Four of Cork Harbour's sailing clubs will join forces again this September for the second running of the Cork Harbour Triple Crown, bringing three established harbour races together in an inter-club series that attracted more than 50 boats in its inaugural year.
Cove Sailing Club, Royal Cork Yacht Club, Monkstown Bay Sailing Club and the Navy Yacht Squadron are jointly organising the 2026 series, with racing taking place over three successive weekends in September.
The collaboration brings sailors from across Cork Harbour and further afield into a single competition, with boats accumulating points over all three races to determine the overall Triple Crown champions.
The 2026 edition will also have new commercial backing, with Cork-based ferry operator Hibernia Line joining as title sponsor for the first time.
Three Cork Harbour Races Make Up Triple Crown
The Triple Crown begins with the Cobh to Blackrock Race on Sunday, 6 September, followed by the Cork Buoy Race on Saturday, 12 September.
The third and deciding event is the Navy Race on Saturday, 19 September.
The competition brings together two-boat teams, racing across both IRC and ECHO handicap divisions, adding a team element to the three individual harbour races.
Last year's inaugural Triple Crown attracted more than 50 boats. Team Ship Shape, sailing IMP and Rosmarina, emerged as the first winners of the overall team trophy.
Cove Sailing Club Commodore Ian Scandrett said the four-club series was aiming to build on the success of its first year.
“After the success of the inaugural Triple Crown last year, we’re delighted to be back bigger and better. With Hibernia Line joining as our Title Sponsor, it’s a chance for the local sailing community and visitors to enjoy some of Cork Harbour's best racing.”
Cork Harbour Clubs Working Together
Event PRO Johanna Murphy highlighted the collaboration between the harbour's sailing organisations as an important part of the Triple Crown.
“Events like this unite clubs across the harbour, demonstrating the strength of collaboration within our maritime community.”
Murphy said the series also demonstrated how Cork Harbour's commercial and recreational maritime activities could operate alongside each other.
The four organising clubs span a significant part of Cork Harbour's sailing geography, with Cove Sailing Club in Cobh, Royal Cork Yacht Club in Crosshaven, Monkstown Bay Sailing Club and the Navy Yacht Squadron combining their individual events into the overall competition.
Hibernia Line Joins as Title Sponsor
The second running has received a further boost with Hibernia Line taking on title sponsorship.
The Cork-headquartered ferry company operates its passenger and freight service directly between Cork and Boulogne-sur-Mer in France. Its vessels St Patrick and MV Akka operate the route, with six sailings each week in each direction.
Hibernia Line founder and CEO Aidan Coffey said the company's Cork maritime connection made the sponsorship a natural fit.
“Backing local sailing is a natural fit for Hibernia Line. We sail six days a week between Ringaskiddy and Boulogne-sur-Mer, bringing hundreds of passengers to Cork every week. Being able to experience the skill and drama of the Triple Crown up close is great for Cork tourism and business.”
Port of Cork Renews Support
The Port of Cork is also supporting the Triple Crown again in 2026.
Port of Cork Commercial Executive Eimear Cussen said the event reflected Cork Harbour's long sailing tradition and provided an opportunity to celebrate the people, clubs and organisations that contribute to its maritime community.
“The Port of Cork is proud to support the Triple Crown Series once again in 2026. Cork Harbour has a long and proud sailing tradition and events like this are a great way to celebrate people, clubs and organisations that make our maritime community so vibrant.”
With three races, four organising clubs and a team format spanning IRC and ECHO, the September series will culminate with the Navy Race on 19 September and the crowning of the second Cork Harbour Triple Crown champions.
