#corkweek – The fast high performance yachts racing at Volvo Cork Week enjoyed the unique Slalom Course today, the triangular course has an offset mark which forces the crew to gybe half way down the reaching leg, providing high octane maneuvres in close quarters with other yachts.

Marc Glimcher's American Ker 40, Catapult (Baltimore SC) was launched on the Slalom Course today, scoring three straight bullets. Catapult's crew include, Royal Cork's Harry Durcan, the teenage national Optimist Champion, who was beaming from ear to ear. However it was far from easy for Catapult, which will be representing Ireland in the forthcoming Brewin Dolphin Commodores' Cup. Each race was won by just seconds with three high performance yachts pushing hard; Richard Matthews' Hakes 42, Oystercatcher XXX (Royal Burnham YC), Andy Williams British Ker 40, Keronimo (Yealm YC) and Anthony O'Leary's Ker 39, Antix (Royal Cork YC).

"That is the first time I have raced on a slalom course although it is an idea we have thought about back home in Maryland." Commented Catapult's Geoff Ewenson from Annapolis USA. "Conventional windward lewards are more tactical but this course is all about speed, boat handling and sail selection, which is more akin to modern yachts flying asymmetric sails and it is a very exciting discipline. We were by no means faultless today but we have got to be happy with our results and racing a new course set up was very refreshing, something we all enjoyed."

In IRC Two, Michael Boyd's Grand Soleil 43, Quokka (Royal Irish YC) had another great day. Quokka won the first two race but dropped to fourth for the last race of the day. After four races, Quokka has a slender lead for the class from Tony Ackland's Dubois 37, Dark Angel (Swansea YSC). Conor Phelan's Ker 37, Jump Juice (Royal Cork YC) had a consistent day resulting in third place by the close of play. The intensity of the racing in IRC Two produced a tie for second place in the first of today's three races between Jump Juice and Dark Angel.

Fleet B, consisting of IRC 3, IRC 4, IRC 5 and the Sportsboat Class enjoyed three races on the Windward Leeward Course, three miles south east of Roches Point.Warm sunshine and stable conditions prevailed,with blue skies and fresh breeze coming off the land to provide a perfect classic race track.

In IRC Three, Pat Kelly's J/109, Storm (Rush YC) was in impressive form scoring a win and a second in today's races to open up an 8.5 point lead at the top of the class. Paul O'Higgins Corby 33, Rockabill V, (Royal Irish YC) sailed consistently well today to move up to second in class. Robert McConnell's A35, Fools Gold (Waterford Harbour SC) is third.

In IRC Four, Paul Tingle's Corby 25, Alpaca (Royal Cork YC) had a great day scoring two wins and a second, to climb to the top of the class. Tim Cunliffe's Half Tonner, Insatiable (Royal Cornish YC) finished the day in style with a win, to place the Cornishmen just two points off the lead. Ronan Lyden's Corby 25, Aurora (Royal Cork YC) scored two second places today to move up to third.

"Champagne sailing!" smiled Paul Tingle, skipper of Alpaca. "12 knots of breeze, a great course and really competitive racing. I just love Cork Week and today was a very special day to be out on the water. The Corby 25 is a step-up for us this season and she is a far more physical boat that we are used to, so in the last race, we were a little tired and let or concentration lapse but what a day! We are off for a crew dinner and can't wait to get going in the morning."

In IRC Five, Jason & Domonic Losty's Quarter Tonner, Illes Pitiuises had another cracking day, to win all three races and have the only perfect scoreline of the 100 yachts competing at Volvo Cork Week. Last month, Illes Pitiuises won the Corinthian Division of the Quarter Ton Cup in Cowes and look like they have brought that scintillating form with them to Volvo Cork Week. Kieran O'Connell's Quarter Tonner, Bandit had a good day on the water, moving the team up to second place above Lane & Enright's J/24, Yagottawanna. Dermott Foley's Anchor Challenge and Frank O'Regan's Orient Express posted good results today on the windward leeward course.

