#corkweek – Former Round Ireland champion Piet Vroon's Dutch Ker 46, Tonnerre de Breskens won both of today's opening races at Cork week 2012 writes Louay Habib.

There was a gentle but unpredictable start to Cork Week 2012 today when a shifty northwesterly breeze of between 8-12 knots blew for the international fleet at Cork Week at Crosshaven.

Local entry, a Corby 38 Gloves Off, skippered by Kieran Twomey scoring two podium finishes to end the day second in class to Vroon.

A tie for third place in race 2 typified the intense battle in the big boat class. Michael Bartholomew's South African Mills 40, Tokoloshe and Jamie McWilliam's Ker 40, Peninsular Signal 8 from Hong Kong, could not be separated after time correction.

The tight Olympic and Trapezoid courses provided some close encounters, with plenty of close boat on boat action. However, reading the changes in both the wind direction was vital to success. As the day progressed the wind became less stable with a fresh front arriving later in the afternoon, giving a damp finish to a day of hot racing.

In IRC One the day was emphatically won by Richard Fildes' Corby 37, Impetuous, which won both of today's races. Richard sails out of Abersoch, Wales and is a veteran of Cork Week.

"I have been coming here since 1979 and this is my 12th trip on the trot but I have to say that is the best day I have ever had here!" Laughed Richard. "Great competition on the water and I have to admit to getting a thick slice of luck. Inga of Sweden was going so well in the first race but got slowed down by a boat in another class, which definitely helped us and in the second race, I have to admit we were late to the restart and crossed at the Committee boat by chance rather than judgement and plugged into a really useful shift, which really made the win."

In the 1720 Class, Jane McLelland's Girls Antix, with Libby Greenhalgh at the helm, won the first race of the day and after two races the girl's team are level on points with Denis Murphy's Aquatack. Jane is the mother or two young children that are back home in London with their father. "Well what a fantastic day!" Smiled Jane. "The decisive moment in the first race came when we saw that the leading boats were slowing down in a luffing match and we managed to sail around them. But I have to say it was a totally unexpected win, I haven't been out racing for ages and we are all a bit rusty but what a great way to start Cork Week!"

In IRC Three, Peter Deasy, Admiral of the Royal Cork Yacht Club took the win in the only race of the day with his Sunfast 32, Bad Company. "We didn't have the best start but we spotted a shift and made an early tack onto it, which proved decisive." Commented Deasy. "But we were made well aware of some great sailors in this class, especially Dermot Foley's Anchor Challenge. We will have a glass in the club tonight but we will be keeping our powder dry for another battle tomorrow."

Local weather expert, Eddie English believes that conditions for tomorrow's racing may be fairly similar to today with perhaps a slight shift to NNW with maybe a knot or two more pressure.

Cork Week Day One Top 3 Results Class by Class:

IRC0:

1 TONNERRE DE BRESKENS 3 Peter Vroon

2 GLOVES OFF Kieran Twomey

3 TOKOLOSHE Michael Bartholomew

IRC1:

1 IMPETUOUS Richard Fildes

2 INGA II FROM SWEDEN Richard Goransson

3 JUMP JUICE Conor Phelan

IRC2:

1 D-TOX Donal O'Leary

2 SOMETHING ELSE J Hall, S McDonnell & B Hall

3 JALAPENO Baker et al

IRC3:

1 BAD COMPANY Peter Deasy

2 ANCHOR CHALLENGE Dermot Foley

3 AURORA Ronan Lyden

IRC4:

1 OUTRIGGER J Nyhan & M Buwalda

2 POLISHED MANX Kuba Szymanski

3 EXCELLE Toby Claridge & J. Fox

J109:

1 SOMETHING ELSE J Hall, S McDonnell & B Hall

2 JALAPENO Baker et al

3 JELLY BABY Ian Nagle

1720:

1 AQUATACK Denis Murphy

2 GIRLS ANTIX Jane McLelland

3 WAHOO Finbarr Jeffers

IRC Non Spinnaker 1:

1 XERXES Dan O'Neill

2 DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER Anne O'Sullivan

3 IMPETUOUS Tim Brouard

IRC Non Spinnaker 2:

