chairman Ross Deasy. "It will take place from Monday, July 15 to Friday July 19, and entries can now be submitted online.

Since the inaugural event in 1978, Cork Week has earned a reputation for offering competitive racing to all classes on a variety of race courses, with post-racing entertainment provided."

"After a very successful event in 2022, we have carefully considered the feedback received from all competitors and stakeholders in our planning for this event and are confident of hosting another exceptional regatta in 2024.

"Volvo Cork Week 2024 will include a mix of courses, classes, and championships within its unique format. I am sure that all our competitors, whether this is their first Cork Week or their tenth, will find something new and exciting to enjoy in Crosshaven next July," said Deasy.

"As ever, Volvo Cork Week is an event run “By sailors for sailors”, we look forward to delivering another exceptional sailing regatta next July.”

Beaufort Cup 2024

The fourth edition of the Beaufort Cup, the prestigious inter-services sailing regatta, will be hosted by the Royal Cork Yacht Club during Volvo Cork Week 2024, with the support of the Irish Defence Forces.

The Beaufort Cup includes a mix of challenging offshore racing and tactical inshore competition, including an overnight race from the site of the Royal Cork’s original clubhouse in the inner harbour to the iconic Fastnet Rock and back to Cork.

The 2022 Beaufort Cup in Cork Harbour Photo: Rick Tomlinson

Teams from the uniformed services and first-responders are invited to enter this prestigious competition, with the proviso that 50% of the crew of each boat must be active in the service they represent.

Various championships to be held as part of Volvo Cork Week, are expected to be confirmed and announced in the coming weeks.

Bluewater sailors should also expect news of offshore races, to be run in conjunction with Irish & UK yacht clubs, that will bring boats to Cork in early July.

Volvo Cork Week 2024 Notice of Regatta is available online, and entry forms are available via the RCYC website.

Class Associations Invited To Consider Cork Week

The club says that "representatives of any class associations interested in holding a championship event as part of Cork Week 2024 are invited to contact the organisers at [email protected].