In the Sportsboat Class Robin & Ben O'Mahony's 1720, Spiced Beef still leads the class, having scored two first places today. Mike Relling's Viper 640, Viper scored their first bullet of the regatta to keep hold of second place, but by only one point, from Jimmy Nyhan's 1720, Salve racing.

John Downing's Samba leads White Sail IRC One by just two points, after winning the first of two races today. Sailed along the stunning coastline west of Cork Harbour the fleet enjoyed spectacular views in bright sunshine and a moderate breeze. George Pettifor's Beneteau 36.7, Foxtrot won the second race of the day to lift the team to second for the class. Whilst, Bryan Heffernan's Dufour 365, Aisling scored a second and a third to place third after three races. The Heffernan Family include two members in their 70s, who could not race in the spinnaker classes, a prime example of why the White Sail class is included at Volvo Cork Week.

Tom McNeice's Minx III and David Borry Crockett's Upstart are both Sigma 33S and the two yachts are enjoying incredibly close racing. Only six seconds seperated the two yachts in today's first race. Minx III and Upstart are currently tied for the lead in White Sail IRC Two. Pat Vaughan's Contessa 33, Aramis is third and a win in today's first race has lifted Clive Doherty's GK29, Phaeton to fourth.

Tonight's entertainment at the Royal Cork Yacht Club Event Village includes; Samba Corcaigh Walking. Who are afloat, playing Samba drums around the pontoons. Brazil made be out of the World Cup but the party is still very much going on at Volvo Cork Week! Racing continues tomorrow,

Full results here

#corkweek – Thrilling conditions welcomed an international fleet of yachts from all over Europe and the United States to Volvo Cork Week. 100 yachts racing in Cork Harbour produced a magnificent spectacle writes Louay Habib. Cork Harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world and provides stunning scenery and tricky wind and tidal conditions. The gusty north easterly breeze tested the boat handling skills of the international fleet, with several yachts reporting a boat speed of up to 20 knots on the surf.

The first race of Volvo Cork Week started just outside Roches Point, the wind speed piped up to 17 knots with a short sea state. The beat into Cork Harbour had the fleet swapping tacks past Spike Island, before negotiating close tight reaching legs along the picturesque town of Cobh. For many it was a race of over three hours, before returning to the Royal Cork Yacht Club to enjoy the full facilities of the exclusive race village.

Michael Boyd racing Grand Soleil 43, Quokka (Royal Irish YC) had an outstanding race, winning IRC Two by a landslide 15 minutes on corrected time. Tony Ackland's Dubois 37, Dark Angel (Swansea YSC) was second in IRC Two, just seven seconds ahead of Jim Macgregor's Elan 410, Premier Flair (Poole YC), which made an impressive comeback after starting prematurely.

For Volvo Cork Week, Mark Mansfield (Royal Cork YC) is at the helm of Quokka. Mark sailed at four consecutive Olympics from 1992 to 2004, for Ireland, in the International Star Class.

"We got a great start, there was a wind shift just before the gun, which favoured the pin end and we had a nice approach and tacked soon after into clear air." Explained Mark. "The wind speed was up and so was the sea state and Quokka just loves those sort of conditions. Heavier than the Ker 40s, she goes well through the waves but downwind Quokka doesn't plane, so the Ker 40s got away. The crew work today was very good, especially after some last minutes calls; it's obvious that this team has been training well together for the Commodores' Cup."

Anthony O'Leary's Ker 39, Antix (Royal Cork YC) started well and played the current and the wind acceleration through Roches Point to lead on corrected time at the top mark off Cobh. Marc Glimcher's Ker 40, Catapult (Baltimore SC) helmed by Royal Cork's Olympian Peter O'Leary, took Line Honours by 27 seconds from Richard Matthews' Hakes 42, Oystercatcher XXX (Royal Burnham YC) . However, after time correction, Antix won the class by less than a minute from Catapult with Andy Williams' Devon based, Ker 40, Keronimo in third.

Victory in IRC Three went to Pat Kelly's J/109, Storm (XXYC). Paul O'Higgins Corby 33, Rockabill V took line honours but after time correction Storm won by nearly three minutes from Robert McConnell's A35, Fools Gold with Rockabill V third.