1 MINX III Sigma 33 Tom NcNeice

2 MINSTREL Hunter Sonata John Patrick Hayes

3 XTENSION X Yacht 372 Conor O'Donovan

#corkweek2012 – Last night's Upbeat Opening to Cork Week 2012 took place in a mood of palpable optimism and with the expectancy of a wonderful week ahead writes Claire Bateman. SCROLL DOWN THE PAGE FOR MORE PHOTOS! The buoyant mood had been set and the expectancy raised to even greater heights by the huge success of the Saturday and Sunday All Aboard @ Cork Week open days at the Royal Cork Yacht Club that far exceeded all expectations and resulted in the club being visited by over a thousand members of the public over the two days. It was a phenomenal experience for all involved and great credit must go to all concerned and in particular to the Cork Week Chairman, Pat Lyons, who mustn't have slept for six months at least.

The Official Opening that nearly didn't happen, but that's a story for the end of this paragraph, was performed by one of our own members, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney, who received a rapturous welcome. The Minister did indeed deliver a splendid speech that was both uplifting and encouraging. He told us what it felt like to remember being in the club as a child of five years of age and never would have thought in his wildest dreams he would be coming back as Minister for the Marine. He referred to the importance of the loyal sponsors who have remained with the event and named them all, in particular he spoke of the importance of the support from Fáilte Ireland with the publicity garnered by the event. He told of the huge work put in by Pat Lyons, Cork Week Chairman and Admiral Peter Deasy, and was full of admiration for the effort put in by the staff and particular attention was paid to the volunteer input by the club members. He also thanked the efforts put in by the overseas visitors who had travelled to attend and the huge home support. The Minister was so enthused and obviously so much at home in his own club he was utterly relaxed and the enthusiastic audience responded with their applause. In fact, he was so relaxed he was about to leave the podium when he suddenly remembered he had come to open Cork Week and hadn't officially done so and returned again to the podium to loud cheers from the assembled throng as he declared the event officially open.

It was very pleasing to note the attendance of so many Royal Cork former Admirals at the Official Opening Amongst these were Bill Walsh, who sailed Coral in the first ever Cork week in 1978, Tony O'Connor, Paddy McGlade, Anthony O'Leary, Bill O'Mahony and last but certainly not least former Admiral T.E. Crosbie, who, while we were waiting for the Official Opening to take place, regaled your scribe in his own inimitable style with wonderful tales going back to 1938 when the club was the Royal Munster Yacht Club. Now in his eighty second year former Admiral Crosbie will tomorrow (Monday) compete in Cork Week helming his well known 'No Excuse'.

So on that note I return to Cork Week 2012 and wish all competitors and officials an enjoyable week with safe sailing and great competition.

#rnli – One of Crosshaven RNLI's major fundraising events of the year was held on Saturday evening last, with a black tie Dinner at the Royal Cork Yacht Club. The event was held in conjunction with the Cork Week regatta which is taking place this week.

On a glorious summer evening, one hundred supporters listened to a very enjoyable and Interesting conversation between afloat's correspondent Tom MacSweeney and the Coxswain of Baltimore lifeboat, Kieran Cotter as well as enjoying an excellent meal provided by Royal Cork Yacht club.

#corkweek – Royal Cork Yacht Club is bracing itself for the arrival of well over a thousand competitors in the next few days and over the past few weeks, local sailors have been working hard preparing their yachts moored in the safe confines of the marina. A steady stream of yachts from overseas has begun to arrive in Crosshaven to get ready for the big event, with many more expected to over the coming days.

Whilst the courses for Cork Week remain in the same likeable format, Cork Week Racing Chairman, Anthony O'Leary has revealed that there are some enterprising changes to the Harbour Course Race. "For the last day of racing, we intend to have the whole fleet in Cork Harbour, which should be a fantastic spectacle," commented O'Leary. "The Race Committee has also decided to award a long standing and very prestigious trophy at this year's event. The Carroll Cup dates back to 1858 and this year it will be the prize for a Harbour Race Time Trial. The Moonduster Mark – Cobh Mark –No.18 buoy section is a distance of 1.8nm and it is our intention to time each boat in the Harbour Race over this distance and apply their IRC handicap, to find the winner of the Carroll Cup 2012. The particular part of the course passes an area known as The Holy Ground and is featured in song and verse and is very much part of the folklore of Cork Harbour."

