West Cork Young Sailors Set for Marconi Cup Challenge

20th July 2026

Tom MacSweeney

Future Fleet: Young sailors from five West Cork clubs will compete for the Marconi Cup in Glandore Harbour on July 26, continuing a long-standing tradition of junior team racing and regional rivalry

The Marconi Cup, the premier junior team-racing regatta for sailors aged 18 and under will be sailed in Glandore Harbour, West Cork, next Sunday, July 26.

Teams from Glandore Harbour Yacht Club, Baltimore, Bantry, Crookhaven and Schull will sail in relay and team racing events in what is annually a hotly-contested event

Inaugurated in 2001 by Crookhaven SC it brings together sailing clubs located west of Galley Head to foster community spirit amongst young sailors, with the hosting rotated each year.

The combined performance across both sailing disciplines determines the overall winner. The regatta has grown into a highly anticipated staple of the regional club calendar, usually bringing together over 80 young competitors annually to showcase rising talent and build cross-club camaraderie.

The event is named after wireless pioneer Guglielmo Marconi—who famously set up a telegraphic station at Mizen Head and the Fastnet Rock in 1905—the event celebrates the area's rich maritime history.

Published in West Cork, Team Racing, Youth Sailing

Published in West Cork

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About The Author

Tom MacSweeney

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Tom MacSweeney writes a column for Afloat.ie. He is former RTE Marine Correspondent/Presenter of Seascapes and has a monthly Seascapes Podcast on the Community Radio Network and Podcast services

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