The IRC Four Class winner for 2012 was in fine form today. former Royal Cork YC Admiral, Peter Deasy driving Bad Company scored a slender win from Paul Tingle's Corby 25, Alpaca (Royal Cork YC). Tim Cunliffe and his team from Falmouth, racing Half Tonner, Insatiable was third.

Bad Company won by just 49 seconds on corrected time. "Beautiful conditions and a really competitive race, what a great start to Volvo Cork Week." Smiled Peter Deasy. "We are delighted to see Insatiable back, we had a great battle with them last time and Paul's new boat, Alpaca, is sailing very well indeed, so we will have to be at our best to win this class."

It was a long day on the water in IRC Five, Jason & Domonic Losty's Quarter Tonner, Illes Pitiuises was the winner by just under five minutes from Dave Lane & Sinead Enright's J/24, YaGottaWanna. Christine Willis's Westerly Fulmar, Rodmar was one of the last yachts to finish today, after over four hours of racing, the team from Aberaeron SC showed great tenacity taking third in class after time correction.

In White Sail IRC One, Bryan Hefferan's Dufour 36, Aisling (Royal Cork YC) took Line Honours and the class win on corrected time from John Downing's Sunfast 32, Samba. Peter O'Donavan's X-372, Xtension (Royal Cork YC) was third.

In the Sportsboat Class, Robin & Ben O'Mahony's 1720, Spiced Beef was the winner with Mike Relling's Viper 640, Viper taking second place and David Pitman's Viper 640, The Black Adder was third. Viper could have won the first race but for a navigational error. "We over stood a mark, which cost us the lead and ultimately the race." Admitted Viper's skipper, Mike Relling. "We had a real blast though, hitting 19 knots on the reach and it has been great to race against the 1720s. They definitely have us upwind but downwind the Viper is much quicker, so we expect a regatta-game of snakes and ladders, pardon the pun!" David Pitman's Viper 640, The Black Adder was third.

After racing, hundreds of competitors enjoyed a few glasses at the Royal Cork Yachjt Club with live entertainment. The SLAM Crew Games kick off tonight in the Marquee with a giant screen showing the FIFA World Cup Semi-Final between Brazil and Germany. Racing continues at Volvo Cork Week tomorrow Wednesday 8th July, with the international fleet enjoying a variety of courses both inside and outside of Cork Harbour.

For full results here

#corkweek – Crosshaven sparkled both on and off the water yesterday as all is in readiness for the official start of racing today at Volvo Cork Week 2014 writes Claire Bateman.

The aura of goodwill and smiling faces was in evidence everywhere in Crosshaven today. The Royal Cork Yacht Club was buzzing with last minute registrations of yachts still arriving, the sun shone non stop and there was a delightful summer breeze wafting around to keep the crews on the water.

Many of the yachts, particularly the visitors, took the opportunity to make an observance trip of the harbour both inside and out while others decided to take part in the practice races organized by the Race Committee and to iron out an last minute glitches in their final preparations.

Make no mistake, it is all very pleasant and amicable with a wonderful spirit of camaraderie but, just like any other sport, once the start is underway the competition comes into play.

With a good forecast for today of some 11 to 16 knots of nor westerly breeze conditions should be perfect for the in harbour race that takes the yachts up to a turning mark of Cobh and is a favourite viewing point with the general public. Given the forecast, the yachts may yet get to experience what is known as the "cathedral puff" a wind that may get deflected around the spire with sometimes interesting results!

It only remains to wish the best of luck to all competitors for a wonderful week of racing and to enjoy the extensive shoreside facilities organized for the week.

#CorkWeek – With a fleet of just over 100 boats, yesterday's official opening of Volvo Cork Week at Royal Cork Yacht Club was a proper parade of sail as the competitors readied their vessels for the days of racing ahead.

Members of the public turned out in droves to see the boats and enjoy the festivities of Sunday's open day, including fun fair rides and an open-top bus shuttle between the Royal Cork and Camden Fort Meagher taking in the breathtaking vistas of Cork Harbour.