The Royal Cork is the oldest yacht club in the world and a glittering array of silverware will be awarded at Cork Week. In addition, for 2012 all class winners will also go home with a fine keepsake. The Belleek Group has been making fine china in Ireland for well over a century and overall class winners will receive a Belleek Living Trophy as a memento of their success.

Over one hundred yachts will be competing at Cork Week and the fun-factor looks like it could be at an all time high. Dermot Cronin from the Malahide Yacht Club will be racing his First 40.7, Encore and this is not the first venture to Cork Week for Dermot and his crew, as he explains; "We enjoyed 2010 so much, even though we suffered a badly cracked mast with my old J/35. We did a pub-crawl to 'wake' our lost mast and loved the barbecued cod and black pudding served up by the local pubs. We'll definitely be setting out in search of that this year. I particularly like a smaller regatta at Cork. After top class racing on the water, shoreside has a more laid back feel than past years. In the days of 600+ boats, getting to the bar was like wrestling through rush hour on the London underground!"

The ½ tonner "Insatiable" was built in 1985 and beautifully restored with the help of the Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth. The crew are all friends from Cornwall and include a National and European Laser 4000 champion, Jon Wilson. Skipper Tim Cunliffe explains why the team have decided to bring "Insatiable" to Cork Week for the first time. "Most of the crew have been to Cork Week before and what makes us come back is good racing and on shore entertainment, some provided by our own crew! All of us have sailed to a very high level and we see Cork Week as a major regatta that we hope to do well in and hopefully win.

From the Clyde, Christine and Robin Murray's First 40, "Elf Too" will be competing at Cork Week, "Elf Too" arrived safely in Crosshaven on the 24th June and Christine is really looking forward to Cork Week. "This is the fourth time, I have come for the regatta and I just love it, Crosshaven is where my husband and I confessed our undying love for each other. The racing is so well managed and we all just have such a great laugh. We are also looking for a crewmember for Cork Week to cover for maternity leave for our pit-girl, if you apply you will definitely need a sense of humour." For more information visit: www.corkweek.ie

#corkweek – Racing Chairman, Anthony O'Leary has revealed that there are some 'enterprising' changes to the Harbour Course Race for Cork Week in two weeks time writes Louay Habib.

With less than two weeks to go until the start of Cork Week, the Royal Cork Yacht Club is a hive of activity, the club is bracing itself for the arrival of well over a thousand competitors and over the past few weeks, local sailors have been working hard preparing their yachts moored in the safe confines of marina. A steady stream of yachts from overseas has begun to arrive in Crosshaven to get ready for the big event, with the many more expected to arrive this coming weekend.

Whilst the courses for Cork Week remain in the same likeable format there are some changes to the Harbour Course:

"For the last day of racing, we intend to have the whole fleet in Cork Harbour, which should be a fantastic spectacle." Commented O'Leary. "The Race Committee has also decided to award a long standing and very prestigious trophy at this year's event. The Carroll Cup dates back to 1858 and this year will be the prize for a Harbour Race Time Trial. The Moonduster Mark – Cobh Mark –No.18 buoy section is a distance of 1.8nm and it is our intention to time each boat in the Harbour Race over this distance and apply their IRC handicap, to find the winner of the Carroll Cup 2012. The particular part of the course passes an area known as The Holy Ground and is featured in song and verse and is very much part of the folklore of Cork Harbour."

The Royal Cork is the oldest yacht club in the world and a glittering array of silverware will be awarded at Cork Week. In addition, for 2012 all class winners will be also go home with a fine keepsake. The Belleek Group has been making fine china in Ireland for well over a century and overall class winners will receive a Belleek Living Trophy as a memento of their success.

