This year’s Cong-Galway race has been put back a day to Sunday, September 3rd, for weather reasons.
Lack of wind on Saturday, the original date, has prompted the organising clubs to reset the race for Sunday when moderate south-westerlies are forecast for the Lough Corrib area.
Up to 40 dinghies and three Galway hookers are expected to participate in what has been billed as Europe’s oldest and longest dinghy sailing race, which dates back to 1882.
The course follows the historical steamer route across the lake, extending approximately 30 nautical miles from Lisloughrey Pier near Cong to Galway City.
Mixed dinghies and catamarans competing in the 2022 Cong Galway Race Photo: Don Soules
The race starts at the lake's northern tip, against a backdrop of Ashford Castle in Cong, and is divided into two legs.
The first leg extends from Lisloughrey to Kilbeg pier, where competitors can refuel with sustenance provided.
The second leg introduces a narrower channel in the lower lake, leading participants towards the river, with the finish line at Corrib village on the University of Galway campus. This involves boats manoeuvring their masts under the Quincentennial Bridge before reaching the Corrib Rowing and Yachting Club upriver from the city’s Woodquay for the trophy presentation.
Last year's event was “hindered somewhat by weather”, according to the organisers, with too much wind for the original date in June and too little wind in August.
Cong Galway Race 2023 - Up to 40 dinghies and three Galway hookers are expected to participate in what has been billed as Europe’s oldest and longest dinghy sailing race, which dates back to 1882 Photo: Don Soules
“However, the race saw a fleet from across the western reaches of Ireland and sailors converging to take part in the race. The organising clubs anticipate a great interest from sailing enthusiasts all over the country this year,” they state.
The collaborative effort involves five clubs—Galway Bay Sailing Club, Galway City Sailing Club, Galway Hooker Sailing Club, Corrib Rowing & Yachting Club and Cumann Seoltóireacht an Spidéil (Spiddal Sailing Club) – and fosters a sense of unity among sailors and enthusiasts.
The Galway hookers began participating in the race three years ago, and say they have “enjoyed being a part of history and maintaining tradition along Lough Corrib”.
“It is a sight to savour as the sails of the hookers navigate the Corrib, pass by Menlo Castle and have to quickly drop their masts to fit under the Quincentennial Bridge as they reach Woodquay,”the organisers state.