Later came the official opening of Volvo Cork Week by Marine Minister Simon Coveney, together with VCW chair and club vice admiral John Roche and admiral Pat Lyons.

But Cork Week is about the action on the water, and it got off to a rapid start yesterday morning with the PYR Race Dash for Cash, which boasted a prize fund of €1,000.

The tightly fought battle saw Peter McCann with crew Arran Walsh, sailing a 420, emerge victorious to take the first prize of €500.00.

They were followed in second and third place respectively by John Downey and Sandy Remmington, and Alex Barry and Richard Leonard, both sailing RS400s.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, it's set to be a challenging yet rewarding week ahead across the fleets, and particularly so in the big boat class as several Ker 40s will be gunning for new British IRC Nationals champion Antix.

#corkweek – National Champions from Ireland, Great Britain will be in County Cork joining over 2000 sailors at the Royal Cork Yacht Club, Crosshaven for Ireland's longest running sailing regatta - Volvo Cork Week.
Class winners from the 2014 Irish and British National Championships will be racing at Volvo Cork Week in an international, adrenalin packed showdown in Cork Harbour and the Atlantic Approaches. An exciting line up of highly competitive yachts will be engaged in an intense battle at the Royal Cork Yacht Club's showcase event and enjoying the full hospitality of the world's oldest yacht club.
On the 15th June, Royal Cork's Anthony O'Leary racing Antix was the overall winner of the 2014 RORC IRC National Championship, held in Cowes, Isle of Wight. Antix won the nine-race championship in the very last race, against a top class international fleet from America, South Africa, Great Britain and Holland.
"A great win for Antix and the same team will be racing at Volvo Cork Week." commented Anthony O'Leary. "The competition will be just as good, in many respects even tougher, as a number of boats that were unavailable at the British championship will be coming to Cork. Antix will need to be at the top of their game, if we are to succeed."
Antix won the British championship in the very last race, just ahead of Premier Flair skippered by Jim Macgregor with his daughter and British Olympic sailor, Kate Macgregor on board and Premier Flair is a definite for Volvo Cork Week. Marc Glimcher's American Ker 40, Catapult was the class winner at Key west Race week before shipping over to Europe. Catapult was third in the RORC IRC Nationals this month and will be racing at Volvo Cork Week with double Olympian, Peter O'Leary, calling tactics. All three of these yachts will be vying for victory at Volvo Cork Week and they are joined by a number of proven winners including; Dutchman, Willem Wester racing Antilope, Andy Williams' Cornishman racing Keronimo and Quokka, chartered for Volvo Cork Week by Nial Dowling and Michael Boyd.
Top performers from the 2014 ICRA National Championship will be racing at Volvo Cork Week. Royal Cork YC members, Denise and Conor Phelan, are the 2014 Irish big boat champions with Jump Juice and fellow Royal Cork member, Ian Nagle was victorious at the Irish Championship with Jelly Baby. Royal Irish YC member, George Sisk will be racing WOW and Clyde CC member, Finlay Anderson will be bringing Roxstar down from Scotland.
Proven winners at Cork Week will also be returning including, Royal Irish YC member Paul O'Higgins with Rockabill V and West Mersea YC member, Richard Matthews with Oystercatcher XXX.
Volvo Cork Week is proud to announce that the latest range of Volvo Cars will also be on display in the event village, which will be open from Sunday 6th July for a special edition one-day dinghy regatta. Organised by the Royal Cork Yacht Club, the Dinghy Dash for Cash has a prize fund of €1000. The entry fee will be just €10 per boat and the closing date for entries is 1st July. The Dinghy Dash for Cash is an open event but limited to just the first 50 entries. Competitors can enjoy the hospitality of the Royal Cork Yacht Club and Volvo Cork Week Event Village. 
Entries are still open for Volvo Cork Week. 

#corkweek – With less than five weeks to the start of Volvo Cork Week, the Royal Cork Yacht Club is ramping up preparations for their biennial regatta, which has been run by the world's oldest yacht club since 1978 writes Louay Habib.