This year, like many other regattas, the number of yachts attending is down on previous years. However well over one hundred yachts will be competing at Cork Week and the fun-factor looks like it could be at an all time high.

Dermot Cronin from the Malahide Yacht Club will be racing his First 40.7, Encore for the first time but this is not the first venture to Cork Week for Dermot and his crew, as he explains; "We enjoyed 2010 so much, even though we suffered a badly cracked mast with my old J/35. We did a pub-crawl to 'wake' our lost mast and loved the BBQ'd cod and black pudding served up by the local pubs. We'll definitely be setting out in search of that this year. I particularly like a smaller regatta at Cork. As after top class racing on the water, shoreside has a more laid back feel than past years. In the days of 600+ boats, getting to the bar was like wrestling through rush hour on the London underground!"

The ½ tonner Insatiable was built in 1985 and beautifully restored with the help of the Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth. The crew are all friends from Cornwall and include a National and European Laser 4000 champion, Jon Wilson. Skipper Tim Cunliffe explains why the team have decided to bring Insatiable to Cork Week for the first time. "Most of the crew have been to Cork Week before and what makes us come back is good racing and on shore entertainment, some provided by our own crew! All of us have sailed to a very high level and we see Cork Week as a major regatta that we hope to do well in and hopefully win. On top of that we are really looking forward to enjoying the excellent Irish hospitality."

From the Clyde, Christine and Robin Murray's First 40, Elf Too will be competing at Cork Week, Elf Too arrived safely in Crosshaven on the 24th June and Christine is really looking forward to Cork Week. "This is the fourth time, I have come for the regatta and I just love it, Crosshaven is where my husband and I confessed our undying love for each other. The racing is so well managed and we all just have such a great laugh. We are also looking for a crewmember for Cork Week to cover for maternity leave for our pit-girl, if you apply you will definitely need a sense of humour."

Elf Too's did supply an application form to join their crew but it does contain some expressions that are not suitable for family viewing!!

#CORKWEEK – It's all hands on deck for the crew of AllAboard@Cork Week, as they get ready to bring visitors to Cork Week for a weekend of free family fun at the Royal Cork Yacht Club (RCYC) in Crosshaven on July 7th and 8th.

All Aboard is a new, interactive, weekend for Cork Week 2012, featuring water-based attractions and shoreside entertainment, all designed to bring out the child in everyone.

Royal Cork Yacht Club Admiral Peter Deasy says: "Cork Week and the Royal Cork Yacht Club have never seen anything like it. We have exhibits travelling from near and far - life sized whales, dolphins and turtles are traveling over from the UK for the weekend, Oceanworld Aquarium are sending their touch pool creatures from Dingle, the Star Dome is coming to bring the wonders of the solar system to life, and that's before we even mention high speed rib-trips and Dragon Boat racing. A lot of hard work has gone into creating a unique event. We really are delivering something for everyone, and we're looking forward to an exciting weekend."

Visitors hitting the shoreline in Crosshaven for All Aboard can float away in the Under the Sea Marquee with life-sized replicas of dolphins, whales and turtles. Meet real, live tiny sea creatures in touchpools.

There will be Dragon Boat Races, run by the maritime cultural organisation Meitheal Mara, which will give visitors the chance to race these spectacular boats to the beat of the Dragon Boat drum. Grab a paddle, or shout from the shoreline to be part of this unique event. You can Follow the stars in night sky in the Star Dome in the Sun Sea & Stars Marquee, or walk the plank with Captain Jack.

High-speed rib rides, (extra charge) will give visitors the chance to experience the exhilaration of bouncing off the crest of a wave at full throttle, with a chance to see a dolphin or even a basking shark, but one thing's for certain – everyone will have a blast!

Try spinnaker packing races, bubble workshops and many more hands-on activities, enjoy the wandering musicians, magical entertainers and face-painting, or just unwind, enjoy Coffee and Cake in the Clubhouse, casual lunch in the Food Court or a little retail therapy in the extensive selection of shops in the Cork Week Village.

