With just one week remaining before racing begins, Crosshaven is preparing to welcome more than 120 boats and thousands of sailors and visitors for Cork Week 2026.
The biennial regatta, hosted by the Royal Cork Yacht Club from July 6 to 10, opens with a Family Day on Sunday, July 5, as the village gears up for one of Ireland's biggest sailing festivals.
As Afloat has previously reported, this year's programme includes the Etchells European Championship, the Irish Cruiser Racing Association National Championships and the Beaufort Cup, alongside racing across multiple cruiser and one-design classes.
Away from the racecourses, organisers have planned a full shoreside programme throughout the week, with live music, family entertainment, food outlets and sailing-related exhibitors based around the Royal Cork Yacht Club.
Family Day runs from noon until 4pm on Sunday and will feature children's activities, a coastal market, pirate games and access to nearby attractions including Camden Fort Meagher and coastal walks.
Each afternoon after racing, competitors and visitors can enjoy the traditional après-sail programme, culminating in Friday's prizegiving and closing celebrations.
Among the week's highlights ashore are the Cork Week Ladies' Day charity lunch in aid of Crosshaven RNLI, live broadcasts by Cork's Red FM and nightly entertainment in the regatta marquee.
For spectators, organisers recommend viewing the racing from Crosshaven, Church Bay, Camden, Haulbowline Island Amenity Park, Ringaskiddy and the promenade at Cobh.
Cork Week is expected to attract more than 6,000 competitors and visitors during the five-day regatta, reinforcing its status as one of Ireland's premier sailing events.