Club officials and an army of volunteers are readying the event village in Crosshaven. An estimated two thousand sailors, friends and family, from all over the world, will be visiting the regatta during the week-long event this July.
"It's the showcase event for the club and it only happens every other year." Enthused Gavin Deane, General Manager of the Royal Cork Yacht Club. "The regatta organising team are highly motivated to lay on a professional event both on and off the water, which will be well-organised, exciting and above all - fun. We are determined to stage a regatta that the club will be proud of, a memorable occasion for everyone involved."
Volvo Cork Week Race Chairman, Anthony O'Leary reports on the race courses for 2014.

"Broadly speaking, we will have the same style of courses as 2012; Harbour, Slalom, Olympic and Windward Leeward. The major change will be an overall prize for the Harbour Course, which all teams will race on the first day of Volvo Cork Week.

The result of the Harbour Race will count towards the overall standing for the regatta but in addition the Hugh Coveney Trophy will be awarded to the 'Champion of Cork Harbour' – the overall winner on corrected time of the Volvo Cork Week 2014 Harbour Race. Previously this trophy was awarded for the best performance by an Irish Yacht in the regatta, but the organising committee felt a more inclusive award would have greater appeal, and thereby give appropriate recognition to the best performance in what has become the favourite race for many of our competitors."
New and Non-Spinnaker Classes
This year at Volvo Cork Week, the number of yachts racing in the popular Non-Spinnaker Class will be complimented by the all-new coastal and two-handed fleets, which are proving to be very popular at all major regattas across Europe. The race organisers have tasked Course Race Officer, Peter Crowley, with the responsibility of specifically designing courses to suit the needs of the non-spinnaker and coastal fleets. It promises to be a great improvement on years of old when non-spinnaker was confined to sailing courses designed for boats with spinnakers.
The coastal courses will allow boats that would normally be out classed or out crewed by some of the more modern and high performance boats, to race against like-minded sailors. This will provide a more relaxed environment, without taking away from the quality of the racing and lay a great foundation for some two handed sailing in the all-new two-handed class.
This year, along with the huge drop in the entry fee, Volvo Cork Week will also be holding a draw on the Monday night exclusively for non-spinnaker/coastal course boats. The first prize is a full refund of their entry fee and the second prize will be a bottle of wine for each member of the crew.
Sportsboats
First launched in 1994 at the Royal Cork Yacht Club, with the first European Championship held at Cork Week in 1998. The 1720 sportsboat class has undergone something of a renaissance in Ireland. As many as ten entries are expected for Volvo Cork Week, and for those familiar with the thrills and spills of the 1720, charter options are available, via the Royal Cork Yacht Club.
There will also be a nest of Vipers at Volvo Cork Week this year, the high performance skiff has proved extremely popular in the USA with hundreds racing across the country. At least four Viper 640s are expected to be racing at Cork Week including 'Oh No!' owned by Caroline Aisher and Julian Cook, from the Royal Torbay Yacht Club.
Cork Week is a great event; brilliant racing and course management and full of fun people who enjoy their sailing, on and off the water." smiled Caroline Aisher. "We have raced the Viper both in the UK and abroad and we are really looking forward to racing for the first time in Cork. The conditions are just made for the boat."
Charter Opportunities
If you want to experience Cork Week 2014 but don't have a ride, it is not too late to get involved. Various charter companies are offering opportunities for individual, groups all or whole boat charter. Award winning British based sailing school, Sailing Logic are proud to enter two Beneteau First 40 yachts for Volvo Cork Week 2014 and still have places available on one of them.
"Lancelot II Logic is fully booked and will be skippered by Tim Thubron with a crew of nine amateur individuals who booked up Cork Week well in advance. The crew includes a policeman, interior designer, a physiotherapist, a surveyor and a lawyer amongst others! However, Sailing Logic also have places still available to join Arthur Logic, a brand new Beneteau First 40." confirmed, Sharon Hayward.