For family fun for all get to All Aboard @ Cork Week on July 7th and 8th, from 11-5 daily. Admission is FREE & with hundreds of FREE Parking Spaces

#CORKWEEK – In six weeks time, there will be eight different classes racing at Cork Week. The vast majority of the yachts will be racing under IRC and ECHO handicap systems but Cork Week also boasts two one design classes, which will be bristling with talent. These are not closed events, far from it. Sailors from overseas are always given a very warm welcome to Cork Week and the one design J/109 and 1720 classes are sure to provide exhilarating racing.

The J/109 Irish National Championships will be part of Cork Week and it is an open event. This month, Royal Cork Yacht Club's Ian Nagle's racing J/109 Jelly Baby scored a fine win in the BMW Irish ICRA National Championship at Howth Yacht Club. In a very competitive division Jelly Baby won a tense last race to defeat the defending champion; Pat Kelly's J/109 Storm II from Rush Sailing Club. Jelly Baby will be racing in the J/109 Irish National Championship at Cork Week and Nagle is relishing the prospect.

Ian Nagle's J109 is the boat to beat at Cork Week in July

"I honestly believe this year has the makings of the best Cork Week for ages. It looks like we will have a similar number of boats as last year and I am absolutely delighted. In my opinion, the commercialisation that comes with a huge regatta means that it detracts from the sailing. The slimming down of Cork Week means it will be an event for sailors rather than a mass audience. Like-minded people out to have some great racing and a few pints afterwards that is what Cork Week should be all about. In 2010, we had a fleet of 18 with some fantastic close racing in the J/109s. Close spirited racing in heavenly surroundings, sailing up past Cobh up the harbour with boats all around you is just brilliant but there are so many wonderful courses, in Cork we are absolutely spoilt for choice.

After sailing, as soon as you walk off the boat there is a great atmosphere with everybody having a ball. I don't think you get that at too many places these days. It will be a great buzz in Crosshaven this year and the Irish J/109 Nationals will be a great event, I wouldn't miss it for the world."

The 1720 Sportsboat class first raced at Cork Week in 1996 and the class quickly established itself as an affordable competitive keelboat with 68 yachts on the start line in 1998. The 1720 Class has attracted world-class sailors, including Ben Ainslie and Dean Barker (who both failed to make the podium in 1998!). As an exciting fast planing keelboat, the 1720 experience is difficult to match. In recent years the 1720 Class has been undergoing something of a renaissance in Ireland with 25 pocket rockets based in County Cork alone.

From 8-10th June, the Royal Cork will host the 1720 National Championship with Mark Mansfield and Terry English looking to retain their title. Anthony O'Leary was runner up in 2011 and O'Leary will most definitely be looking to go one better in the National Championships but not during Cork Week, as he will be at the helm of his Ker 39, Antix for the regatta.

Antix, the Irish IRC champion will be back in action again in Cork week.

"I expect there could be as many as fifteen 1720s at the Nationals, which bodes well for Cork Week," suggested Anthony O'Leary. "However, I know of at least three excellent 1720s available for charter for Cork Week. The 1720 is quite literally made for Cork Week, it is a fantastic opportunity for sportsboats enthusiasts. Great racing, good company and serious bang for your buck. A well-sorted 1720 will charter for about 1500 Euros for Cork Week, split five-ways that is extremely good value."

Besides the two one design classes, there will be six different handicap divisions and a separate prize for Quarter Tonners. From custom built yachts to cruising yachts racing under white sails only, Cork Week provides a sublime sailing environment for a wide variety of sailors, young and old.

#CORK WEEK – With just under two months to the 18th edition of Cork Week entries are beginning to build momentum. With the Euro 20% down on the pound sterling and promises of better value for competitors writes Louay Habib. Cork Week is on track to deliver a first class sailing regatta, especially to sailors visiting Ireland's most prestigious yachting regatta from overseas.

Cork Week's Chairman, Pat Lyons sums up what Cork Week is all about. "Cork Week comes along every two years and offers an occasion to celebrate all that is best about how we can enjoy the wonderful facilities that our environment has placed on our doorstep. In Cork Harbour, we have a world class maritime playground and by bringing together a sailing event of international quality, the Royal Cork provides an opportunity for both sailors and spectators alike to meet old friends, engage in a top class sailing competition, and enjoy the waterside hospitality and entertainment for which Crosshaven is renowned."

