Simon Coveney Steers the Irish Defence Forces to Beaufort Cup Victory at Volvo Cork Week

19th July 2024

The Irish Defence Forces crew with The Beaufort Cup at Volvo Cork Week Credit: James Tomlinson

The Irish Defence Forces J/109 Artful Dodger, skippered by Brian Mathews, followed up their win in the offshore race around the Fastnet Rock by winning all of the inshore races at this week's Volvo Cork Week Regatta.

Simon Coveney on the helm of the Irish Defence Forces J/109 Artful Dodger, skippered by Brian Mathews, that were overall winners of the 2024 Beaufort Cup raced as part of Cork Week Photo: James Tomlinson

Second for the series was Denis Murphy & RCYC Admiral Annemarie Fegan’s Grand Soleil 40 Nieulargo representing the Crosshaven RNLI. Third was the US Patriot Team racing First 40.7 Fandango, skippered by Brendan McMahon.

Denis Murphy & RCYC Admiral Annemarie Fegan’s Grand Soleil 40 Nieulargo representing the Crosshaven RNLI Photo: Bob Bateman

Third was the US Patriot Team racing First 40.7 Fandango, skippered by Brendan McMahon Photo: Bob Bateman

The impressive achievement by the Irish Defence Forces was even more remarkable because the team that had only been together for one week. “To be honest, we were getting better as the regatta went on, especially in terms of manoeuvres,” commented Simon Coveney TD who was at the helm for the Irish Defence Forces. “On board we have two Army, three Navy, and three Air Force sailors. This win is all about working together as a team.” Continued Simon Coveney.

Winning Irish Defence Forces skipper Brian Mathews at the Volvo Cork Week prizegiving Photo: Bob Bateman

Skipper Brian Mathews added: “A big thank you to the Royal Cork for a fantastic event and delivering a great week of racing. A big shout out to the visiting teams from the United States and the UK for coming to Cork.”

The Volvo Cork Week Grand Prizegiving and Closing Ceremony was held at the Royal Cork Yacht Club and billed as one of the greatest parties on the international yachting calendar. Royal Cork Admiral Annamarie Fegan, Cork Week Chairman Ross Deasy and Johnson and Perrott Volvo Dealer Principal Peter Russell presented prizes.

Read WM Nixon's review: Volvo Cork Week Becomes Celebration of Crosshaven Skills and J109 Fleet

Race Results

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Published in Cork Week

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