#corkweek – Over 80 yachts have now confirmed their entry for Volvo Cork Week writes Louay Habib. More than half the yachts are Irish and a strong contingent of British yachts will be looking to take on the best that Ireland can muster. The entire Irish Commodores' Cup team will be racing along with competitors from other nations for the country versus country competition in The Solent this summer.
Competitors will be racing from Ireland, England, Wales, Scotland and France, as well as Hong Kong and the United States of America. The real attraction for coming to Volvo Cork Week is that the regatta is run by sailors for sailors and that is expressed in the excellent race courses and also ashore, with the legendary hospitality of the Royal Cork Yacht Club. Sailing is full of characters and plenty of them will be coming to Volvo Cork Week.

Irish Olympic Sailor - Peter O'Leary, Ker 40 - Catapult

"The whole of the Irish Team for the Brewin Dolphin Commodores' Cup will be racing at Cork Week including, Catapult, Antix and Quokka and there is good competition coming from England and Ireland including, Keronimo, Premier Flair and Jump Juice, so the racing should be very exciting. Cork Week is an ideal work up for the Commodores' Cup; the variety of the courses and the standard of the opposition is sure to sharpen up all of the Irish team."

Honk Kong Reunion - Adrian McCarroll, X-37, Pure Attitude

"We have been coming to Cork Week for every regatta since 2000. We love the easy going friendly atmosphere surrounding the regatta, which spreads out to all the places we visit whilst there. The racing is magical and later, getting all the families together for dinner, is very special. Our crew and support team all have one thing in common and that is Hong Kong, but we are now dispersed to the US, the UK, Ireland and of course Hong Kong. We get together at Cork Week for a reunion. The first time we came, my son was still in nappies, this year he will be running the foredeck."

Wish List - Ronan Fenton, J/35, Sky Hunter

"Sky Hunter first raced at Cork Week in 1998 with the original owners from whom we purchased the boat in 2009. The crew are a group of friends from the Blackwater Sailing club in Maldon, Essex. In 2010, My wife and I, along with our two small children, cruised into Crosshaven during Cork Week and we have wanted to come back ever since. 
Cork Week is a huge yachting attraction for the racing and social scene and the whole team are looking forward to the "craic".

Returning to Cork Week - Philip Bourke, J/105, Jet Dream

"I bought Jet Dream in 2012 and it was love at first sight. I sailed her for the first time from Morbihan in France directly to Crosshaven. It was the wettest trip of my life, she leaked like a sieve but boy she was fast. I first attended Cork Week on a Castro 40, Justine IV, way back in the 90's but haven't been back for a while. I must admit that the sailing on the water was great and of a very competitive level and this is the only reason I'm coming back to do the event on my own boat this time. As a result of the financial hardship we have all gone through, I'm hoping the event will go back to the way it was, more down to earth and a little lighter on the pocket. But I'm sure we'll have a great time and I appreciate all the hard work the organisers have put into the event."

New to Cork Week - Dave Shanahan, First 34.7, Warrior

"I bought Warrior last year and we are somewhat of a novice crew from Dublin Bay. Besides the fact Cork is such a beautiful place, I have long read about this fantastic event and always wanted to get a boat and take part and enjoy what Cork Week has to offer. The crew are all over 50 and keen to sail and willing to learn and compete."

Top Class - David Rider, Frers 45 – Echo Zulu

"We have sailed at Cork Week three times before and the courses and organisation have been top class and the shore-side fun too, the best hospitality bar none. It's a long way to come but we think worth it. It must say something that my brother met his wife during Cork week ten years ago and liked it so much he now lives there too.
The crew, including my brother Michael, have sailed together for many years on various boats. We also have a few token youngsters on board to keep the average age below 55, a couple of the crew have won the week overall on Cloud Nine some years ago.
"

For nearly 40 years, generations of sailors have enjoyed racing at Cork Week. The regatta has evolved over those decades and Volvo Cork Week 2014 will be true to the core values of Ireland's most prestigious regatta - fantastic racing and great craic ashore. Gavin Deane, General Manager , Royal Cork Yacht Club spoke about the plans for the regatta. "Entries are up on this time last year and we now have an idea of roughly how many sailors we will need to cater for. For the yachts we are allocating berths on a first come first serve basis. If you are coming to Volvo Cork Week and have not registered with us, we would strongly advise you to do so, then we can include your crew and yacht in our plans. The Club is working tirelessly in preparations to make sure that all the competitors have a memorable regatta."