A bevy of Cork 1720s are expected for Cork Week and rumour has it that several professional sailors will be making an appearance to take on top Irish competition. In the IRC racing classes, several winning yachts are returning to defend class wins from 2010 including; Paul Kirwan's Sigma 38, Errislannan, who was jointly awarded Cork's top award of Boat of the Week last time out. Conor & Denise Phelan's Kerr 37, Jump Juice will be returning to defend their hard fought class victory in 2010 and a large contingent of Corby Yachts is expected including Richard Goransson's Inga from Sweden with round the world sailor, Matt Humphries calling tactics and four time Volvo Ocean Race veteran, Richard Mason amongst the crew.

Earlier this year, The Royal Cork Yacht Club became the first club in Ireland to be awarded Five Gold Anchors by the Yacht Harbour Association. Gavin Deane is the new General Manager of the Royal Cork Yacht Club and he lives in Crosshaven and his family have been part of the fabric of the RCYC for generations. With 20 years of experience in the luxury hotel industry, Gavin is highly accomplished hotelier that is deeply passionate about Cork Week.

"It is a common misconception that Cork Week is expensive. The entry fee for Cork Week includes your mooring fees and if you want to arrive a few days before the event and stay a couple more after, there will be no additional charge. As far as catering facilities, Anthony McCann and his team have been doing a fantastic job for the club this year and will have a variety of menus available, including breakfast each morning. In the Tented Village, we will also have BBQ food as well as a food court with gourmet fast food and oriental cuisine, all at competitive prices. We are determined to deliver a memorable event."

In addition to top class racing, the fabled on-shore craic in the tented village has become one of the main ingredients in the success of Cork Week with some of Ireland's best bands performing live each evening. However, Cork Week 2012 will have a few changes. There are many people attracted to Crosshaven during the regatta who do not get out on the water and the Cork Festival will give the event village a more interesting agenda for them and the racing crews at the end of the day. A large exhibition tent has been earmarked for the festival, which takes place on the first weekend of Cork Week. Plans include a whale workshop, an aquarium touch tank and other attractions. The festival will also host cultural and artistic flavours of the region including the work of local artists and vendors of local fayre.

Many sailors who work in the marine industry have not been to Cork Week due to the strict policy of not allowing professionals to race in most classes. However, this year the rules have been totally relaxed, one upshot of this change has attracted sailors from the Volvo Ocean Race to Cork Week. The round the world race ends in Galway shortly before Cork Week and several sailors involved in the Volvo Ocean Race have already entered for Cork Week. However, there will be no change to course variety at Cork Week Regatta this year and Cork Week scoring will include Progressive ECHO so results will be provided on a dual scoring basis with results and prizes for both IRC and ECHO.

"It is still a 5 course Dinner for 2012! Desert on the final day will be the Harbour Course for all and the possibility of a start line from one of the three historic forts of Cork Harbour" confirmed Cork Week Racing Chairman, Anthony O'Leary. "Cork Week has had a separate race team for each course for many years. In many cases race teams have managed same course for a number of Cork Weeks so they have the confidence that goes with plenty of practice!"

#CORK WEEK – Cork Harbour's international sailing event known as Cork Week which takes place every two years at Royal Cork Yacht Club, has always provided a wealth of shore side activity and this year's event, which takes place in Crosshaven from July 7th to 13th looks like being the most family friendly ever!

An exciting programme of events has been put together including the Under The Sea Marquee, which will host The Whale Workshop on its first ever visit to Cork. Now in his 20th year of operation, Andy Starbuck introduces children to the amazing marine wildlife around our coast. Featuring life size, and lifelike replicas The Whale Workshop explains the spectacular lives of some of our biggest sea creatures and reveals the secretive habits of some of the smaller and lesser-known species.

Our friends at the Oceanworld Aquarium in Dingle will be bringing some of their smallest residents to meet the visitors to All Aboard. With their expertise in sealife, Oceanworld will be using touch pools to give a "hand on" experience.

