Volvo Cork Week is already receiving a record number of entries, ahead of this year's event (10th – 15th July), setting the scene for a week of racing in Crosshaven. The inaugural IRC Europeans is getting a response from across Europe and further afield. So far, entries have been received from Ireland, Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom and France, and interest shown from the USA, Australia and South Africa.
The sports boat fleet is looking strong with the J80’s, Viper 640 and 1720s all confirmed to be at the event.
Some familiar faces are returning from previous years as Volvo Cork Week welcomes back racer Martin Sykes’ Carter 36 “Mischief of Mersea” from the UK, local man Anthony O’Leary’s Ker 40 “Antix”, Tony Ackland’s Ber Sloop “Dark Angel” from the UK, Patrick Beckett’s J92 “Jostler”, Jay Colville’s First 40 “Forty Licks”, Thomas Roche’s Salona 45 “Meridian”, Ronan Fenton’s J35 “Skyhunter” as well as the overall winner from the last event, Michael Boyd, Commodore of the RORC, with a new JPK 10.80, which is currently being built in France.
Irish competitors signed up to date include Timothy and Richard Goodbody’s J109 “White Mischief”, Paul and Deirdre Tingle with their X34 “Alpaca”, and Kevin Murray’s Sun Odyssey 35 “Objection!”
With a high number of UK entries also coming through, Crosshaven will host Mike Walker’s HANSE 400 “Kayachtic”, John Spottiswood’s Reflex 38 “Lynx Clipper”, John Allson’s J109 “Jumbuck” and Richard Matthews’ 38ft Humphreys “Oystercatcher XXXI.”
The first French entry for this year’s competition is Eric Gicqual’s J133 “Black Jack”.
The coastal fleet is a big favourite again this year with one long race per day giving crews an option to race without the ultra modern racing machines totally out classing them. Whitesail is getting great support from near and far this year with the split divisions give the traditional whitesail boats and the faster racer cruisers separate results.
For those interested in more racing after Volvo Cork Week, the RCYC is kindly offering free berths for any competitor in Volvo Cork Week from the 15th of July 2016, until the start of Calves Week 2016 in West Cork or Cowes Week 2016 in the Solent.