#1720 – You're in good time for the 1720 National Championships or any of this year's 1720 fixtures (see comment below from the class association) if you opt for this fun one design sports boat that the seller, MGM Boats, says is all set for the 2014 season. 

Moored in Cork, this 1997–built boat is a 'really clean' example. The boat comes well equipped with a full sail wardrobe, fully kitted road trailer with masting kit and lockers.

At €12,500, she's yours to sail away!

More on this boat in the one design section of the Afloat Boats for Sale site.

#corkweek – With Volvo Cork Week taking place just two weeks before this summer's  Dolphin Commodores' Cup, competing teams are eyeing up Volvo Cork Week as an ideal training event for the inter–country competition.

Early entries for Volvo Cork Week are promising a wide variety of sailors and yachts coming to enjoy, Ireland's longest running  regatta. Interest has been received from several high performance yachts from overseas and

Half of the early entries for Volvo Cork Week are from Dublin Yacht Clubs, promising signs of a strong Irish presence, looking to take on well sailed overseas visitors.

Maurice 'Prof' O'Connell will be crew boss for the Grand Soleil 43, Quokka, at Volvo Cork Week. Quokka, co-skippered by Niall Dowling and Michael Boyd will be part of the Irish team at the Brewin Dolphin Commodores' Cup. " Cork Week will be our last event before the Commodores' Cup." confirmed Prof. "We will have the full team racing the boat and we will be flying the flag in Ireland for the last time before the big event based in Cowes. Cork Week provides the perfect preparation in terms of the different types of course and I believe their will be a number of races each day, so we will be leaving the dock before 9 a.m. and out on the water until after 4 p.m. Essentially we will be spending a full day on the water, taking part in races that are very similar to our main event, Cork Week will mimic the Commodores' Cup inshore races, there is no more an ideal preparation for us to bring the team to the boil."

Cork Week is famous for fantastic race courses set in the Atlantic Approaches and Cork Harbour, providing a variety of racing that is difficult to better. However, the X-Factor at any successful regatta comes from the people who take part and Volvo Cork Week has characters in abundance. Every team comes to Volvo Cork Week looking for success but the legendary 'Cork Craic' is just as appealing as the racing.
British sailor, Andrew Jones now lives with his young family in Dublin. Andrew will be the skipper of X-43, Fox in Sox for Volvo Cork Week.
"We've managed to scrape together a motley crew of elderly Dublin Bay racers, sleep-deprived Dads, anti-social short-handed offshore guys, Fastnet novices, oh and a former hot-shot Italian helm." commented Andrew. "We're looking forward to our first Cork week with Fox in Sox and hope to have some laughs...and we might just be one to watch if we can make our boat fly! I have put the crew together from contacts made during the 2011 Fastnet campaign and friends at the Royal Irish Yacht Club. I'm the only Brit, the rest are Irish and Italian. Some of the crew have done Cork week before on other boats but this will be my first time. It's the major Irish regatta this year, so it's a must do for us."
Tony Kingston's 33ft Dehler, Luv Is, from Kinsale was one of the first entries, Tony and his wife Alice, a former Commodore of Kinsale Yacht Club, and have competed many times at Cork Week.
Alice trims mainsheet upwind and spinnaker downwind. She has completed thousands of miles of cruising and racing and has the reflexes of a mongoose, having put up with my helming for longer than we care to remember!" laughed Tony. "Choryna handles the pit and helms her own Dragon when she is not sailing with us but the iffy clutches and wonky winches are no bother to her. Miah, a cattle rancher from West Cork, takes care of the bow. He prefers heavy weather and is never happier than when the wind is high. He has done at least five Round Ireland's and a few Fastnet races and prefers offshore racing but will tolerate the short races. He has no interest whatever in how we do in a race: Times, results, classes and handicaps do not interest him at all. Two Laser sailors in their twenties complete the line up, giving the team a big input into tactics, they can read the race and the race area better than the previous generation most of the time.
My tuppence worth of advice for first timers at Cork Week, is to sail conservatively and prudently on day one. Give way early and avoid damage at all costs. Whether right or wrong, damage will ruin your week. Better to give up half a boat length than spend the day at the protest room or boat yard. Everyone is more relaxed after the first day. Also, remain civil afloat, as you will meet ashore at some stage and you may well find that you spend the whole week afloat with the same small group of boats, as if tied by an invisible string. Much better to make friends day one and enjoy it. We still meet friends we made on the water twenty years ago."
Gavin Deane, General Manager of the Royal Cork Yacht Club commented on the affect that the title sponsorship from Volvo will have on the event.
"Having Volvo as partners for Cork Week is fantastic news for the competitors." commented Gavin. "The Royal Cork Yacht Club will be investing all of the funds towards Volvo Cork Week. The money will be used to support great race courses and the partnership has enabled us to vastly reduce the entry fees. The minimum saving for boats will be 40% and as much as 70% in some cases. The club will also be giving complimentary car parking to competitors, which has been an issue in the past, and providing more afternoon entertainment. When people are coming in off the water, soul bands and other live music will be playing, hopefully the weather gods will smile on us and after great racing, there will be a great Craic ashore. Those are the goals for Volvo Cork Week 2014."