For those with a competitive streak, Meitheal Mara, the Cork City based Maritime Cultural Organisation will be bringing their Dragon Boats and will give the more adventurous visitors a chance to race these on the river!

There will also be shore based sea-faring challenges, boat building demonstrations and lots of things designed to get the whole family involved.

Also on site will be a host of delicious culinary choices for everyone in the Cork Week 2012 food court.

Be sure you don't miss out on this free admission event taking place in the Royal Cork Yacht Club from 11am – 5pm on Saturday and Sunday the 7th & 8th of July.

As always racing will start Monday the 9th of July and will consist of 5 days of exhilarating competitive racing.

Proudly supported by Cork's 96FM and the Irish Examiner, Cork Week 2012 takes place at the Royal Cork Yacht Club, from July 7th to 13th.

Details of Cork Week 2012, Europe's biggest regatta organised by a single club, were announced today at an event in Cork Harbour Commissioners. Held on a biennial basis at the Royal Cork Yacht Club in Crosshaven, Co. Cork, Cork Week is a Grand Prix sailing event and is renowned, worldwide, for exciting and challenging racing. SCROLL DOWN FOR TODAY'S LAUNCH PHOTOS BY BOB BATEMAN.

Cork Week, which takes place from July 7th to 13th, primarily attracts sailors for the quality of its sailing. Boats from all over the world are expected, and this year, entries have already been received from as far away as South Africa and Hong Kong and it promises to be one of the most competitive events yet with the relaxation of the professional sailor rule. Cork Week 2012 will also host the J109 Irish National Championships following the very successful European Championship at Cork Week 2010.

Royal Cork Admiral Peter Deasy, Cork County Mayor Tim Lombard and Cork Week Chairman Pat Lyons at the Cork Week 2012 launch today in the Port of Cork. More Photos from Bob Bateman below.

However, in addition to top class racing, the fabled on-shore tented village lets all crews interact socially in a fun way which has become one of the main ingredients in the success of Cork Week. The centrepiece of this year's entertainment line up is "Bodega by the Sea" – which sees Cork's Club Bodega setting sail down river, bringing with it a motley crew of Ireland's biggest Bands & DJs. Cork Week will see acts such as Soul Driven, Pontius Pilate & the Naildrivers, The Papa Zittas, Death By Chocolate and some of the country's best-known DJs.

Speaking at the Launch, Cork Week 2012 Event Chair, Pat Lyons, said that the organisers of this year's sailing spectacular see the event as an opportunity to bring a sparkle to the south coast. "Every day we hear tales of doom and gloom and in these times we badly need to grasp every opportunity for a bit of fun", he commented. "Cork Week comes along every two years and offers an occasion to celebrate all that is best about how we can enjoy the wonderful facilities that our environment has placed on our doorstep. In Cork Harbour, we have a world class maritime playground and by bringing together a sailing event of international quality, the Royal Cork provides an opportunity for both sailors and spectators alike to meet old friends, engage in a top class sailing competition, and enjoy the waterside hospitality and entertainment for which Crosshaven is renowned."

More about Cork Week courses in the 2012 Irish sailing preview here. All of Afloat's Cork week 2012 coverage here.

An additional event this year is All Aboard@CorkWeek - Shoreside Family Fun which is all about extending a Cork Week welcome to a whole new group of people: children and families for whom this may be their first visit to Cork Week. Organiser, Máiread Roberts says "we are putting the final touches to a great line-up of activities – getting out in the harbour amongst the boats, having interactive sea creature adventures shore side, maritime workshops and a food fair and market in the Club's Tented Village."

RCYC Admiral Peter Deasy said: "We in the Royal Cork are very confident that the support of the people of Cork and in particular, Crosshaven, will insure that Cork Week 2012 will, once again, prove that people are prepared to enjoy their hard earned leisure time in what has always been one of the best sailing, and fun, regattas in Europe."

Proudly supported by Cork's 96FM and the Irish Examiner, Cork Week 2012 takes place at the Royal Cork Yacht Club, from July 7th to 13th. For more information, including on line entry, visit corkweek.ie