#corkweek – Royal Cork Yacht Club has described the weekend signing of its new sponsor for Cork Week as 'a new chapter' for Ireland's longest running international regatta week. News of the new title sponsorship broke on Friday.

Cork Week is recognised as one of the premier regattas in Europe and the Royal Cork Yacht Club is very proud to continue to host this event since its inception thirty six years ago. John Roche, Vice Admiral Royal Cork Yacht Club and Chairman of Volvo Cork Week, is looking forward to welcoming many old friends who have been coming to Crosshaven for many years and of course also looking forward to welcoming new competitors to this premier event. Racing on Cork Harbour's world famous courses will, as always, be under the direction of Anthony O'Leary, renowned national and international sailor.

Adrian Yeates, Managing Diretor Volvo Ireland Ltd said at the weekend launch: "Cork Week has enjoyed a long and illustrious history, both on the Irish and international sailing calendar. Volvo Car Ireland, in conjunction with Johnson and Perrott Motor Group, is proud and delighted to add its name to this prestigious event. Volvo has invested heavily in the sailing arena over the years and Ireland benefitted greatly from the visit of the Volvo Ocean Race to Galway for the last two round the world races. Volvo Cork Week will be one of the biggest sailing event to take place in Ireland in 2014 and next year will be the turn of the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta which we have sponsored since 2007. We are looking forward to an exciting programme in Crosshaven in July and welcoming sailors and visitors alike

In 2014, conscious of the economic environment, there will be a substantial reduction in the entry fees and the format of the event will change from five to four days, Tuesday to Friday inclusive with Monday being a practice day for those wishing to avail of this. Volvo Cork Week 2014 will strive to include ten races and will continue to offer free berthage and a free car parking space for the duration of the event.

Of course there will be the usual variety of courses set in open water, coastal and in the harbour which should test crew handling and get just about every sail out of the bag .

In recent years, Two-Handed racing has become increasingly popular all over the world and Volvo Cork Week will recognise this by introducing a two handed class for the first time. The Sir Thomas Lipton Cup is one of the Royal Cork Yacht Club's most famous awards and the trophy, dating back to 1900 will be awarded to the best yacht in this class. Also, by its very nature, sailing short handed reduces accommodation and living expenses for a competing yacht.

The Royal Cork Yacht Club, the oldest yacht club in the in the world, looks forward to extending a warm welcome to all sailors who come to visit and would like to extend good wishes to all for a very enjoyable and safe regatta.